This is the third of a series of monthly courses aimed at developing a sketchbook practice and all that that involves. (It acts as a stand alone course or part of the series of sessions).
A sketchbook practice can be extremely valuable to any form of art making.
Why?
Working in a sketchbook can get rid any attachment to outcome, which can be immensely liberating.
Because we are not making a “work of art” we can be more experimental, more playful even and possibly a bit more wild…and even more accepting of the messy pages that inevitably happen when we're being more free.
In this third session we'll explore responding to prompts.
This practice is invaluable if you need suggestions for your sketchbook practice, to inspire ideas and introduce limitations, as well as finding ways of exploring new ideas.
This is not about learning to draw a recognisable image (which can be very daunting) - but learning to create expressive marks (which can be as simple as a line or could be a familiar simple leaf shape or a favourite letter or word) and explore them in combination using different materials.
No specific art making or sketch-booking experience is needed: even if you've not made art since school days you can access this learning, or just come along and enjoy the creative time!
We'll playfully work through simple guided exercises and then have time to explore more in the sketchbooks after each exercise.
We'll start by exploring simple ways in which you can approach a prompt and mindset aspects of being open to doing things differently than you typically would.
We'll develop our sketchbook as a place to explore thoughts and ideas and notes as well as exploring the prompt itself visually.
Then we'll work with different constraints, such as limited time or limited materials, to approach other prompts and consider how limitations can aid the creative process e.g. if you can only make 5 marks what could that look like?
We'll learn techniques involved in working with mixed media in exploring the prompts.
The course is designed to give you an idea for a simple sketchbook practice, which could easily be done in the home with some simple materials.
For practicing artists, exploring prompts can help you to find ways to step into new territory, and find ways of working in your sketchbook that are interesting and engaging for you.
Follow up suggestions of prompts you can do on your own will be provided.
**IMAGES come from a recent 30 day sketchbook challenge that I co-hosted on Instagram. I was obsessed by pebbles at the time. Your art will be very individual to you and the ideas that arise from the prompts we use in this session.
When?
It runs from 10 - 1pm on Saturday 05/07/25
How much?
*£35 per person. including a sketchbook and all materials
*early booking discount until 22/06
Thereafter £45 per person
SPECIAL OFFER IF YOU PURCHASE THE FIRST 3 SESSIONS - buy all 3 session for £85. (That's 9 hours of tuition and guidance at a 20% discount).
Contact Julia to arrange payment. MUST be purchased BEFORE 22/04
The max group size is 10 so you'll have lots of chance to get help and ask questions in a relaxed informal setting.
Refreshments are included.
Where?
Clevedon Craft Centre
Moor Lane
Clevedon
North Somerset
BS21 6TD
The room is upstairs in an old listed building.
Please wear old clothes that you don't mind getting paint on, or bring an apron.
Parking is free on site.
Comments from recent course participants (from the online version of this course) :
‘Thank you, Julia, and thanks especially for sharing your process. I love the idea of using a specific type of ‘mark’ as a launch point throughout an entire sketchbook, and I’m looking forward to playing with the various techniques you shared again and again. Very useful and inspiring session!' Kerry
'Julia, I enjoyed your lesson! Your tips were beneficial and will help me loosen up within a structure. Thank you for sharing your ideas about how to make a composition look like it flows (not separate elements).' Sarah
'Thank you. I'm going to have another play this afternoon. It's very inspiring and just what I need to propel me into my creativity again,' Catherine.
'I haven't done much in sketchbooks, but I do like your idea of exploring a single shape to the fullest. This is worth working in a sketchbook to me!' Karen
Terms: I reserve the right to cancel the course before the event if there aren't enough people signed up. Full refund or place on alternative course offered in the event of my cancellation.
If you need to cancel, I will aim to offer you a place on another suitable course if sufficient notice is given. Refunds are not given.
Contact me with any questions or if you have any problems with booking.