In-person course
in Suffolk Maker & location details

Further Drawing From Nature

Flatford Mill

Description

Would you like to develop your drawing skills by drawing from nature? This class offers the opportunity to develop detailed observational drawings from natural history specimens and plants. You will be studying the morphology of various natural forms and how to reproduce these on the page. Over the course of this three day residential we will explore a range of drawing media: from graphite through to fine line pen, sanguine chalks (a wonderfully Renaissance medium!) chalk and charcoal, charcoal pencils, homemade walnut and oak gall inks, and even biro. There will be regular demonstrations and tips, with the opportunity to explore different media and subject matter, with a view to completing a detailed study of a specimen or a still life – or just a range of studies if that’s your preference. We will be working from a range of natural history resources, including native animal bones, dried plants and seedpods, sea shells, fossils, insects, and fresh plants gathered from the surrounding area. About the tutor: Lisa Temple-Cox Lisa Temple-Cox’s work encompasses a range of media, underpinned by a strong observational drawing practice which is informed by human anatomy, natural history, and botany. Much of this is museum-based, although she often works from her own natural history collection in her studio at Cuckoo Farm, as well as plants from her garden and allotment. She has developed her professional practice as a visual artist and researcher over the past 35 years. During this time she has been commissioned by both public organisations and private individuals, making artwork for institutions as varied as schools, hospitals, museums, libraries, and even public conveniences. She has exhibited widely and is a practised speaker and workshop leader, and has undertaken a number of artist residencies in Europe and the USA. About Flatford Mill: We have four buildings that are used for visitor accommodation. Whilst most rooms are either en-suite or have a dedicated bathroom, there are some rooms in The Mill that share showers and toilets at the end of the hall. If this is un-suitable for you please let us know via the 'message the tutor' button upon booking, or as soon as possible. Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable. What to bring - Please bring a sketchbook or sheets of paper suitable for drawing. Ideally a mid-weight smooth cartridge, or hot-pressed watercolour paper. It doesn't need to be too heavy, but also not too thin - I'd look at between 140 – 190 gsm. - A range of pencils – if possible, between 4H and 4B, but ideally HB, B, or 2B – and erasers. (You can bring softer pencils if you like to use these, but they may be less suitable for fine detail) Additionally (but not necessary): - Bring fine liner pens if you like to work with these: I use Unipin, or Sakura pigma micron, as they have water/fade proof archival quality inks. As well as black, they are available in grey and sepia. I usually use a 0.05 or 0.1, but up to 0.8 are fine too for larger drawings. - If you have chalk/charcoal pencils, please feel free to bring those. - If you have a hand magnifier, please bring that too! - Otherwise, I will have a range of these media that you can try, to see if you like them before investing in your own, as well as a range of papers that you can purchase from me. Please note that Flatford Mill does not sell art supplies.

What's included in the price?

- Expert tuition. - Free wi-fi. - Full board accommodation. - Hot and cold drinks. - Picnic lunch. Full board accommodation and picnic lunch is available for resident bookings only. Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring lunch with you.