Life in the Meadow

 

Life in the Meadow can be studied as a stand-alone course. It is also an optional course for the Certificate of Higher Education in Natural History Studies and Art and Design at Aberystwyth University.

Key facts

 

Language: English

Duration:  10 Weeks

 Number of Credits: 10

Tutor: Tereska Shepherd

Learning Method: Face to Face

Level: This module is at CQFW Level 4

Module Code: XA12810 

Fee: £140.00 - Fee Waiver Scheme available 

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Overview

This exciting and innovative art course invites participants to explore a meadow habitat from a macro perspective - an 'insect's-eye view' of the rich and often overlooked world beneath our feet. Whether investigating a wild garden patch, roadside verge, or local meadow, learners will discover the remarkable diversity of flora and fauna that inhabit these environments, including the intricate beauty of grasses, their delicate flowers, and the distinctive species of rushes and sedges found in wetter habitats.

Drawing inspiration from Keith Brockie's 'One Man's Island' and 'The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady', participants will create their own One Man's/Woman's Meadow field study journal. Through a combination of observation, sketching, note-taking, and image gathering, learners will explore a range of contemporary natural history illustration techniques and materials suitable for working both outdoors and in the studio.

Suitable for both beginners and more experienced artists, this course offers an excellent opportunity to develop natural history illustration skills, deepen engagement with the local environment, and build a substantial body of work.

Programme

Unit 1: In the Meadow

Unit 2: Understanding your Subject

Unit 3: Painting a Place

Unit 4: Creating Compositions

Unit 5: Mapping a Meadow

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:  

  1. Demonstrate observational drawing and painting techniques, working from life, on location.
  2. Demonstrate use of sketchbook studies, research and reference material to inform and inspire the development of painted illustrations.
  3. Show skilled use of watercolour to depict a variety of species including flora and fauna.
  4. Demonstrate illustrative design skills, exploring composition to depict the eco system of a meadow habitat.

Assessments

  1. Sketchbook. Showing on location recording and documenting in tonal and colour studies the floral, fauna and fungi found in your chosen meadow habitat as well as several studies showing interactions between them and the habitat as a whole. (70%)
  2. Completed Illustration. Create one or more painted illustrations depicting key characteristics and inhabitants of the meadow habitat you have studied. (30%)

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course.

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

A list of materials, not included in the course fees, will be available prior to the course start date.