Workshop at the LAC

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

Ink and Twig Drawing

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. 

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

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

How lovely to work outdoors in the warm September sunshine!

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.

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

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

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

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:

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

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:

 

Kinda cool, hey  :)