This week's bird workshop
and other journal ideas
I’ve been doing journal pages like this for a few years now where I document a walk or an experience across a whole page. I like it because it feels accessible and less overwhelming to work with little drawings, weaving my text through the gaps which is sometimes squashed, often wonky and almost always misspelt. I used to take photos but now work mostly from memory and imagination, recording images, thoughts and observations with my eyes and brain.
When it comes to materials, I stick with one or two coloured pencils but I’m always happy with a simple graphite pencil too. This limitation is one of the most important parts of my practice because it means the amount of decisions that need to be made are reduced to the bare minimum and I’m more likely to actually draw.
Walk then draw
To me this way of keeping a journal is the ultimate way of decompressing my body and brain because I am taking action by walking and drawing and as a result things start to move and shift. A couple of years ago, I created a workshop called The Story of a Walk and I guess this is what I am doing, I’m telling a story or searching for a narrative, however small, in a journey where is always a beginning middle and end.
I’ll be revisiting this idea through the Spring, so do watch this space for updates!
But this month it’s all about the birds and, as is the case with this page, they often form part of the story of my walk.
This week’s workshop…
If you fancy a nice gentle drawing session, why not pop along to this week’s class where we are sketching and illustrating birds!
This class is fun, flexible and teaches step by step skills. You can use the techniques to create detailed and realistic drawings but the focus of the class in the second half will be to capture the essence of the bird with a creative energy and line that’s all your own! This is an excellent class for loosening up and helping to develop your style!
What's covered in the class?
Useful tips and techniques for capturing the shape and character of birds
How to loosen up your drawings
Tips on simplifying and stylising your drawings
Advice and support with materials
Step by step drawing demonstrations
What do I need to take part?
A selection of coloured pencils
Copier paper or a sketchbook
A soft pencil (2B or softer)
An Eraser
Pencil sharpener
I love the story of your walk!😍