Week 1 — Pencil & Graphite

Thursday 12 November · Observation, tone and form

Artist inspiration: Celia Paul and Giorgio Morandi

We begin by slowing down and looking carefully at the objects around us. Through a series of guided drawing exercises, we will explore how pencil and graphite can describe form, create atmosphere and reveal the subtle relationships between light and dark.

Participants will produce a collection of small observational drawings, experimenting with line, tonal values, shading, hatching and the use of negative space. We will look at how changing the pressure, angle and thickness of a pencil can create a surprising range of marks.

From these initial studies, we will select one or two drawings to develop further, working into them with additional layers of graphite and exploring ways to simplify, exaggerate or reinterpret the original subject.

We will explore:

Observational drawing and composition.

Light, shadow and tonal contrast.

Different pencil grades and graphite techniques.

Developing small studies into more resolved drawings.

Artist inspiration: Celia Paul's sensitive, attentive drawings and Giorgio Morandi's quiet arrangements of everyday objects encourage us to discover how much can be expressed through simple forms and subtle tonal changes.

Week 2 — Ink, Crayon & Chalk

Thursday 19 November · Expressive line, texture and experimentation

Artist inspiration: Tracey Emin and Maggi Hambling

This week we move away from relying on tonal shading and begin to explore the expressive possibilities of line, gesture and texture.

Using ink, wax crayon and chalk, we will make a series of experimental drawings in response to our still-life arrangements using the figure. We will investigate how a continuous line, a bold splash of ink or a rough, broken mark can communicate the character and energy of an object.

We will experiment with layering, rubbing, smudging and resisting, allowing different materials to interact on the page. Participants will be encouraged to work quickly, vary the scale of their drawings and discover the unexpected results that can emerge when we loosen our usual approach.  These will then be worked into to create more finished pieces of work.

We will explore:

Expressive and continuous line.

Texture, contrast and mark-making.

Combining wet and dry materials.

Working intuitively and embracing happy accidents.

Artist inspiration: Tracey Emin's direct, intimate line and Maggi Hambling's energetic, physical drawing offer contrasting ways to approach a subject with freedom and confidence.

Week 3 —  Acrylic Paint & Coloured Inks

Thursday 26 November · Colour, shape and personal expression

Artist inspiration: Lubaina Himid and Joan Mitchell

For our final session, we introduce colour and explore how it can transform the way we interpret still life.

Using acrylic paints and coloured inks, participants will experiment with colour relationships, layering, transparency and the interaction between painted areas and drawn lines. We will consider how a colour can suggest the weight or temperature of an object, how unexpected combinations can create energy, and how shapes can become more important than realistic representation.

Drawing on the studies made during the previous weeks, we will create a more developed mixed-media piece, incorporating the marks, textures and techniques that participants have discovered along the way.

There will be opportunities to work boldly, simplify forms and develop a personal response to the still-life arrangement.

We will explore:

Colour relationships, contrast and harmony.

Layering acrylics and coloured inks.

Combining drawing and painting.

Developing an individual visual language.

Artist inspiration: Lubaina Himid's confident use of colour and shape, Sandra Blow's material-led abstract compositions and Joan Mitchell's expressive colour and gestural painting encourage us to move beyond literal representation and discover new possibilities.

What makes the workshops special?

These sessions are designed to be exploratory, supportive and open to different levels of experience. Through practical demonstrations, guided exercises and looking at contemporary artists, participants will develop their skills while discovering their own ways of working.

Each session introduces a different combination of materials, encouraging participants to take risks, make discoveries and find inspiration in the ordinary objects around them.

Booking information

Three-week course

All three Thursday sessions £120

Individual session

Drop-in, subject to availability £45

Elaine Foster-Gandey Art · 15 Queen Street, Lostwithiel, Cornwall PL22 0AD

e.fostergandey@gmail.com

07813 986999