1. SHORT COURSE in ART PRACTICE BASIC    

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COURSE FEES:

R2000-00/$116

The Art Practice Basic Short Course includes ​FIVE modules and  ONE Zoom crit on 3 of your artworks with Dr. Elfriede Dreyer. There is an assignment in each of the Modules, but they are not compulsory. You receive a personal assessment on TWO Assignments in this Short Course. 

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Individual Modules each: R400-00/$24.

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The Short Course will equip you with an understanding of basic formal principles in art production. Various fundamental technical and formal aspects are covered. This course is strongly aimed at the acquisition of skills and knowledge in art praxis.

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• After registration you will receive a link to the study material which you have to work through. 

• Several web links are included; please visit these and read through in order to maximise your learning experience.  

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Module 1.1  Colour    Read more 

This module investigates colour as a fundamental formal element in the making of an artwork. The Newton colour wheel is considered, as well as colour theory and colour terminology, accompanied by an application of these aspects in older and contemporary artworks. 

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Module 1.2 Composition Read more 

This module looks at fundamental compositional terms, the role of purpose in composition, compositional techniques and the application of these to artworks.  The rule of 'thirds' is looked at, as well as how to break this rule.

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Module 1.3 Markmaking  Read more 

In this module we look at markmaking as a fundamental formal element of an artwork. Different kinds of marks are investigated in terms of how they generate meaning and conceptual association.  

We consider expressive markmaking, angular marks, juxtaposition, doodling and writing as 'marks' in art. 

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Module 1.4 Perspective   Read more 

This module guides you to understand methodologies of perspective. We look at one-point, two-point and three-point perspective, as well as foreshortening. The module teaches you how perspective creates content  through the aspects of viewpoint and angle.

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Module 1.5 Space  Read more 

This module looks at spatiality in art, different cultural theories on space, spatial metaphor and the semantics of psychospace. We consider positive and negative space; closed and open space; shallow and deep space;  spatial duality; Self and Other in space; real and imagined space; space as home; urban space; and non-place.

2. SHORT COURSE in ART PRACTICE ADVANCED    

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COURSE FEES:

R2000-00/$116

This Art Practice Advanced Short Course includes ​FIVE modules and ONE Zoom crit on 3 of your artworks with Dr. Elfriede Dreyer. There is an assignment in each of the Modules, but they are not compulsory. You receive a personal assessment on TWO Assignments in this Short Course. 

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Individual Modules each: R400-00/$24.

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The Short Course will equip you with an understanding of more advanced techniques and methodologies in art production. More complicated methodologies such as found materials and multi-layering are investigated. This course is strongly aimed at the acquisition of skills and knowledge in art praxis.

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• After registration you will receive a link to the study material which you have to work through. 

• Several web links are included; please visit these and read through in order to maximise your learning experience.  

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Module 2.1 Chance   Read more

Art training involves learning techniques, procedures and certain ‘rules’. However, sometimes artists lose their spontaneity being bogged down by exactly these. This can suppress your creativity and even lead to artist’s block. In this module we look at processes to renew your creative impulses, help you overcome anxiety and experience free expression again. The module has two parts.

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Module 2.2 Anatomy of a concept   Read more

In this module we look at the anatomy of concept in art. We consider processes and methodologies in concept development. Concept is needed to develop artist's identity and focus, as well as obtain depth in content. You will learn to understand the relationship between form and content. We look at methodologies of finding a concept. The module includes notes on the anatomy of a concept.

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Module 2.3 Found materials    Read more

In this module we are  looking at the methodology of using found objects and materials in art production. This is art created from undisguised, but often modified, objects or products that are not normally considered materials from which art is made, often because they already have a non-art function. In Part 1 a historical introduction is provided to the use of found materials, collage and assemblage in art.In Part 2 we look at the use of found materials in art today. Race and gender located in found materials.  political and socio-cultural associations in found materials.

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Module 2.4 Multi-layering  Read more

In this module you will be taught how to deepen the content of your work and produce a 'fuller' and richer composition by using techniques such as cutting through, layers of see-through and others. This module falls into three parts: In Part 1 we consider layering techniques in paint and how to avoid a 'muddy' look in painting. In Part 2 we look at the use and purpose of layers of the same media and materials. In Part 3 we consider multi-layering with different materials, stacking and the use of transparent layers.

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Module 2.5 Photomontage  Read more

In this module we look at photomontage as a form of collage including photographs or photographic reproductions. It is a process of generating an original image out of other images and fragments which can be cut, layered, glued and arranged. Part 1 looks at the use of photomontage as technique in art. The origin of photomontage in 19th c. photography is traced. In Part 2 contemporary examples of photomontage are analysed.

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REDUCED FEE: of R3600-00/$208 when you enrol for 2 Short Courses 

3. SHORT COURSE IN PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

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COURSE FEE: R1000-00/$58

The Short Course in Professional Skills can only be done as ONE unit, that is, comprising all FIVE Modules.

The short course includes ONE Assignment on which you receive a personal assessment.

