About this course
A gentle introduction to the expressive qualities of charcoal. Working on both large and small scale with different types of charcoal, you will begin to develop a language of mark-making with the oldest of drawing mediums.Course Description
In this gentle introduction to charcoal drawing, you will be exploring different techniques for creating rich and interesting tonal drawings with this most ancient of drawing medium. A willingness to experiment and not worry about producing a finished piece will help you on this one day course.
Through a combination of demonstrations with lots of useful tips and tricks, and drawing exercises, you will begin to develop a language of mark-making that will help you make the most of this versatile drawing medium. You will experiment with and explore the different qualities of charcoals, papers, erasers and fixatives. You will draw from objects and your photographs.
At the end of this one day workshop, you will have produced both experimental mark-making and direct observational drawings, and you will have a developing confidence and familiarity with different types of charcoal, paper, erasers and fixatives.
Timetable
Timetable for one day courses
Students should arrive by 9am for registration.
Classes are from 9.15 - 5pm
Lunch is included.
Course Materials
Included
The course includes the cost of providing 1 X black Conte crayon, square profile, 2 X sticks scene painters, Willow charcoal thick and thin, a plastic rubber, 5 X A1 sheets,160gsm cartridge paper, 2 X A1 sheets, 220gsm cartridge paper, white cotton rag cloth.
What students need to bring
- Apron or clothes you don't mind getting dirty
- Camera or smart phone
- Papers you may have at home to experiment drawing on – just a few sheets
- Small spray bottle, like those found in the travel section at supermarkets and chemists
- Sketchbook, this is not essential but you might like to record experiments in them with notes to refer back to
- Cotton or polycotton cloth, about handkerchief sized
- Printouts of your own photographs – please only bring your own photographs, not those from magazines or not taken by you. Take and print out your photographs of something that you're interested in, landscape, interiors, buildings, plants, etc. As this is a beginner's course, and looking at the technique of how to use charcoal, it is best not to bring portraits, people or animals if you are not familiar with drawing them already.
Available to buy
Available from shop:
A variety of types of paper
Willow charcoal-mixed thicknesses
Compressed charcoal, for example Conte crayon
Aerosol spray fixative
Putty rubber
Masking tape (not low tack)
Tutors
Kate Boucher is an experienced, enthusiastic and inspirational
tutor who specialises in building students' creative confidence in
a supportive teaching environment. She trained at Chelsea School of
Art and recently gained a Master of Fine Art from West Dean
College. She was awarded a prestigious QEST scholarship, was the
Edward James Foundation Scholar in 2015/16 and winner of the
Valarie Power Prize for Visual Arts. Her dark and evocative
charcoal drawings often have unnaturally tilted horizons, hints of
a double exposure and foregrounds that appear to shift and slip.
Her practice also includes handmade felt and forged metal
structures also created as a response to landscape.
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