This one-day workshop which will introduce you to Sumi-e, the ancient art of creating Japanese ink pictures, or Japanese brush painting. Traditionally, these paintings feature subjects from the natural world such as flowers and birds. The Japanese experience painting as a form of meditation that brings peace and harmony to the artist and the finished pieces are intended to inspire the same sense of tranquility and joy in the viewer. This practical course will help you master all the techniques you’ll need to create striking paintings and discover the spiritual aspects of this unique art form.
The first of two one day Workshops to help you leave Auto Mode and make the most of your Digital SLR/Bridge camera.
If you have only used Auto mode, or tried other settings on your Digital SLR/Bridge camera, with disappointing results, this workshop will give you a good understanding of photography and how to work in Manual mode in just one day. You will have plenty of “hands on” experience combined with information/worksheets helping you put your new skills into practice.
You will learn about the relationship between ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed and how to use this to transform your images – YOU will be in control! We will also learn how to add interest to your photographs with advice on Composition as you produce a range of images.
On this 2-day course you will learn all about working with graphite pencil from experienced artist Jamie Boots.
Graphite pencil can be used to produce so much more than just a sketch.
Jamie will show participants that. whether or not you are using a pencil that is blunt or sharp, pressing lightly or hard, or using a variety of tones, the realistic texture of skin, fur and the glassy look of an eye can be achieved.
The second of two one day Workshops to help you leave Auto Mode and make the most of your Digital SLR/Bridge camera.
Build on your Workshop 1 experience or if you are comfortable using Manual mode on your Digital SLR/Bridge camera, this workshop will develop your skills and help you learn new techniques to become more creative.
Areas to be covered include : Manual mode – how and when to use it. Understanding and using light in your photography. Action photography – capturing movement effectively: freezing, blurring, panning. Composition – the formal elements: line, tone, shape, texture, form, colour. Black & White – when and how to use it. Metering modes.
This workshop is a riot of paper play – folding a multitude of clever, intriguing and practical little books, wallets and envelopes or wraps. Have a lot of fun making them for yourself or as gifts for someone special. No particular skills required so this workshop is suitable for all levels of capabilities.
Silk paintings are created on white silk, using brilliantly coloured dyes . These dyes can be contained to certain areas by the use of gutta, which forms a resist . Over the weekend we will practise drawing with tubes of gutta to create pictures, plus we will have the opportunity to try out the many other techniques that can be used to create gorgeous effects on the silk.
Creating iridescent feathers in watercolour, the subject is the peacock one of the most colourful birds. By using vivid colour and light Valerie hopes that this 2 day workshop will be fun as well as learning a layering technique that you will find useful for creating the plumage of colourful birds such as kingfishers and parrots. We will be using gold watercolour paint and aqua bronzes to enliven the Peacocks feathers and background.
I will also provide the reference material and a peacock feather or two. We will be concentrating on the head and neck with a little of the tail feathers included so please do not think you will be painting the whole bird!
I will supply the gold watercolour paint and aqua bronzes to try out so please bring along a couple of white saucers or small dishes as the aqua bronze is a powder.
Example of a watercolour by Val Briggs
During the course we will explore how to achieve realistic detail and texture, using a controlled, multi-layered approach to working in pastel.
Using natural leaves, you will learn how to use the heat press, stencils and foil to create stunning, unique textile designs. You will experiment with using pre prepared dye paper, and be shown how to transfer the dye to the leaf, layering leaves and background colours to make fabric samples that can be framed as artwork or used in sewing projects. You will also be shown how to cut stencils from your leaves and how to use thermofax designs to give another dimension to your work with the addition of foil. A day of botanical creative exploration , with no experience necessary .
An in-depth introduction to creating art, graphics and illustrations on your iPad with Procreate. All the subjects will be of Natural History. We will create various examples in styles that utilize the amazing variety of brushes and editing functions. I’ll show you all sorts of tips and tricks, advice on importing and exporting files, brush creation and so on. Creating digital art on tablets is becoming very popular with graphic designers, illustrators and artists as the devices become ever more powerful. As a life long professional artist in traditional media I think you’ll be amazed at the variety of art which you can achieved. Have a play and discover your digital style!
