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Art Portfolio for 15 - 17 Year Olds

  • Level(s) of Study: Short course
  • Start Date(s): July and August 2024
  • Duration: Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week
  • Study Mode(s): Short course
  • Campus:
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Art encourages you to be a spontaneous, original thinker and have a great imagination.

Spark your creativity and express yourself on this exciting, experimental course.

You will have the opportunity to explore both 2D and 3D contemporary art techniques and use unconventional materials whilst developing your own unique style.

  • You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas.
  • With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your portfolio.
  • Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices.
  • On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.

Doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award?

This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential.

DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.

Here's what our previous attendees have said:

'Really, really enjoyed this course, it’s been one of the best weeks I’ve had. Thank you'

'The tutor James was excellent, and always made sure everyone was happy and knew what to do. We were free to try things and got useful feedback.'

'James has been really supportive and amazing, and a good social environment to make friends.'

'I loved the fact we could choose which area of art we wanted to go into more.'

'A really insightful and exciting week.'

'Thank you for an amazing experience'

'I chose this course to prepare for A level Art. It was fantastic, the tutor was great and I enjoyed using the university space'

'This course has given me vital knowledge and allowed me to experiment with different painting mediums'

What you’ll study

Perfect for artists who enjoy trying new things, this course is a great way to develop your portfolio if you are thinking about further studies.

It’s also an ideal way to build your confidence and work on your creative skills, gaining a real hands-on experience of what it's like to be an art student at university.

You’ll undertake a series of exercises in the studio that will incorporate drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking and surface design; and then work on a personal project using the techniques you have most enjoyed.

During this course you will:

  • draw from observation, concentrating on proportion, line and tone
  • practise mark making with different tools and materials
  • understand colour theory through painting
  • learn how to demonstrate your approach to idea generation and research skills
  • explore mixed media techniques
  • take part in both group discussions and one-to-one tutorials
  • develop your practical skills in 3D techniques (such as simple casting)
  • be encouraged to practise new ways of working
  • record and reflect on your work throughout the course
  • receive guidance on portfolio development.

You will also gain an understanding of contemporary artists and their working methods by visiting a local art gallery.

You’ll discuss the artists’ approach and consider how this can inform you own ways of working.

Here's an overview of what you'll cover on your course:

Observational Drawing

Exploring composition, tone, line, texture and proportion using mark making techniques

Perspective and Colour

Colour theory.

One, two and three point perspective drawing explained

Self-Portraiture

Creating a likeness

3D Techniques

Moulding, casting and finishing techniques.

Relief Mould making, life casting.

Drawing From the City

Painting in practice, perspective in practise.

Prospective gallery /castle visit

Develop ideas from the previous days.

Finish off any outstanding work.

Further information on what you'll study

By the end of the course you will have a visual record of your experiments that will be perfect for your portfolio.

You will be able to demonstrate your ideas and research skills and feel confident in discussing and presenting your work.

You will also leave with new ideas and a greater understanding of the processes and materials used in art, so you can continue to develop your skills.

Social events

We appoint NTU Student Ambassadors who host social events on Monday and Wednesday evening to help you make friends across the whole of our summer school programme for 15 – 17 year olds, which are free to attend.

How you’re taught

This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.

You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.

96% of previous course attendees were satisfied with the course, received the attention they needed and would consider doing another short course at NTU.

Tutor profile: James Gant

James Gant has been teaching painting and drawing at various educational institutions for the past 14 years after completing his degree in fine art.

He works as a freelance artist on a range of exciting projects including films, book illustrations and murals as well as his own personal work.

He has vast experience in teaching creative painting and drawing techniques to all skill levels and feels it important that the learner understands the potential of the materials so that they can explore and express themselves in an exciting and personal way.

Careers and employability

The course is designed to give you a real experience of university life, make new friends who share similar interests and develop your portfolio so that ultimately, you can make an informed decision about your future.

On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.

Doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award?

This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential.

DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.

Campus and facilities

You will be based in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus.

You'll find bright drawing and painting studio and workshop spaces to develop your ideas and create exciting work.

You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.

Entry requirements

Level: Open to all

Entry requirement: You should have an enthusiasm for drawing and painting and an interest in developing your creative and technical skills.

You must be 15, 16 or 17 years old at the time of the course in order to attend.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

Level: Open to all

Entry requirement: You should have an enthusiasm for drawing and painting and an interest in developing your creative and technical skills.

You must be 15, 16 or 17 years old at the time of the course in order to attend.

Fees and funding

The fee for this course is £525.

Payment is due at the time of booking.

Secure your place with a deposit

If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.

Please bring with you to the first session:

  • A3 sketchbook
  • Sketching pencils
  • Any art and design materials you like working with, such as pastels, colour pens or watercolour paints and brushes.
  • All other materials will be provided.

You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.

Need accommodation?

If you're aged 16 or 17 then you can stay unaccompanied with agreement from a parent/guardian.

To support safeguarding, all guests aged 16 and 17 will be accommodated together in the same halls of residence.

The reception and security team are available 24 hours, and there will be a dedicated supervisor(s) during the evenings and mornings, outside of class times.

Guests will be provided with a mobile number for the supervisor(s) during their stay.

If you're aged 15 then you can stay as long as you are accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Find out more at www.ntu.ac.uk/summeraccommodation

Looking to turn your one-week course into a two-week experience?

If you can match this with any second course, you’ll receive a 10% refund on your course fees.

The fee for this course is £525.

Payment is due at the time of booking.

Secure your place with a deposit

If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.

Please bring with you to the first session:

  • A3 sketchbook
  • Sketching pencils
  • Any art and design materials you like working with, such as pastels, colour pens or watercolour paints and brushes.
  • All other materials will be provided.

You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.

Need accommodation?

If you're aged 16 or 17 then you can stay unaccompanied with agreement from a parent/guardian.

To support safeguarding, all guests aged 16 and 17 will be accommodated together in the same halls of residence.

The reception and security team are available 24 hours, and there will be a dedicated supervisor(s) during the evenings and mornings, outside of class times.

Guests will be provided with a mobile number for the supervisor(s) during their stay.

If you're aged 15 then you can stay as long as you are accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Find out more at www.ntu.ac.uk/summeraccommodation

Looking to turn your one-week course into a two-week experience?

If you can match this with any second course, you’ll receive a 10% refund on your course fees.

How to apply