Another great nature journal workshop at Quirky Workshops in Greystoke with some great nature artists taking part in two half-day workshops. The formats follow a similar pattern but with each artist being allowed and encouraged to do their own thing. What we like to see is how people see nature for themselves and how they then represent what they see in their own way. I am on hand, of course, in order to provide tuition and tips - mostly it is me showing some of my cheats and sharing my own observations of the nature I see and draw.
One of the lovely spreads created by one of the artists at the Nature Journal Workshop at Quirky Workshops.
Even a place as simple as a garden can provide some really lovely and interesting sightings. Who knew that Pignut has a very little purple flower in the centre of the umbrells? I didn’t and it was a revelation when someone pointed this out to me. Of course slugs are a continuing theme and there is always a slug lurking somewhere - especially this year which has been so wet. The pattern for the workshops is provided by a concertina sketchbook which I provide which allows the artists to start drawing directly with a fineliner onto the paper - scarily no pencils and rubbers involved! Why do I encourage this? Well pencils are great but you can rub a pencil out and what I am wanting is for people to just get on with the drawing and not worry about making mistakes as you can’t rub ink out! After a little while nobody is worrying about perfection and simply draw without inhibition and this encourages real focus and an enjoyment in making marks on paper.
Even the hens get a “cluck” in!
While I do come along with lots of materials such as concertina sketchbooks, pens and paints I do get asked all the time as to where to get stuff. So I have put together a really helpful resources sheet where you can buy your art materials. You can download this here.
A few words from one of the artists:
I really enjoyed Wednesday’s session – great ideas and Stephen was so generous with the pack and information he provided. One of the best sessions I’ve ever been to.