17 September 2019

Workshop at the LAC

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

Earlier this month I facilitated a workshop at the Leighton Art Centre:

ink and twig workshop, leighton art centre

The workshop was meant to take place during the run of "just turn your head a little" exhibition, but due to snowy March weather it was delayed. 

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

This turned out for the best, since September is actually a perfect time of year to gather twigs and plant stems to draw with.

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

We began in the classroom, but soon moved out onto the large deck.

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

How lovely to work outdoors in the warm September sunshine!

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

I brought in various types of papers in big sheets and pads (because why work small when you're exploring materials, right?):

crystal clear wet-media Duralar
a roll of "mystery plastic" upon which the wet ink beaded for some cool effects
translucent Vellum paper
140lb watercolour paper
100lb bright white Bristol paper
80lb Mayfair drawing paper
a large yellow-toned Manilla drawing paper pad
We also used the protective tissue sheets that come with the Duralar.

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

Mark-making possibilities are limited only by the vast array of natural drawing materials available outdoors, coupled with one's imagination!

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

Drawing, stamping, dilution of ink, wet and dry paper, oil crayon rubbings and resists... and a spray bottle comes in handy too.

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

It was terrific fun to work with a group of adults and kids together.

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

I was impressed with the levels of openness to exploration, creative risk, and imaginative play of everyone who attended.


Below, one of my demo pieces, photographed next day in my studio:

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

I was able to make a few portraits of the kids as well.

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

Clockwise from top: 
ink + twig on vellum
ink + twig on wetted bristol
ink + twig on duralar
ink + crayon and tape resist on watercolour paper.

Below, the duralar drawing laid on top of the other drawings:

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

ink and twig drawing workshop, leighton art centre

Kinda cool, hey  :)