This is the first of a series of monthly courses aimed at developing a sketchbook practice and all that that involves.
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 first session we'll explore making marks using a variety of different materials including inks, paints, drawing materials and more.
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 drawing or art making 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 different marks and create (or choose) our own simple mark or motif to use in our explorations.
Then we'll use the wide variety of materials and tools provided to create our marks in the sketchbook, exploring the importance of differences in order to make pages lively and interesting.
We'll learn techniques involved in using the materials and tools effectively in layers.
We'll also explore mindset aspects of developing this practice.
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, it can be really beneficial in helping you to free up your art making or to develop a wider vocabulary of mark making that you could use.
Follow up suggestions of exercises you can do on your own will be provided.
Session 2 will run on 07/06 from 10-1pm and will focus on thumbnail and grid sketching.
Session 3 will run on 05/07 from 10-1pm and will focus on responding to prompts and explore the challenge and the opportunities this presents.
Further session to come in the Autumn.
The art you create on this course will be highly individual: the second photo shows various students work from a recent online version of this class for the Mixed Media Festival.
When?
It runs from 10 - 1pm on Saturday 10/05/25
How much?
*£35 per person. including a sketchbook and all materials
*early booking discount until 25/05
Thereafter £45 per person
SPECIAL OFFER IF YOU PURCHASE THE FIRST 3 SESSIONS - buy 3 sessions for £85.00. (That's 9 hours on tuition and guidance and practice at a 20% saving)
Contact Julia to arrange payment. MUST be purchased BEFORE 22/04
The max group size is 12 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 to wear.
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.