Creative Methodologies: Fridays
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
Creative Methodologies – Summer Term
12-Week Art Workshop: Exploring the Natural World through Drawing, Painting, Printmaking & Sculpture
Embark on a creative journey that emphasises experimentation and alternative methods of creativity as you explore the natural world through drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Over 12 weeks, this hands-on course will guide you in observing and capturing nature’s beauty in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms.
Explore a range of methods and techniques to expand your skills and integrate them into your practice. Through creative exercises, you will represent the external world through direct observation, as well as from collected and found objects, transforming them into artistic forms through a process of exploration and experimentation.
Course Breakdown
Weeks 1–6: Drawing, Painting & Printmaking
Week 1: Introduction to observational drawing and basic techniques
Week 2: Focus on texture and detail in nature, with a mono-printing session
Week 3: Study anatomy and form of flora and fauna, followed by linocut printing
Week 4: Experiment with light and shadow in nature, creating a collagraph relief print
Week 5: Explore movement in nature through gesture drawing and motion-based prints
Week 6: Combine drawing, prints, and natural elements into a mixed-media final image
Weeks 7–12: Sculpture
Week 7: Introduction to sculpture materials and techniques, starting with 3D modelling
Week 8: Focus on creating organic forms utilising your drawings and prints
Week 9: Apply texture and surface treatment to sculptures, drawing inspiration from your prints and drawings
Week 10: Learn structure, balance, and support for 3D works
Week 11: Add movement and expression to sculptures, incorporating print-based elements
Week 12: Final sculpture presentation and reflection, sharing your process and work
Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will have a mixed-media object and a collection of drawings and prints, all inspired by the natural world. You’ll gain confidence exploring a variety of creative processes and techniques, taking your art to new, experimental pathways.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this course offers a unique opportunity to push your creativity and create nature-inspired works of art.
Materials & Tools You’ll Use:
Drawing & Painting Supplies: Pencils, charcoal, coloured pencils, oil and acrylic paints
Printmaking Materials: Mono-printing plates, ink, brayers, linoleum blocks, carving tools, relief printing materials, and screen-printing supplies (optional)
Sculpture Materials: Air-dry clay or modelling clay, wire, small carving tools, wood, plaster, found objects, and various textures for surface treatments
Additional Tools: Sculpting stands, brushes, plaster bandages, small chisels, and reference images or plants/animals for study
Materials You May Want to Bring:
Personal Sketchbook/Notebook for ongoing ideas, sketches, and notes
Found Objects or Textures from Nature (e.g., leaves, bark, rocks, seeds, feathers)
Additional Printmaking Supplies: If you have preferred tools or inks, feel free to bring them
Sculpture Materials: If you have a specific material that you enjoy working with (e.g., favourite clay, wire, or tools), bring them along
Inspiration Objects: Small natural objects (shells, stones, flowers) for direct observation and reference
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