This unit provides a practical introduction to and instruction of the skills and techniques of contemporary painting and art making processes. The experimentation and development of a creative process in painting will allow for formal conventions of painting to be discussed and practiced while also engaging critical and analytical thinking and visual perception in regards to the theories and techniques of painting. Students will develop abilities in relationship to a number of painting principles, for example: the nature and relationship of colour and tone, the effect and relevance of light, as well as figurative and compositional structures. In response to a given theme and in consultation with the lecturer students will experiment with and develop their own creative process, ideas, imagery and visual language within painting activities and begin developing a personal body of painting work which will include works from both within and outside of class. Underpinning all practical work and theoretical concepts discussed students will be encouraged to develop and critically analyse the connection between the Christian faith and spirituality and their creative process. Topics: – Painting techniques – Formal painting conventions – Art-making processes – Visual perception – Colour and tone – Figurative & compositional structure