Themes: Figs, Cockatiel, Dragonfly, Cheetah, Dandelion Clock, Glass Jar Art
Linda Hampson’s popular summertime Coloured Pencil workshops will cover a range of beautiful, natural themes whilst teaching you useful techniques to get the most out of the medium.
All participants are required to bring photographic reference for the subjects listed below. All participants are also required to have their own coloured pencils – I recommend Faber Castell polychromos. (Please ask on booking for the Basic Colours List if you do not already have such pencils)
Week One – FIGS -this is an ideal subject to establish a regularly used coloured pencil technique. You could work from photographic reference, or maybe from life as some ripe figs should be around. This exercise will ask for much layering and blending of colour. Tonal values will need to be considered, of course as you stretch your observational skills. It would be best to work on white paper for this exercise.
Week Two – COCKATIEL – the technique needed for this subject is completely different to the above technique. Coloured Pencil is an ideal medium to create the feathery detailing of birds and so it is well worth perfecting the multi-layered, ‘crissy-crossy’ stroke. You could decide to do the whole bird, but equally, a portrait would work just as well. Any paper, coloured, or white would work well although black paper is not recommended as the colours will not appear as pure or bright as you may want.
Week Three – DRAGONFLY – this is a wonderful subject to explore the qualities of Coloured Pencil. Do not try to work life-size … it is simply too small. Perhaps even drawing half a dragonfly larger and perfecting the technique, is a good idea. We will use some iridescent medium on the wings (I will bring it) to create extra shimmer. You will need a clear photograph, and I recommend white paper.
Week Four -CHEETAH – again a different technique to the previous week, but one that is very similar to that used for the bird. A portrait or whole body shot is fine. This is a good subject to use Clairefontaine Pastelmat as a paper, but it is not essential and apart from black, any other colour will be fine.
Week Five – DANDELION CLOCK – this week, you DO want to use black paper, or anthracite Pastelmat. Again, I recommend working larger than life size as this exercise will be decorative and a bigger image will make a better impact. A clear photo will be helpful as there is much interesting detailing obvious when blowing up a botanical subject. You may find that a ‘milky’ pen or white acrylic paint pen helpful to allow the white areas to ‘pop’ – remember that CP is a transparent medium and working on black paper will dull all the colours.
Week Six – GLASS JAR ART!! This is a technique that is optional but well worth trying out. Any subject can be drawn … your choice … but within the illusion of a ‘glass jar’. DO NOT work on white paper – it just makes the drawing of the glass jar too time consuming. Working on a colour, preferably dark/darkish, makes the illusion of glass quicker and easier.
6-week course July, 24, 31 August 7, 14, 21, 28
Thursdays, 10am - 1pm
Cost: £90 for 6 sessions
Linda’s classes get booked up very quickly, so please ring 01460 54973 to book, or email workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk leaving your telephone number.