Art Appreciation: The Story of Scottish Art

This course is an exploration of fascinating and beautiful works of art produced in Scotland and the artists who made them. Artists covered include, amongst others, Allen Ramsay in the eighteenth century, Henry Raeburn in the early-nineteenth century, David Wilkie, the Glasgow Boys, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Scottish Colourists and multi-talented designers including Phoebe Traquair and the Macdonald Sisters. Beyond the artists themselves, the course will explore the development in photography in nineteenth-century Scotland, the part played by designers and architects in Scottish visual art and the work of women artists. And, as these artists were all working people who needed to make a living, the course will explore the importance of commissions and the market place for art in the period 1750 - 1914. Our experienced tutor will focus closely on images, discussing the way images are put together. She will enable you to analyse works of art visually using technical vocabulary, as well as to discuss the techniques used to create works of art. You are encouraged to read around the topics and bring your own ideas to class discussions which will take place in a relaxed learning environment with the tutor welcoming questions and debate. No previous experience of art or the history of Scotland is necessary- all students are very welcome.