FIG201 Figure Painting

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This means that you will now graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more
Course code

FIG201
Locations and dates
No start dates are currently available. Register to be informed when new dates are added.
Credits

2

Practise oil or acrylic painting and experiment with observational and expressive painting approaches to describe the human form.

You'll learn

Use various expressive and observational painting approaches to describe the figure.
Use paint to describe form and materiality, with the figure as subject.
Consider compositional elements and application of paint to develop and communicate ideas.
Identify the strengths in own work.
Identify and find solutions to unresolved areas in own work.

Note: There is a maximum of 12 places available on this course.

This course consists of 2 weekend workshops held during the school term. Please see 'frequently asked questions' for a list of what to bring. Figure Painting is NOT recommended for absolute beginners.

Entry requirements | Domestic student

To enrol on this course, please click on the Apply Now button.

If you are new to NMIT, please provide us with a verified copy(external link) of your ID upon application or enter your NSN (National Student Number). If your NSN is unverified, we will request a verified copy(external link) of your ID.

If you are a full-time secondary school student, NMIT is able to enrol you if you meet all of the following:

are 15 years of age and over, and
attend this course outside of normal school hours, and
have obtained approval from your school principal (or approval from your home school supervisor if you are homeschooled).

Please email your documents to enrolments@nmit.ac.nz.

Entry requirements | International student

If you live in New Zealand, please click on the Apply Now button to enrol.

If you are new to NMIT, please provide us with a verified copy(external link) of your ID including your visa upon application or enter your NSN (National Student Number). If your NSN is unverified, we will request a verified copy(external link) of your ID.

Please note that you will be required to pay insurance(external link) if you wish to attend this course.

Please email your documents to enrolments@nmit.ac.nz.

Additional course costs

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have any experience?

Previous experience in either painting or life drawing is required. This course is not recommended for absolute beginners.

What equipment will be provided?

Studio equipment is provided i.e. easels, tables and glass palettes.

Do I need to supply my own materials?

Yes. You will need to supply your own paint, brushes and painting supports i.e. stretched canvas, canvas panel or primed paper.

Impressions Art Supplies in Richmond gives 10% off all purchases if you’re registered for this course. They have my list of recommended materials.

Paints

To avoid becoming precious using expensive professional artists’ quality paints I recommend good student quality paints i.e.Winton or Rowney Georgian for oils and Atelier Interactive or Liquitex for acrylics. These can be sourced from Impressions Art supplies in Richmond, Warehouse Stationery in Nelson or online. It is best to select your range of colours individually, but if on a tight budget you can buy a starter set of basic colours.

Suggested colours:

Titanium White
Lemon Yellow or Cadmium Yellow Pale
Cadmium Yellow
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Red
Permanent Rose or Alizarin Crimson
French Ultramarine
Viridian
Burnt Sienna
Raw Umber
Burnt Umber

Recommended painting medium for oils is Liquin. Please note only low odour mediums may be used. A number of mediums are available for use with acrylic paint or it can be diluted with water.

Brushes

Brushes need to be long handled and hog bristle is best for oils, although synthetic brushes can be used if a smoother finish is required. Both synthetic and hog bristle is suitable for use with acrylics. I recommend a range of sizes of round brushes, from #2-12 and a couple of filbert brushes can be added. Flat brushes are not recommended.

Important note

If unsure about materials, keep buying to a minimum until after the first session.

Please note no mineral turpentine is to be used in class. Only odourless solvent may be used and if using oils different cleaning options for your brushes will be discussed.