This class offers the opportunity to develop detailed observational drawings from natural history specimens and plants, with a view to understanding the morphology of various natural forms and how to reproduce these on the page. Over the course of this 3 day residential we will explore a range of drawing media: from graphite through to fine line pen, sanguine chalks (a wonderfully Renaissance medium!) chalk and charcoal, charcoal pencils, homemade walnut and oak gall inks, and even biro.
Tutor: Lisa Temple-Cox
Lisa Temple-Cox's work encompasses a range of media, underpinned by a strong observational drawing practice which is informed by human anatomy, natural history, and botany. Much of this is museum-based, although she often works from her own natural history collection in her studio at Cuckoo Farm, as well as plants from her garden and allotment.
She has developed her professional practice as a visual artist and researcher over the past 35 years. During this time she has been commissioned by both public organisations and private individuals, making artwork for institutions as varied as schools, hospitals, museums, libraries, and even public conveniences. She has exhibited widely and is a practised speaker and workshop leader, and has undertaken a number of artist residencies in Europe and the USA.
Example Timetable
Arrival day
Check-in is between 1600-1800. If you are arriving after 1800, please advise us so we can arrange a self-check-in.
You will meet the tutor at dinner, following which you will have your first session
What's Included
Full board accommodation and picnic lunch is available for resident bookings only.
Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring lunch with you.
Before You Attend
What to bring
Please bring a sketchbook or sheets of paper suitable for drawing - ideally a mid-weight smooth cartridge, or hot-pressed watercolour paper. It doesn't need to be too heavy, but also not too thin - I'd look at between 140 – 190 gsm.
A range of pencils – if possible, between 4H and 4B, but ideally HB, B, or 2B – and erasers. (You can bring softer pencils if you like to use these, but they may be less suitable for fine detail)
Additionally (but not necessary):
Bring fine liner pens if you like to work with these: I use Unipin, or Sakura pigma micron, as they have water/fade proof archival quality inks. As well as black, they are available in grey and sepia. I usually use a 0.05 or 0.1, but up to 0.8 are fine too for larger drawings.
If you have chalk/charcoal pencils, please feel free to bring those.
If you have a hand magnifier, please bring that too!
Otherwise, I will have a range of these media that you can try, to see if you like them before investing in your own, as well as a range of papers that you can purchase from me. Please note that Flatford Mill does not sell art supplies.
