This super creative workshop puts the artist‘s spotlight on sensational charcoal. Artistic attention and focus will be on the enjoyment of exploring and constructing designs that bring out the utmost of this truly versatile medium. Get set to use charcoal‘s free-flowing soft properties to create works that are rich, brilliantly blended and full of contrast and expression. This workshop is great for enthusiastic beginners and for those who have delectably dabbled with charcoal drawing previously. Jo will walk you through some simple, yet striking rendering techniques and statement effects. You will learn how to creatively compose loose and freestyle eye-catching works, as well as how to incorporate detailed elements of beautiful linework. You will pick up some essential tips and info on must-know blending techniques, implementing light, shade and shadow effects, creating standout highlights, how to achieve superb layering with white charcoal pencils, paper surfaces, the use of spray fixatives to add dimension and to set your work, as well as the importance of controlling dust particles. Come along and be pleasantly prepared to be artistically inspired. Charcoal will certainly leave its mark most divinely. No concession.

Classes are organised into 4 terms each year, with speciality workshops running throughout the year.

Explore our exciting range of courses below

Agenda

* Achromatic Comprehension
* Application Techniques
* Creative Effects
* Workable Design Concepts
* Free-Flowing Freedom and Expression
* Shadow and Highlights
* Effective Line and Refinement
* Dimensional Layering
* Experimentation
* Papers and Products

Tutor Profile/Personal Introduction:
I‘m sure I must have been born with a pencil in my hand. I was told I could draw before I could walk or talk! My desire to draw, paint and design instinctively grew as I did. I followed my passion and formally studied Fine Arts, Commercial Art, Illustration, and Graphic Design. Happy days being a free spirited, quaintly eccentric art student! My progression into creative make-up came about with a love for make-up itself, my freaky fascination for Horror/Sci-Fi movies and admiration for the Theatre. My artistic learning continued; I studied Professional Make-up. With art tools in one hand and make-up tools in the other, I focused on freelance Illustration and Design, and Creative Make-up for Weddings, Fashion Shows, and Theatre Productions. Communication, mind and behaviour always had me captivated, and becoming a proud mum inspired me to hit the books again. I went on to study Psychology.

Teaching entered my world initially designing and conducting psych-infused art programs. Teaching took hold of my heart and I was pleasantly steered into tutoring college classes to share my knowledge and much loved skills. My studio structured classes are all about learning new skills and techniques, and also about the important process of discovering and developing individual abilities with freedom and guidance. I value and place emphasis on my class environment being relaxed and comfortable to make learning thoroughly enjoyable. All classes are composed to be super easy to follow and understand. Participants of all ages present their creative and expressive uniqueness, and are always friendly and enthusiastic. They even (kindly) laugh at my bad jokes! For me, teaching is a true pleasure. Jo.

*Course/Workshop Enquiries: Reach Jo via MCC or by email at: retroraspberrystudios@hotmail.com (emails answered promptly)

Materials

Please bring, (but do not purchase until the course has been cnfirmed to run):

* An A3 size Cartridge Drawing Pad (rough type surface preferred) or an A3 size Mixed Media Pad.
* Approx. 8 sheets of plain white A4 photocopy paper.
* Charcoal Sticks (often known as Willow Charcoal).
* A Black Charcoal Pencil.
* A White Charcoal Pencil.
* A 2B Lead Pencil.
* A Sharpener.
* A Ruler.
* Erasers: 1) A simple Pencil Eraser 2) A Kneadable Eraser (soft like chewing gum).
* Some Paper Stumps - also known as Blending Sticks or Tortillons (widely available from art and craft stores).
* Some tissues, paper towel, and a small hand towel for clean ups.
Jo will supply a few more items for demo and use.

Included as part of Jo‘s Courses/Workshops, participants will receive::
*Essential notes and information/picture sheets to keep for future use.
*Photo references and creative items used for in-class activities (where needed).
*PA drawing/painting easel used during class (where needed).
*Individual one-on-one guidance and constructive feedback throughout class.
*And, help is not over when class is over! Jo will be available for further help or assistance at any time after course/workshop is completed. Contact details will be available to participants at their discretion.

Comments from previous students of this class

I loved the course and aim to do more future art with this tutor CVB