The Professional Skills Short Course will equip you with an understanding of how fundamental design principles are applicable in the context of art installation. Various aspects such as balance contrast and focal point are discussed. These aspects are applied to the exhibition installation techniques. Guidance is provided on the framing and mounting of artworks, and you are equipped with the correct international methodology in creating a label for your artwork. You will be guided as to how to write an artist bio and artist statement. This course is strongly aimed at the acquisition of professional skills.

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• After registration you will receive a link to the study material which you have to work through. 

• Several web links are included; please visit these and read through in order to maximise your learning experience.  

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Module 3.1  Art presentation  Read more

In this module the presentation of 2D, 3D, moving imagery and installations is considered. Framing and mounting of 2 D work is covered; the different options in presenting sculpture; what an installation in both an interior and an exterior venue entails; and the presentation of video productions and other moving imagery. We will consider white cube, black cube and no cube options.

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Module 3.2  Exhibition design principles   Read more

This module deals with the application of fundamental design principles to the art of installing and art exhibition. Aspects such as balance, contrast, movement, rhythm, unity, focal point, emphasis and identity are considered.  

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Module 3.3 Exhibition installation techniques   

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In this module we look at how to create identity in an exhibition and consider various critical factors such as the character of the venue in the installation of an art exhibition. Aspects such as audience, height, spacing, variation, and architecture are discussed.

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Module 3.4 The exhibition proposal  Read more

This module guides you to methodologies of marketing and how to compile an exhibition proposal for presentation to a gallerist or curator.  You will acquire skills in compiling an artist bio and an artist statement. 

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Module 3.5 Captions & Titles   Read more

In this module you will be taught how to caption your work according to international convention and how to create a suitable and appropriate title for your artwork. 

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4. SHORT COURSE IN APPLIED ART HISTORY

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COURSE FEES:

R2000/$116

The Short Course in Applied Art History includes FIVE modules. There is an assignment in each of the Modules, but they are not compulsory. If submitted TWO assignments in this Short Course are marked.

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Individual Modules each: R400-00/$24. There is an assignment in each of the Modules, but they are not compulsory.

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In this Short Course a thematic approach to Art History is followed in order to introduce you to the discipline of Art History. Some key subject areas have been chosen for the five Modules that cuts across arthistorical periods and are relevant to contemporary art practice.

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• After registration you will receive a link to the study material which you have to work through. 

• Several web links are included; please visit these and read through in order to maximise your learning experience.  

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Module 4.1  Art and the body  Read more

The theme of art and body is a very broad theme that cuts across disciplines and art movements. This module looks at art and theory relating to figure painting;   'figurative' and 'figural' art; portraiture and 'corporeal' art. 

Module 4.2  Art and the land Read more

The theme of art and land is a very broad theme that cuts across disciplines and art movements. This module looks at land and the sublime (Romanticism); landscape in Impressionism; land and history; land and society (Realism); land art; land and identity; land and mental space; land and memory; and land and eco-sentiment.

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Module 4.3 Deconstruction    Read more

In this module we consider deconstruction as a theory, a philosophy as well as an artmaking strategy. Aspects such as difference and intertextualisation are considered in theory and praxis. Most of Postmodern art is characterised by a deconstructionist mindset so this course has wide application. There is special focus on the international artist Anselm Kiefer and his deconstructionist approach to artmaking.

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Module 4.4 Expressing the self   Read more

This module guides you to understand Expressionism as an arthistorical movement as a well as expressionism as a stylistic convention of expressing emotion and a human condition. Abstract Expressionism and New Expressionism receive specific attention. 

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Module 4.5 Writing about art    Read more

In this module we consider journalistic versus academic writing about art. Various interpretational vantage points are investigated, such as the biographical, comparative, historical, contextual and theoretical frameworks. Special attention  is paid to decoloniality and feminism as relevant and prominent theoretical frameworks in art produced in South Africa as a postcolonial country. We look at different formats, such as  artist statements; exhibition reviews; catalogue essays;  and theoretical art essays. 

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REDUCED FEE: of R3600-00/$208 when you enrol for 2 Short Courses 

ONLINE

You study at home, online, using a variety of sources. You choose to do a single  module, a Short Course or the Certificate in Contemporary Art Practice.

ACADEMIC QUALITY

Course content is based on  an open university model of teaching visual arts

CONTENT

The course content integrates art practice, art theory, history of art and professional art practice.

CoNTENT DEVELOPER 

Dr. Elfriede Dreyer

CERTIFICATION

A certificate is issued on completion of the Certificate and each Short Course in which the required assignments have been completed

Online Short Courses in

Contemporary Art Practice

The Certificate offers  professional training in contemporary art practice. It comprises ALL 20 modules above, a combination of Art Practice, Professional Skills and Applied Art History. The Certificate is aimed at the development of conceptual, creative and professional abilities.

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In total there are TWENTY modules and assignments. Some assignments are smaller than others. You may submit any assignment for commentary, but not more than SEVEN in total for the Certificate. You also receive a crit on 4 of your own artworks by Dr Elfriede Dreyer.

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On completion you will receive a non-accredited CAP Certificate in Contemporary Practice issued and verified by Dr. Elfriede Dreyer.​

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COURSE FEE: R6000-00/$346

Online Certificate in

Contemporary Art Practice