Expand+SCI30090 Thinking through Observational Drawing – a skills-based approach
Academic Year 2021/2022
This module is an introduction to observational drawing. It provides a skills-based approach to critical thinking through visual analysis.

At itâ...

Hide-SCI30090 Thinking through Observational Drawing – a skills-based approach
Academic Year 2021/2022
This module is an introduction to observational drawing. It provides a skills-based approach to critical thinking through visual analysis.

At it’s core, drawing is a problem solving tool that fosters close observation and analytical thinking. It is a sense-making capacity that requires us to slow down, be patient and pay attention. It’s function as a tool of enquiry can be found across all subject areas.

Through a series of studio-based classes students will be introduced to observational drawing using a range of media and techniques. Through practical studio projects students will use drawing skills as tools for looking, questioning, analysing and describing what they see.

The module covers traditional and contemporary approaches to drawing and introduces methods dealing with the figure in space, accuracy through use of gridding, plumlines and advanced anatomy.

This module is a collaboration between UCD Parity Studios and The Royal Hibernian Academy with tuition from RHA artists Colin Martin RHA, Una Sealy RHA, Conor Walton, Blaise Smith RHA, Sahoko Blake, Raphael Hynes, Dorothy Smith.

Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this modules students should be able to:
1. Observe and draw accurately by employing sight/size methodology.
2. Organise compositional space informed by traditional and contemporary approaches.
3. Investigate drawing materials and various approaches to drawing
4. Employ gestural and analytical methods of observational drawing.
5. Model and observe light, form and structure.
6. Use perspectival and architectural drawing methods in the construction and composition of 2D space.
7. Learn and recognise the basic anatomical structure of the human figure

Indicative Module Content:
Course content ranges from sight size observation, spatial organisation to in-depth anatomical study (classes include life drawing from the model).

Investigation of materials and drawing approaches. Gestural and analytical methodologies. Observation of light, form and structure. Perspectival and architectural drawing methods. Introduction to how contemporary and historical art drawing practices.