Foundation Drawing from the Past [closed]

The course unit is divided into five parts, each with a series of projects, research tasks, exercises, and assignments.

Part One: A Drawing a Day

You will make a series of drawings to explore how it feels – and what can be learned – by closely repeatedly attending to a subject.

Part Two: Encountering the Figure

Using the work of several artists whose work is concerned with the human body, you will make a series of drawings that explore the rhythm and structure of the body in different ways.

Part Three: The Grid, Repetition, and Systems

With reference to a number of artists who use the grid and repetition, you will use drawing to speculate and inquire about different methodologies, drawing systems and seriality.

Part Four: The World Turned Upside Down

Drawing on a broad range of artists, who bear witness and comment on diverse cultural, social and political ideas, you will explore drawing in relation to how artists communicate these often complex ideas.

Part Five: Working in the Gallery

Bring together the experience you have gained and the techniques you have learned, you will plan and execute a self-directed research project. It is hoped that you will be able to visit work ‘in the flesh’ and work directly from it.

By the end of this course you should be able to: 

• Understand key art historical themes and how to apply them practically.
• Apply methods for drawing acquired from looking at artworks.
• Demonstrate skills in researching art history.
• Demonstrate reflective writing skills.

• Access a set text of course materials and resources on our virtual learning platform, OCA Learn.
• Enhance your core learning by signing up for additional webinars, workshops, and study groups through the Textiles Department, available on OCA Learn.
• Submit an assignment at the end of each section of the course for review by your tutor, and receive either written or spoken feedback.

• A minimum of 10 study hours per week. 
• Access to a laptop or desktop computer with internet access.
• Good standard of writing, listening, reading and speaking English language skills*.
• Good IT literacy.

*Please note, if your nationality does not feature on the majority of English speaking countries list [linked here] you will need to provide evidence of your English language skills. 

We recommend gathering materials as and when you need them throughout the course, but here is a general list of supplies you may find useful throughout the course. 

• A4 drawing book: a sketchbook that will ‘lay flat’. 
• Sheets of A3 Cartridge Paper.
• A small notebook.
• A range of pencils: softer grades (2B – 6B) can make a wider range of marks and tones than hard ones and are easier to erase. 
• A pencil sharpener.
• A selection of erasers.
• Charcoal.
• Fixative.
• Tracing paper.
• Drawing board: a piece of smooth wood that can support an A3 sheet of paper 
• Coloured Pencils
• Pens
• Camera: the one on your phone is likely to be good enough.

You have 12 months to complete the course from the start of your Induction. 

Understandably, sometimes there are unexpected mitigating circumstances that affect your ability to study. In these instances, students can apply for an extension or deferral. We encourage students to seek support as early as possible in such circumstances.

On completion of the course you should have gained sufficient skills and enough confidence to go on to further study with the Open College of the Arts, as well as have begun to create a portfolio of work, and be able to decide on the nature and direction of your future studies and art practice. 

Review our undergraduate courses here.

Foundation courses are not accredited, meaning the courses are studied for personal development and they do not carry any UCAS points, however upon receiving your final assignment feedback you can request a certificate of completion.

Please review the Foundation courses fees linked here. 

Eligible students are welcome to apply for a Learner Support Scheme bursary to help with the cost of course fees and resources. Information on eligibility and how to apply is linked here. 

Foundation courses are not eligible for Student Finance.

There are several intakes throughout the year students can join. The intake dates and deadlines linked here.

Submit an enrolment form below to select your intake. Once submitted, your enrolment form will still need to be reviewed and confirmed as eligible to progress. Please allow 10 working days for your enrolment to be reviewed once submitted.