Students will be alerted to the properties and power of paint; about differing media and surfaces, the handling of brushes and pigments as well as basic colour theory. Drawing skills will underpin the course; allied to these will be the development of hand-to-eye co-ordination and the ability to compose an image. Initially students will be encouraged to develop their drawing and observational skills, before moving into painting. The course will consist of projects which will acquaint the student with paint and its properties. Some of these will be practical exercises in employing paint, colour mixing, exploring tone etc, by the application to study of still life forms, the human form and other subject matter, with possible forays into more imaginative areas. Students are likely to progress towards colour from monochrome beginnings. Reference will be made at all times to master role models and transcriptions paintings, and time will be occasionally set aside for student evaluation of work in a lively, congenial and non-judgemental setting.