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Creative Arts
We’re announcing 2022 course dates for our science, philosophy, history, archaeology, humanities, and arts appreciation courses shortly.
ANU CCE short courses typically run between 5-8 weeks, ideal for beginners, seniors, or those looking to continue studies post-graduation. Study online or in-person at the ANU Centre for Continuing Education in Canberra.
Find out more information about the specific courses on offer below. We’ll keep you up to date with course information, enrolment dates and news throughout the year.
Register your interest now to receive updates when enrolments open.
Want to learn the fundamentals of using your digital camera including ISO, aperture and shutter speed, understanding depth, focusing modes and lenses? Then this is the course for you!
Course outline
In this course, you will be introduced to the basic settings of using a digital camera including ISO, aperture and shutter speed, raw files and JPGs, metering modes, focusing modes and lenses.
You learn how to take landscape and portrait images while being introduced to Photoshop, Camera Raw and Lightroom software used to process your images.
There will be a field trip to practice your skills. From here you learn to select your images and prepare them before arranging them.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you should:
- have confidence in using the manual controls of your camera
- have the ability to use Photoshop, Camera Raw and Lightroom software
- have a folio of images.
Who should enrol
Beginning photographers who want to develop their image making and processing skills.
Materials
To gain the full benefit, owning a DSLR or mirrorless camera is suggested. Also, if possible, bring to each session a small portable USB to save your post produced work.
Want to learn the fundamentals of using your digital camera including ISO, aperture and shutter speed, understanding depth, focusing modes and lenses? Then this is the course for you!
Course outline
In this course, you will be introduced to the basic settings of using a digital camera including ISO, aperture and shutter speed, raw files and JPGs, metering modes, focusing modes and lenses.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you should:
- have confidence in using the manual controls of your camera
- learn about the different camera modes and when to use them
- learn about resolutions, camera sensors and aspect ratios
- have a folio of images.
Who should enrol
Beginning photographers who want to develop their image making and unlock the power of their camera.
Materials
To gain the full benefit, owning a DSLR or Mirrorless camera is suggested.
Want to learn the fundamentals of camera composition and lighting? Want to learn what makes an appealing shot and where to place your camera? Then this is the course for you!
Course outline
In this course, you will be introduced to the basics of composition and lighting. The rules and guidelines photographers use and take a great photo no matter where you are. How lighting affects your shots and how to use lights and flash.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you should:
- have confidence in how to capture a visually interesting image
- learn what makes photos appealing and how to take advantage of it
- learn about lighting techniques with natural and artificial lighting
- learn the basics of flash photography
- have a folio of images.
Who should enrol
Beginning photographers who want to develop their photography composition and lighting.
Materials
To gain the full benefit, owning a DSLR or Mirrorless camera is suggested however you can still use most of these techniques.
Want to learn the fundamentals of post processing your photos? From organizing your photos to editing to exporting. Then this is the course for you!
Course outline
In this course, you will be introduced to the basics of photo post processing using multiple software.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you should:
- have confidence in how to organize your photos
- learn to edit your photos tones and colours
- learn to colour correct and colour grade
- learn to crop, spot remove, red eye correct and other adjustments
- learn the basics of layering and image manipulation
- learn how to export in different formats for print and web
- have a folio of edited images.
Who should enrol
Beginning photographers who want to develop their post processing skills
Materials
To gain the full benefit, owning a DSLR or Mirrorless camera is suggested for processing RAW images.
Ever been interested in creating fine objects in wood? Well, this course is for you! Understand timber properties and learn basic hand skills to bring home a masterpiece of your own.
Each week will see a more demanding stage for the project at hand. hand tools will be fully explained and demonstrated along the way. Preparation and finishing of the project are a crucial part of the course.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, you should:
- have an understanding of the importance of allowing for wood movement in making various items in wood
- successfully complete a beautiful object in wood.
Who should attend
This course is open to anyone interested in woodworking. No experience is necessary, and all levels can be catered for.
Course materials
Please ensure you wear appropriate workshop gear and closed-in shoes.
This course looks at the single shot (an unedited video clip) as one of the most powerful storytelling tools in film and video. You will be introduced to a vast amount of possibilities for filming a single shot with any video recording device, including: techniques such as tracking, panning, travelling or fluid movement. You will be encouraged to carefully consider how your decision to film affects the content and form of your video – ie. How the framing and movement of the shot might be disorientating; calming; aggressive; hesitant; etc. We will look at the application of single shot techniques in film and video art and how location, composition and quality of light are important aspects to consider when recording you video material.
We will also work with sound and record a sound track which will create a narrative structure for the image. We will experiment with the use of foley and off-screen sounds in film and consider how sound can be used in an explanatory way or to create a tension between what is seen and what is heard.
By the end of the course, you will have been introduced to a wide range of material, from film to video art and have produced a short film, exploring new and experimental techniques of filming, sound recording and post-production.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you should:
- know how to work with different sound and video recording technology.
- know why the single shot is an important and powerful device in film-making.
- be able to produce foley sounds and understand strategies for using sound to amplify the dramatic impact of an image.
- know how to create a simple but effective story without the need for editing.
- be able to undertake basic video post-production including colour correction and adjusting sound levels.
- be able to export and publish their short films online.
Who should enrol
This course is open to anyone with some familiarity with video and sound recording technology and basic video editing skills.
Course materials
All material will be provided during the courses, students will need a reliable internet connection to watch films online, a video and sound recording device (could be a smart-phone) and a computer with basic video editing software.
In this introductory course, learn the equipment and processes associated with steel fabrication including mig welding, oxy-acetylene cutting, forging, and hand tools to design and construct a work using a selection of supplied steel formats.
Course outline
- Topic 1: Introduction to tools, skills, and safety
- Topic 2: Idea development and fabrication techniques
- Topic 3: Individual work development and fabrication
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course, you should:
- be introduced to a wide range of skills in working with steel
- develop confidence in handling a wide range of tools and equipment from mig welding and forging to angle grinding
- develop your own creative program in consultation with your tutor, to complete a project.
Who should enrol
Anyone with a love of creating!
Course materials
Students will need safety gear - riggers gloves, closed toe boots, and overalls. Safety gear will be discussed during the first week, providing guidance on necessary and optional purchases
String and line are fundamental to the art forms of textiles and drawing. This inspiring course provides the opportunity to explore the creative possibilities of string and line for making artworks. The simplicity of string and line provide an accessible, yet abundant ground from which to embark on your own creative exploration.
Course outline
During this course, students will engage in a series of experimental and playful line-drawing exercises designed to increase confidence and help generate visual ideas.
Learn how to:
- make twined string by hand,
- techniques for manipulating string to make three-dimensional forms
- be introduced to netting, twined weaving and crochet
Inspiring contemporary artists using line and string in installation and sculptural works will be showcased and discussed. Each class will be a blend of structured exercises, demonstrations and discussion.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course you should:
- acquire experience in making and manipulating sting and line in two and three dimensions
- be able to situate the techniques you have learnt in a contemporary art context
- be able to utilize a range of creative exercises to develop your personal artistic style
Who should enrol
This course is open to all. Structured creative exercises provide a supportive and gentle introduction for beginners and can assist in generating new creative possibilities for those with more experience.
Materials
Students will need to bring an A3 sketchbook and some HB/2B pencils. Basic textile materials will be provided. If you would like to work with speciality materials you are invited to source these individually. All materials required will be discussed in the first class.