Workshop Overview

Join us for a welcoming and engaging drawing workshop focused on the importance of observation, light, and form. This session is designed for anyone looking to strengthen their drawing skills, whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist. Through step-by-step guidance, you’ll learn how to capture depth, shape, and contrast in a way that brings your subject to life.

While the instructor primarily works in botanical subjects, this workshop will focus on fundamental drawing techniques that can be applied to any subject matter. The goal is to build confidence in your drawing abilities and develop a deeper understanding of how to see and translate what you observe onto paper.

This workshop will be available both in-person and via Zoom. The in-person session can accommodate up to 15 participants, and a Zoom link will be sent to members who wish to attend virtually. Thanks to generous grant funding from ArtsNL, we are excited to offer more opportunities for our members to connect and engage in creative learning experiences together.

This workshop builds upon Glynn Bishop’s experience leading the Paint and Chat sessions for the Botanical Art Society of Newfoundland and Labrador (BASNL) over the past few years. Glynn, who is also the President of BASNL, has guided participants in both drawing and painting, helping them refine their techniques in a friendly and supportive environment. This upcoming workshop will expand on those teachings, focusing on drawing fundamentals.

To assist with the drawing exercises, Glynn will provide dried beech leaves and cherry tomatoes as reference subjects for attendees to observe and sketch.

An email will be sent to members in the next day or two with further information about the workshop and registration details.

Attendees are welcome to bring watercolor or another medium they are comfortable with, along with their sketching supplies. If time allows, the instructor will demonstrate how he adds watercolor to the finished drawing to bring it to life.

Workshop Schedule (10:00 AM - 3:30 PM)

Morning Session

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Introduction & Discussion

• Understanding the role of light and shadow in drawing

• How light influences perception and composition

• Using reference images effectively

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Setting Up & Initial Sketch

• Choosing the right lighting and composition

• Taking black-and-white reference photos

• Sketching basic outlines with an H pencil

• Identifying and marking key areas of light and shadow

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM | Lunch Break

Afternoon Session

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Developing the Drawing

• Refining values: transitioning from H to 2B and 3B pencils

• Deepening shadows and enhancing highlights with an eraser

• Exploring details: using a magnifying glass for precision

• Techniques for correcting and improving your drawing

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Final Touches & Optional Color Application

• Adjusting contrast to create depth and realism

• Evaluating your work and making final refinements

• If time allows, the instructor will demonstrate how to apply watercolor to the finished drawing to enhance its realism and bring it to life

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Group Discussion & Feedback

• Reviewing completed work

• Group discussion and instructor feedback

Materials to Bring

• Sketchbook or drawing paper (preferably heavyweight for detailed work)

• Pencils: H, 2B, and 3B

• Eraser (kneaded and standard)

• Magnifying glass (optional but recommended)

• Camera or smartphone for reference photos

• Light source (desk lamp if preferred for controlled lighting)

• Solid-colored background for subject reference

• Sharpener or mechanical pencils

• Ruler and blending tools (tortillon or tissue)

• Optional: Watercolor set, brushes, and a small water container if you wish to experiment with adding color

Key Takeaways

• Learn to observe and interpret light and shadow effectively

• Improve your ability to create realistic depth and contrast

• Develop skills in refining and correcting your drawings

• Gain a deeper appreciation for detailed observational drawing

• Explore how watercolor or other media can enhance a finished drawing

Enjoy the process, take your time, and immerse yourself in the art of seeing and drawing!

A Zoom link for virtual attendees will be sent out to members before the workshop.