We’ve had a few ‘Outreach Programmes’ in the Art School this term, and at the time of writing still one to go!  Last Saturday's workshop in the Art School was an incredibly popular event - we capped the numbers to 90 Year 6s this year, and the places were quickly taken up. The subject matter, as we were going to be working from ‘life’, was fittingly autumnal, and we gathered up a hundred gourds to explore through a variety of drawing and printmaking techniques.  All works were produced in 'limited edition’ Royal High Art School sketchbooks - a big hit with visitors!

As our attendees arrived they were distributed around the various studios and the fun commenced as we explored the gourds. We drew with fine-liners and wash; a pleasing technique, which very quickly adds tone to a drawing. We drew with white pencil crayon on black paper, where we concentrated on the lightness within the form – Sort of working in reverse, so drawing in lightness as opposed to drawing in darkness with a pencil. We collaged the forms and this is when our young creatives became truly imaginative. I was so impressed by the manipulation of colour and the inclusion of decorative elements, but we never lost sight of our subject matter, the gourds. Finally, we worked with biro and then some monoprinting on tissue paper. Because of the very nature of the tissue paper, a certain delicacy was demanded within the drawings in order to create the monoprint. This only added to the sensitivity within the forms that were described by our very talented young artists.

The two hours or so (sorry for the late finish) flew by in a flash and each participant departed with their own personal memory of the day – A Royal High Art School sketchbook full of beautiful recordings through drawing!

We look forward to seeing you in the Art School again soon, with an Art Show in July 2020 and, as a Year 7 in September 2020…

Mr Graeme Preedy