Exploring Drawing Workshops

Saturdays, 10am-1pm
25th April, 9th May, 6th June & 10th October
Suitable for beginners
Times and Location

Saturday mornings 10:00 – 13:00

April 25th – Four Ways

May 9th – Unlikely Tools

June 6th – Collage and Frottage combined with mark-making and drawing

October 10th – Four Ways

About Melodie

Figurative Artist, Pastellist and Ceramic Sculptor

My career began in the fashion industry,working in Italy as a freelance fashion designer and consultant collaborating with some of Italy’s major brands. After 18 years I left the fashion world and set up a new art and design studio,creating collections and illustrations for editorials and children’s books,stationery,ceramics and glass.

A few years later I returned to the UK and went to the Art Academy in London to study fine art including painting,drawing and sculpture full time. After college I decided to focus on my deep love for drawing-and on portraits in particular-using exclusively dry media such as pastels and charcoal.

My work has been exhibited annually from 2013 at the Pastel Society UK Open Exhibitions in the Mall Galleries, where I have won 6 awards to date. I was elected a full member of the Pastel Society UK in 2017 www.thepastelsociety.org

I have also exhibited twice at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Open Exhibitions in the Mall Galleries London and other UK galleries.

I have been running regular Exploring Drawing workshops since 2014.

In 2017 I began working with clay again and rediscovered my passion for sculpture. Ceramic sculpture is now an established part of my practice and has also inspired me to create a series of artworks of still life. 

My work is part of collections in the Uk,Italy and Canada.

Melodie Cook PS

website melodiecook.co.uk 

instagram @melodiecookartist @exploringdrawing @thecabinetofcuriouspots

About the Workshops

These workshops are set in the relaxed atmosphere of designermakers21 in a group of up to max.10 people. 

We will explore the many aspects of drawing and mark-making,using various dry media and/or ink,to stimulate, experiment, loosen up and ultimately improve looking and drawing skills.

Each workshop will have a theme and I will be offering individual guidance and tuition.

All the necessary materials and subject matter to draw are provided.

APRIL 25th and OCTOBER 10thFOUR (or FIVE) WAYS

A challenging but ultimately enjoyable workshop.Each participant sets up their own still life and draws it,each time using a different technique;

1-WRONG HAND drawing slowly 

2-DOODLING and MARKMAKING with no outer lines

3-CAN’T SEE you can’t see what you’re drawing.

4-DRAWING THE LIGHT with an eraser..

5-A final,longer study if there’s time..

-DRAWING BLIND with bamboo knitting needles creating two or more drawings from one through layers

May 9thUNLIKELY TOOLS

After a blind contour drawing warm up exercise we will each set up our still life and use drawing implements made from mostly organic matter,teasel heads,feathers and twigs etc,dipped in drawing ink.There is little or no control over the marks you make.The results can be very interesting and full of energy!

June 6thCOLLAGE and FROTTAGE combined with mark-making and drawing.

We will rip,tear and manipulate various papers and materials to create textured, patterned surfaces on which to apply our collaged drawings.

An exciting and fun workshop.

BOOKINGS 

To book your place please email melcookartist@icloud.com

Workshop Cost: £40 pp per session, with a £15 non-refundable deposit payment taken on booking. 

10 places available

What is Provided?

All materials including all subject matter for still life,tea/coffee.

What to Bring

Apron or Overshirt if preferred.Water bottle, mid morning snack

Accessibility: This workshop will take place on the ground floor at designermakers21. There is step free access to the workshop area, but small steps to access the toilet and other areas of the building. If you have access requirements, please contact workshops@designermakersCIO.org.uk with any queries.