Bluebells and Grasses, artwork by Christine Forbes. Tutor at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation

Christine Forbes

Christine Forbes is a Sussex artist and graduate of Northbrook College, Worthing. Her background is in design, acting, fashion and catering. She has been teaching for over 16 years (both adults and children) and includes: The National association of Gifted Children and HMP Ford. She continues to work for private, club and corporate clients. Christine exhibits regularly and is a member of the Sussex Watercolour Society. She runs her own gift card business.

Describe your approach to teaching:

Whether working on my own or teaching - my methods are the same. Loosely based on what I have learnt from Chinese ink drawing, I show my students all the techniques that can be employed to express something unique and personal. They in turn learn to work beyond their comfort zone and find an intuitive, more confident terrain.

What inspires your own work?

My work is all about drawing, whether pencil or brush, wet or dry. Drawing is raw, unmediated. It reflects my interest not only in nature but the cycle of the seasons and the constant transformation of plant life. I'm fascinated by the untidiness of the natural world and try in my work to reflect the fact that all things are transitory. Philosophies and drawing practices from the East have always been important and continue to guide what I do.

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