Everyday Objects: A Creative Exploration in Drawing & Painting -extended taster

About this course

Looking Closely: Observation, Light and Form

This 2 part taster course , (also available as a stand alone ) offers an introduction to the broad and fascinating genre often known as "still life," while encouraging participants to develop their own creative approach to drawing and painting from observation.

Led by experienced local artist and tutor Anna Milgrom, the session offers supportive guidance for all levels of experience. Anna's teaching encourages careful observation, creative confidence and the development of individual approaches to making art.

Objects have been a rich source of inspiration for artists for centuries. From the symbolic abundance of the Dutch Masters, through the quiet, contemplative bottle paintings of Giorgio Morandi, to Jim Dine's iconic tool series of the 1970s, artists have used everyday objects to explore observation, meaning, memory and personal expression.

Session one

Working with a range of dry media, including graphite, charcoal and coloured pencils, alongside watercolour and fine-line markers, students will explore techniques for composition, line, tone, colour and mark-making. Through guided exercises and individual experimentation, participants will gain confidence in translating what they see into expressive visual work.

The course will work from two contrasting object arrangements. The first will draw on the traditions of classical still life, exploring light, form, texture and composition. The second will take a more contemporary approach, using familiar everyday objects to investigate personal associations, design, pattern and visual storytelling.

Working from a traditional object set-up, participants will learn how artists use composition, line, tone and colour to create engaging images from everyday subjects. Using a combination of dry media, watercolour and fine-line markers, we will explore techniques for observation, drawing, mark-making and capturing the effects of light and shadow.

Session Two - Objects, Meaning and Personal Expression

Building on the rich history of still life, this second taster session explores how contemporary artists have transformed everyday objects into powerful personal imagery. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Jim Dine and his iconic tool series of the 1970s, we will consider how familiar objects can carry stories, memories and associations.

Working from a more contemporary object arrangement, or even bring in some of your own special pieces, participants will use drawing and painting techniques to explore composition, colour, pattern and expressive mark-making. Using a range of dry media, watercolour and fine-line markers, students will be encouraged to develop their own visual responses and creative ideas. For those wishing to use paints this is not a suitable course for a beginner.

This session is suitable as a stand alone workshop or as a continuation of Session One, offering a fresh perspective on drawing and painting from observation while expanding creative possibilities.

Each workshop can be taken independently, but together they provide a broader introduction to the diverse world of still life and object-based art. Participants booking both sessions will receive a discounted rate and the opportunity to explore both traditional and contemporary approaches to drawing and painting objects.

Materials supplied : Basic materials will be supplied but would encourage the participant to bring media they like to use.