I have spent an amazing (and unexpected) two days drawing with
Bobby Britnell. We weren't even meant around this weekend, but I managed to mess up dates in my diary so we ended up staying home instead of being in Devon. After a super day teaching at
Art Van Go on Wednesday I got a call to say there was a last minute cancellation on Bobby's course and would I like to do it? Would I... not half! I rearranged the appointment at the hairdresser and the Ocado delivery and quickly gathered together my stuff and it was back to Art Van Go first thing on Thursday morning.
Bobby started us off drawing with charcoal, exploring how to create the illusion of different planes - a challenge for the brain as much as for the hand!
We then worked in groups of four to create huge abstract pastel drawings - each one was 4 times A1. The one below was made by me, Dorothy, Angela and Lucille.
And these were made by the other two groups
These were then divided into four and we were each given a section to work into - this one was the piece I was given.
The next stage was to cut small sections from this large drawing from which we had to select three to enlarge.
And this is what I ended up with. I would like to work into these some more and possibly develop them into something else... so watch this space!
All the time we were doing this we had a piece of white paper behind our work which gradually became covered in smudges and marks. We then had the challenge of working into these messy rough sheets using whatever techniques we liked. I think this was my favourite exercise and this is what I ended up with...
I think the one below was Pam's...
This was Angela's...
We finished off by working into a sheet of A2 paper covered with charcoal.
I had a brilliant and totally absorbing two days, drawing in ways I hadn't tried before and I can't wait to get a chance to work with Bobby again. She was a most inspirational and generous tutor.
Bobby started us off drawing with charcoal, exploring how to create the illusion of different planes - a challenge for the brain as much as for the hand! 
We then worked in groups of four to create huge abstract pastel drawings - each one was 4 times A1. The one below was made by me, Dorothy, Angela and Lucille. 
And these were made by the other two groups 
These were then divided into four and we were each given a section to work into - this one was the piece I was given. 
The next stage was to cut small sections from this large drawing from which we had to select three to enlarge. 
And this is what I ended up with. I would like to work into these some more and possibly develop them into something else... so watch this space! 
All the time we were doing this we had a piece of white paper behind our work which gradually became covered in smudges and marks. We then had the challenge of working into these messy rough sheets using whatever techniques we liked. I think this was my favourite exercise and this is what I ended up with...
I think the one below was Pam's... 
This was Angela's... 
And this was Janice's 
We finished off by working into a sheet of A2 paper covered with charcoal. 
I had a brilliant and totally absorbing two days, drawing in ways I hadn't tried before and I can't wait to get a chance to work with Bobby again. She was a most inspirational and generous tutor.
You are alll very clever people I am amazed that you all did this in such a short time. the last image is truly spectacular as is your piece from the rough work. Thank you for showing us ..
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful exercise! i love exercises where you don't know where you are going...
ReplyDeleteWonderful art, i fancy getting out my art things again. its too long since i drew and carved. Thank you for the inspiration jane x
ReplyDeleteHow "jammy" were you to get the chance to do this.... the chance to spread your wings...... sometimes these chances are meant to be... :O)))))))))
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic two days you had and how hard you all worked. I love all those amazing drawings and it is fascinating to know how they came about.
ReplyDeleteWow,wow,wow!What talent.
ReplyDeletewhat a huge area to work on Gina and what marvellous results you came up with. really interesting to hear the process of how it all evolved too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating class - and what FUN you must have had, thanks for posting these. It looks like a really inspiring course.
ReplyDeleteGina,
ReplyDeleteI did an alternative drawing course for one day at Bobby's place in Shropshire last summer and it was a great experience. Isn't it great to work in a different medium and format and with other people too. Makes you realise that there is 'found drawing' everywhere and that our emotional response to what we're creating is vital. Wonder what you'll do next.... Lesley
Oh my! Looking at these is a blast from the past. I remember these types of excercises in art class from college....of course, your examples are much more elaborate and professional. What fun it must have been. I'm green with envy, but in a good way :)
ReplyDeleteThat looks fabulous. Cutting up large drawings is still my favourite way of designing. I love the fact that you did something great with the 'dust sheet' too.
ReplyDeleteBlimey!
ReplyDeleteThat's brilliant!
Wow! The class looks amazing, such interesting work! Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteWow -- you lucky girl! It looks like you had a wonderful and inspirational time!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun these drawing exercises must have been. I wish I'd been there.
ReplyDeleteThat looks a really challenging but fun workshop. I struggle with drawing but this looks a fun way to explore line and shape. Lucky girl! :)
ReplyDelete