Category Archives: Inspiration
Drawing Houses
With the drawing classes winding down and the drawing year coming to an end, I have decided it was time to revive this blog by posting regularly about the various themes we have been exploring throughout the last few months. Students at the Observatoire studio range from 5 year olds to teenagers (and the occasional adult), and in most weeks, there is a theme, that will be interpreted in various ways by the different drawing groups. The results are as varied as you can imagine and sometimes throw great insights into how students of different personalities, different age, and in different environments (peers) produce different drawings.
A house. Built by 5-year-olds Henry and Breit.
In each lesson, there would have been a goal, something to explore. Sometimes, it’s a medium, sometimes it’s an aspect of drawing (such as contour drawing, perspective, shading, negative space, composition…), and sometimes it’s about letting the participants take ownership of their drawing (vs. creating a “perfect” drawing). Sometimes the constraints are strong, sometimes there are none. Most of the time, the instructions are only a beginning and the participants are invited to finish their drawing in their own way (or start a second one, on their own)
The themes explored in the last term have been:
- How to draw an apple accurately enough that you might be able to pick it from a bowl?
- Many different cacti.
- Drawing water bottles. Is it boring?
- How hard is it to draw a ping-pong ball? (Challenge)
- Build your own house and draw it.
- Observing insects close-up. Drawing them accurately.
- Understanding Master’s paintings through their mark-making.
I will update the list above with links as the posts come in… stay tuned and do link-up on Facebook where I do post rather informally drawings of various students or comments on classes as they have just happened.
Best Wishes for the New Year!
Wishing you all the best for 2013!
The last printmaking workshop went really well, and I re-used some of the printing plates made by the participants to make into this card for the New Year. I hope you feel inspired!
The studio will now be closed until the 14th of January, as the artist is travelling! But to get all the information about the latest classes and schedule, scoot along to the Observatoire’s Blog, where all the latest info has been uploaded. In order to stay informed of the drawing classes, holiday camps and other workshops, I urge you to follow the blog (Tick the box at the bottom of l’Observatoire’s page), and/or to “Like” l’Observatoire on Facebook as this blog will slowly be phased out…
December Camp
- Due to the high demand for the Drawn to Nature Camp, we are opening the camp for a SECOND WEEK from 17 to 21st of December. Sign-up soon as these fill up fast! Call me first to check availability (9273 4991) and fill up the contact form at the bottom of this post so I can send you the registration details.
- There are still places for the PRINTMAKING session on Thursday 20th December afternoon. Call me first to check availability (9273 4991) and fill up the contact form at the bottom of this post so I can send you the registration details.
I hope to see you before the year ends!
Daytime Drawing Classes for Adults
Always wanted to try drawing but think you can’t? Here’s the news: if you can write, you have enough control to draw. If you can see, you can learn to see to draw. Drawing, together with writing and counting is a tool for communicating and understanding the world around us. Come give it a try over the next 5 weeks. First class is on the 23rd of September, at the brand new Observatoire at the Blue House. Full details here.
Open Studio
A place to explore and create art for teenagers.
In this studio, you’ll have a space to create your own art, be inspired by peers, and get advice and guidance when needed. Over 10 sessions, explore different media and find your voice.
Drawing: pencil, charcoal, and alternative mark-making
Painting: watercolour and acrylics
Printmaking: relief printing (woodcut, lino, collographs), etching, silk-screen
Object-making: basic clay work; working with found objects; papier mâché.
Saturday, 9.30 – 11.30 am. Fees: $ 50 per class or $ 450 for 10 class session.
Isadora's Workshop 