This drawing workshop is truly enchanted with a touch of animal magnetism. So many of us appreciate the beauty of animals and their individual, distinctive qualities. Our precious pets, delightful birds, spectacular sea-life, jungle predators and even interesting insects are set to take the stand as our ‘feature creatures‘ ready for us to re-create into super pencil art. This easy-to-follow workshop is ideal for animal lovers of all types - from basic beginners to those with artistic flair. Jo will happily get you started with a simple process of designing your animal composition, constructing their features and form with a focus on proportion, and then rendering their skin, hair, feathers or fur with creativity. From traditional life-like representations to adventurous, contemporary drawing styles, you will be guided in a variety of artistic approaches. Working in pencil greyscale for tonal value impact and also in coloured pencil for outstanding visual expressions. Drawing techniques will be explored for your design inspiration, as well as how to include implied backgrounds for chosen added effects. With the use of some amazing animal images and photographs for reference, your favourite animal creatures will be transformed into beautiful works of art. 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

* Animal Features (construction and expression)
* Pose and Proportion
* Shading and Rendering Techniques (skin, hair, feathers, fur)
* Pencil Applications:
a) Greyscale (tonal value impact)
b) Colour (visual expression)
* Creative Composition
* Drawing Styles
* Design Ideas
* Implied Background Effects



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

Do not purchase equipment until you confirm that the course is running.

Bring lunch (tea and coffee available), and the following:
* A3 Cartridge paper drawing pad / visual arts pad or similar.
* Approx. 8 sheets of plain white A4 photocopy paper.
* Lead pencils (a good variety e.g., 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B etc.).
* A set of coloured pencils (a good variety of colours - these may be regular drawing pencils and / or pastel pencils).
* A pacer / mechanical pencil.
* Erasers: 1. A simple pencil eraser 2. A putty / kneadable eraser (soft like chewing gum).
* A sharpener and ruler.
* Some paper stumps / blending sticks (widely available from art and craft supply stores).
* Bring along a few clear, good quality medium to large size photo / picture references of animals you would like to re-create in pencil drawing style (bring a variety to choose from, some colour and some black and white). These may be photos you have taken yourself, obtained from the internet, magazines, calendars etc. As always, Jo will have some available also.

Included as part of Jo‘s Courses/Workshops, participants will receive:

* Essential notes and information/picture sheets to keep for future use.
* Issued with photo references and creative items used for in-class activities (where needed).
* Provided with a drawing/painting easel used during class (where needed).
* Be given individual one-on-one guidance and constructive feedback throughout class.
* 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

Great presentation, great course content and great facilities. - CH