Gain confidence in talking about art in this friendly, practical one-day workshop. Through drawing, painting, discussion and reflective activities, you’ll explore ways of looking at and responding to artworks while developing the language to articulate your own ideas. Rather than judgement or “critique”, the focus is on constructive, supportive reflection that can help you develop your practice, overcome creative blocks, and gain fresh perspectives. Suitable for artists at any stage of their creative journey.
What we will do
In this day workshop we will paint, draw, discuss, write and share in a friendly group.
The day will kick off with introductions, slides and discussions. We will informally consider aspects such as aesthetics (beauty), skill, materiality, context, presentation, historical perspectives, contemporary perspectives.
Next, you’ll be invited to critique various works of art – and don’t worry if you feel shy or hesitant about expressing your views: this is not about ‘good’, it’s about developing the language and vocabulary to articulate visual things in speech or writing. Nor is art criticism completely subjective: our aim here is constructive, courteous reflection that elucidates an artwork and – most important for the practitioner – suggests ways forward with the work.
After lunch you will make and present your own artistic ‘family tree’; this will be fun and light-hearted. Finally you’ll make a couple of quick studies using elements of your family tree, and the group will be invited to speak about it and suggest ways forward.
At the end of the workshop
You will go home with visual material, written notes and new vocabularies/insights into ways of approaching your own work and that of others.
Who is it for and recommended mediums
This workshop is for anyone at any stage of the artistic journey who sometimes scratches their head when asked to articulate what they are looking at. It is also for anyone (i.e. everyone!) who gets stuck and doesn’t know what to do next.
What students should bring
Drawing boards and water containers will be provided.
Please bring:
• some work of your own for discussion (optional)
• Some basic materials in your preferred medium: one or two, not all, of the following:- drawing materials, oils, acrylic, watercolour, collage, paper or canvas.
• Pens/pencils and a notebook.
About the Tutor
Dr. Patti Leino is an artist and former lecturer in Fine Art at the University of Cumbria where she ran two contextual modules as well as studio teaching. She remains highly active in the arts and education, and has a special interest in the importance of expressive art and writing. As a walking artist, her work encompasses painting, drawing, writing, academic research, short films and sound recordings; her work aims to contribute to present-day understandings of fragile northerly ecosystems
Venue Address, Directions & Parking
Castle Douglas Community Centre, Cotton Street, CastleDouglas DG7 1AJ
Parking is available on site or in the streets around the community centre.
Food/lunch time/refreshments
Coffee morning and afternoon and a soup and sandwiches lunch is included in the course fee. Bring your own packed lunch if you’d prefer.
Accessibility
Fully accessible. Ground floor room.