On this six week evening course, you will have the opportunity to build confidence in tackling both drawing, painting and pursue the development of your own ideas inspired by our theme.
This will be a skills based course, improving your drawing, meaningful markmaking and use of colour, whilst providing hints and tips on a personalised level, enabling you to progress at your own pace. This course does not offer step by step instruction to the group. The priority is to support personal creative development, resulting in wide ranging responses to the theme.
The theme for this course is ‘Energy’, providing a prompt to our creative activities.
The energy industries provide a wide range of stimulus, from pylons across our landscape to cooling towers, factories and wind turbines. Their associated politics can certainly create interesting conceptual ideas for your work.
Sport is concerned with how energy is deployed to get the best results, whilst the western world in general seems keen to save our physical energy with technology stepping in to give us more free time.
The natural world has endless examples of energy: storms, seas, volcanos, earthquakes and on a much smaller level, the energy needed to make seeds, algae, fungus and all manner of life thrive. The heat from the sun and pull of the moon are ever present.
There are no preconceptions regarding the outcomes you choose to make. You are entirely free to choose your own path of enquiry.
Looking at work by a range of artists will help to increase your awareness of the possible varied and personal response routes. It is advisable to carry out some of your own research before week one, including drawing and photography.
The following will form part of our reference, and may help you to establish some initial ideas. These are only a starting point - you are encouraged to research and select your own stimulus and artists inspiration.
Utagawa Kuniyoshi sea images, e.g. ‘Nichiren conjures the Waves at Kakuda.’
Sally Cole, contemporary painter making dramatic depictions of landscapes with expressive use of colour and light, painted with vigour.
Sybil Andrews, designed bold lino cuts with depictions of turbulence, energy and movement.
Henry Moore’s drawings of coal miners expending physical energy in tiny spaces.
Why do we draw? Drawing underpins the work of many artists and designers and can improve observational skills, enable visualisation and the development of perceptions and ideas. Through drawing we can explore and use the building blocks we need to make art: composition, tone, colour, shape and line.
‘You Can Draw’, will inspire you to develop personal project work and build your confidence in drawing for a variety of purposes over the duration of the course. As you feel able, you will be encouraged to diversify your media and approach.
Once enrolled you will be sent some pre release information with suggested preparation you might wish to undertake and a breakdown of the sessions.
Your experienced tutor, Cathy Burnett will cater for individuals, with personal support and guidance built into each session. You will be helped to personalise your work and approach in ways which best suit your own experience and aspirations.
For those who are regular attendees, we will continue to explore new avenues of inspiration, rooted firmly in an understanding of formal elements. This class attracts returning students; and as a supportive group we are always fascinated to see how everyone’s work develops so differently.
“Learning different techniques and approaches. Experimenting with different media. Being challenged to try everything, Cathy is brilliant!”
Who is the course aimed at
The course is designed for those who want to improve their drawing, painting and general art ability through the development of an art project. You may be returning as a regular member, or revisiting art after a break, or just feel you want to try something new and creative. It makes an ideal follow on for those who have already completed ‘Drawing for the Terrified’ or any other type of beginners class, although this is not a prerequisite for joining. Cathy will enable you to make progress whatever your experience, though the course is not designed with beginners in mind. An open minded approach will enable you to gain most from the sessions.
What’s included
A basic range of drawing and painting materials will be provided by Yardley Arts, these will include, watercolours, brushes, oil pastels, biro, pencils and paper.
Tea, Coffee and biscuits will be supplied free of charge
What to bring
If you have a sketchbook or any of the above you are welcome to bring these along, as we appreciate that many people prefer to use their own materials.
It will be helpful to give some thought to the theme, and maybe undertake some suggested preparation, bringing photographs or other reference material along to the sessions.
“A wonderful varied course. Cathy’s enthusiasm is very infectious!”
Dates and times
Tuesdays, 6:45 – 9:15 pm
11, 18 & 25 November
2, 9 & 16 December
Cost
£135 per person. Suitable for ages 18+. Spaces limited to 10 in total so book early to avoid disappointment!
Booking
Booking is made direct through Yardley Arts. You can email bookings@yardleyarts.org or book online below.
Contact the tutor
To see examples of the output of student work on the previous You Can Draw! have have a look at Cathy’s Instagram page @cathyb_63
If you have any questions about the course that cannot be answered by Yardley Arts, please get in touch with Cathy by email: cathyb_63@hotmail.co.uk
About the tutor
Cathy is an experienced art teacher. Enthusiastic, friendly and relaxed, she aims to work collaboratively with participants, increasing artistic confidence, and helping to develop creative skills and ability. If you wish to see Cathy’s artwork, check out her Instagram gallery (@cathyb_63)