Specialist Workshop with Traditional Natural Drawing Materials and Grounds
A two-day workshop for those interested in learning to make and use traditional, natural drawing materials and grounds from Renaissance times and earlier.
During this workshop you will learn to prepare your own Gesso panel, create Oak Gall and Sepia Inks, and be introduced to and use natural drawing materials including handmade Khadi paper, Rock Sinopia, Silverpoint and local chalks and charcoal.
Day One will involve learning and making the Gesso panel, recipes for Oak Gall and other inks, and preparing papers for Silverpoint, tracing and larger experimental pieces. There will also be time for initial drawing and sketching ideas.
Day Two will involve choosing the materials you like for developing final drawings on the Khadi paper and your prepared gesso and silverpoint grounds.
The focus will be on the luminosity, colour and qualities of the chalk ground and natural materials used - their subtle differences and marks that come from their physical makeup, their direct link to our natural environment, and how working with them can deepen our connection and interest in Nature and the land.
Research material on artists and inspiration for drawing will be provided, along with tuition to explore line, mark-making, light and shade from observational toward more fluid or experimental approaches. The scale for gesso and silverpoint is small but rewarding, and there is scope for larger work using gesso on paper or card, and in making your own tracing papers.
Would suit artists and those interested who have experience of drawing, painting or making.
No prior experience of gesso or the materials needed.
Please bring your own sketchbooks, pencils and watercolour brushes.
All other materials will be provided.
