We will begin the summer school by working directly from floral still life setups inspired by Van Gogh's paintings of irises to explore his innovative use of colour and composition that make ordinary subjects extraordinary. Using a variety of materials, including oil paint, we will focus on colour and cropping throughout the first day. 

We will also go into the galleries to directly observe and draw from these principles in Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ and ‘Two Crabs’.     

On Day 2, we will focus on Van Gogh’s dynamic and unique mark-making technique in both paint and ink. Working from a variety of materials, including Van Gogh’s most beloved reed pens, we will explore the dynamism in his signature and rhythmic mark-making that you can also adapt and bring into your own practice. 

Focussing primarily on landscapes, including ‘Landscape with a Ploughman’ and 'A Wheatfield, with Cypresses’, you will learn about line, mark-making, and negative space to render the world around you. 

On Day 3, we will build upon our lessons on colour, line, and composition to create a final work inspired by Van Gogh’s interior scenes such as ‘Van Gogh’s Chair’ and ‘The Bedroom.’ 

Working from two life models and a staged set up, you will each create your own final composition that incorporates the learnings from the summer school and your own vibrant visual language.