Experienced tutor and Arborealist Fiona McIntyre ARE will guide you in a comprehensive course learning the art of drawing trees from installations of tree forms, roots and foliage in the studio and living trees in Abbey Grounds.

On this course you will learn the character of different tree species including the anatomy of a tree; its basic structure, twisting branches growing towards the light, its powerful root systems and the patterns and texture of bark. The curriculum will include references to relevant artists and a brief introduction to the natural materials used by the artist in her own work.

Weeks 1 & 2

You will begin by learning important drawing skills including observational measuring techniques, composition, form and texture with pencils and charcoal. These are tried and tested techniques which help to build a wide vocabulary of drawing methods.

Weeks 3 & 4

You will pivot to rapid drawing techniques that develop 50:50 looking capturing the spirit and energy of trees using charcoal and earth-coloured graphites. This is also incredibly useful for learning to draw rapidly in sketchbooks and you will discover that a combination of analytical and intuitive drawing methods will open you up to greater possibilities.

Weeks 5 & 6

You will begin colour mixing plus basic colour theory and learn how to make a wide variety of greens from a small palette of 3 colours expanded to cool and warm hues working with gouache/watercolour and inks. You will use your knowledge of colour mixing to sketch trees outdoors in a series of drawing/painting exercises and become more sensitive and perceptive to the variety of nuances and different shades of green to describe leaves, foliage, moss, lichen and bracket fungus.

Week 7 onwards

You will be encouraged to build a rapport with a tree of your choice from which to develop a longer drawing project. This will be more experimental using mixed media, collage, inks, water-based and dry media. By making sketches and observational drawings combined with photographic reference you should be prepared to develop some larger more complex works over the period combining sound drawing practice with intuitive expressive techniques.

Meet your tutor

Fiona McIntyre was born in Kenya and brought up in Ireland and England. She is an experienced artist, tutor and speaker focusing on art/ecology/landscape and trees. As a tutor she believes passionately in the importance of drawing and understanding principles of colour and intuitive expression.

After graduating from Edinburgh College of Art with a BA Hons in Drawing and Painting she moved to Sweden for seven years to learn the language and practice at studios in Malmo, and studied printmaking at Grafiskskolan Forum under the influential Surrealist artist Bertil Lundberg. Her education culminated in an MA at Winchester School of Art studios in Barcelona.

Tutor: Fiona McIntyre
Date & Time: Thursdays, 10am - 1pm
Venue: Brush Studio, New Brewery Arts
PRICE: £340.00 (£0.00 VAT)

12-weeks

First Class: Thursday 1st May
No Class: Thursday 29th May
Last Class: Thursday 24th July

Please note that this workshop is for those aged 18 and over.

You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio.

Refreshments are available at our on-site café Blend until 4pm.

For more information:
Visit our FAQ page

Who is this course for?

Although trees can be challenging all levels of ability are welcome as we will cover the basics and then become more experimental. A certain level of fitness is necessary as we will be walking into the park to draw with some basic equipment.

What you will need:

• All materials will be provided including brushes, but if you wish to bring your own then please supply size 6, 8 and 10

• Please bring an apron or wear clothes you are happy to paint in.

• Weather dependant we will try and spend as much time outdoors as possible. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring a chair. You will be informed ahead of the class if you will be outside.

• NB We begin every class by meeting in Brush Studio for an informal chat prior to going outdoors.

Please take home all work home by the end of your course.