Pica Studios, Unit 4, Enterprise Complex, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TT

An exciting half day clothed life drawing workshop with Pica artist Lesley Shaw. Embrace the freedom of dynamic figure drawing by exploring new ways of looking at the body. Consider colour, composition and mood using different mediums and techniques. Join Lesley for 3 hours of fun, drawing a clothed life model, with no expectation of masterpieces but every possibility of making some wonderful expressive art! Workshops are limited to around 6 places. These workshops offer full tuition with lots of demonstrations, tips and techniques to improve drawing skills, but also to show that drawing can be fun when we allow ourselves to be brave and carefree with it.

The sessions will start with fun warm-up drawing exercises, followed by short then longer poses. You will work with different mediums, including chalk pastel, charcoal and pen, and you will be encouraged to work loosely and perhaps on a larger scale than you might usually choose. The emphasis will be on an instinctive and intuitive approach, rather than careful attention to detail and proportion. You will learn how to look at the contours of the body in terms of a line and a series of basic shapes. You will discover how composition, different mediums and colour can all influence the mood of a drawing.

The workshops are suitable for all levels. So if you always liked drawing at school but were never encouraged or have lost your confidence, if you simply don’t know where to start, then this would be a great introduction. Or perhaps you have some drawing experience, but would like to loosen up your technique. Lesley has over 30 years experience as a figurative artist, and has taught both children and adults. All materials and refreshments are provided.