Weekend Workshop

Course description

Drawing with charcoal forms the basis of many art practices mainly as a sketching media and a pre painting ‘marker’ of layout lines. At face value this simple media most often stands for direct and spontaneous mark making & is known for being messy to work with. Yet beyond its use for immediacy of line, there is a world of potential at the other end of the spectrum.

This two-day workshop focuses on drawing from digital photographs as it looks beyond ‘action’ techniques to explore charcoals potential for precision drawing and other similarly less well-known qualities that it can offer the artist.

Suitable for those with previous drawing experience.

This is a 2 day weekend workshop.

What your course will cover

• Materials and tools – Overview of charcoal drawing media and materials
• Explore the mark-making potential of charcoal pencils, sticks & powder
• Experiment with wet and dry applications
• Subject & composition selection – working with visual reference images
• How to begin a work, layering and making use of ‘accidental’ marks.
• Create small compositional and tonal studies from which to build larger, sustained drawings
• Traditional sketching techniques through to ‘painterly’ photorealism

What to bring to the workshop

Drawing Materials

• 1 Stick of willow or vine charcoal
• Stick of compressed charcoal (4B) (Conte or Faber Pitt compressed charcoal)
• 2B white pastel pencil
• 2B pencil, white plastic eraser & a putty eraser
• Paper stump
• Soft cotton rag, cotton tip ear buds
• Several paint brushes (variety of bristle types & sizes)
• A3 Visual diary & 2 sheets of 210gsm A3 cartridge
• 1 sheet of Stonehenge paper – white or off white (available from Artery)
• Drawing board (A2ish) & bulldog clips
• Thick towel to roll up (for extra elevation) or a desk easel if you have one
• Masking tape & small craft knife
• Apron, disposable thin latex gloves & cloth dust mask
• Can of fixative

Visual Reference Materials

• Bring a selection of your own digital photography stored on phone or tablet – (these can be of any subject matter, just have them grouped and easy to find on the day)
• A black and white computer printout of your two favourite images (A5 or A4 sized)
• Digital camera, smart phone or tablet (remember to charge your batteries)

There will be plenty of room to spread out and work from a choice of tabletop or free standing easel.
You are welcome to bring along any extra materials/tools not listed that you think might be useful.

Tea/coffee and biscuit’s are provided for breaks but please bring some lunch with you.

Important information

Most classes fill up quickly. However, your class could be cancelled if not enough people enrol. If you are concerned about buying a class materials that may be of no use to you, please check the viability of your class with Adult Education before making your purchase.

Please note that children must not attend this class unless it is a specified parent/child activity.

Disability and special needs

Libraries Tasmania is committed to achieving open, equitable access and participation to a range of adult education programs and courses. If you have a disability or medical condition which you think may impact on your ability to participate in an adult education course, please complete the Special Needs Form available at: http://adulteducation.libraries.tas.gov.au/enrolling, or contact the adult education team: http://adulteducation.libraries.tas.gov.au/contact. This will help us to make the necessary adjustments to maximise your enjoyment and experience in your chosen course. All enquiries are confidential.

Please note that carers supporting learners with disabilities can attend our classes free of charge. For more information, please contact adult education team: http://adulteducation.libraries.tas.gov.au/contact.

Refund policy

Cancellations and Refunds
Please choose your course carefully. A full refund is payable in the event that a class is cancelled. No other refunds are considered except for extenuating circumstances which are supported by a written application.

Contact details

For General Enquiries contact

• (03) 6165 5564

Or for specific enquiries relating to issues in your area, contact your local centre http://www.libraries.tas.gov.au/locations

Terms and Conditions

Go to: http://adulteducation.libraries.tas.gov.au/policies or contact the adult education team:
http://adulteducation.libraries.tas.gov.au/contact