Looking for Medieval Art Lovers in LA: Illuminated Manuscript Course

Looking for Medieval Art Lovers in LA:

Illuminated Manuscript Course
Getty Center, UCLA Extension Westwood

October 17-November 7, 2010 (six meetings)
10-1 pm

Do you have a passion for any of the following:

• The Getty Center
• Book illustrations, especially children’s book, fairy tales, fantasy literature and Arthurian legends
• Medieval or early Renaissance art
• Persian miniatures
• Renaissance Fairs (SCA folks, this is the class for YOU)
• Anime, manga and graphic novels
• Old books, fairy tales, fantasy literature
• Stuff covered with gold leaf
• Brilliant colors
• Exquisite miniature objects
• Calligraphy
• Filigree, ornament, curlicues
• Gothic architecture
• Painting and drawing
• Antiques
• ???

Kelly Williams, a Getty Center Educator, teaches a six-week course called “Illuminated Manuscripts: Patronage and Process.” I took this course a month ago, and absolutely loved it, as did the other students. You don’t really need any training in art to take this course and enjoy yourself thoroughly, but being able to sketch or at least copy a design on paper is enough. You will get to use the same materials and techniques that were used to make priceless objects now in museums all over the world. The Getty Center has one of the world’s best collections of illuminated books, and Kelly Williams will take you on a guided tour (free parking) on the first day of class. Ms. Williams is a highly sought-after teacher, having recently traveled to the White House to teach drawing to the Obama family. So we’re talking excellence here.

The class is offered through UCLA extension. Go to uclaextension.edu and navigate to the art studio section. I’m sorry to say that this site needs better navigation. Don’t you want our money, UCLA? There’s no direct link to “how to register” or anything obvious, but there is a greyed-out tab that says “Quick Enroll” but you need the course number. You will still need to register with your email, etc. and if all else fails, call them at (310) 825-9971 or (818) 784-7006. Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.

The course number is ART X 440.68 and is listed in studio art although it’s really a combination of art history and studio. You can get two units of credits for your $375. And the class meets 10-1 on Sundays, so for the five days the class meets in Westwood parking will only cost you $4-5 (not the $13.50 I shelled out today!!!). And did I mention you get free parking at the Getty?

A note about supplies: You only need to budget $25 for supplies. The majority of the very costly items, genuine gold leaf and natural pigments, are included in the course price. These are of the finest quality, hand-selected by the Getty for their historical authenticity (any toxic materials like white lead are NOT used in this class).  If you were to try to purchase these materials on your own, you would need to spend $250-300 or more. So enjoy the rare opportunity to try them out.

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