Mindfulness sketchbook walk
Meeting place: by the statue of Queen Anne outside St Pauls Cathedral.
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What is the course about?
We will use drawing to heighten awareness of our surroundings whilst watching our own changing sensations and mental states, enjoying the richness of the simple activity of drawing. As we draw we may even create a little oasis of stillness amongst the bustle. Drawing outside in the winter months can be challenging but the extra effort needed is very rewarding.
Making rapid sketches we will end up with a record of our experience throughout the evening which we will discuss and reflect upon.
The tutor will have your phone numbers in case they need to get in touch in an emergency.
What will we cover?
We will experiment with different approaches to sketching and recording fast moving subject matter. By building on our observational skills, we learn to look at the world more closely and doing so become more engaged with our own experience. Here we start to employ awareness techniques that allow us to cut through the distracted nature of our busy minds to something more absorbing, more satisfying.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Improve rapid sketching skills
Apply awareness techniques as part of daily life
Learn how to work with a distracted mind
Improve observational drawing skills.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Suitable for all levels; You need to be able and willing to go on a walk through busy streets and to be standing for much of the time.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for
health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Demonstration and practical application. One to one and group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Some basic materials such as pencils, sharpeners and rubbers will be provided .
You will need to bring a sketchbook (A5 minimum) and may like to bring additional drawing materials such as favourite pens, pencils or coloured crayons.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
There are many sketchbook courses including
Sketchbooks: creating visual journeys
Large sclae sketchbook
Sketching at the museum: National Gallery
Sketching at the museum: Wellcome Collection
Sketching at the museum: National Maritime Museum
Sketching at the museum: Tate Gallery.
Helen is London-based artist who uses observation as her starting point. Her own paintings develop from a combination of drawings, memory and imagination. She studied Illustration at University of Arts Falmouth and completed the Drawing Year at the Royal Drawing School in 2008 where she now also teaches. One aspiration is to make a website so that her work can be easily viewed but there always seems to be something else she would rather be doing - like drawing! She loves the atmosphere of concentration in the life-room. She encourages students to find ways of mark making that are both disciplined and honest - a fine tuning of technique and a deepening of emotional engagement. Helen is a committed Buddhist and her teaching is informed by attitudes and practices from the Buddhist tradition, including meditation. This is especially emphasised in the Drawing and Mindfulness courses. Tutor's instrgram: www.instagram.com/helenkusalasara
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
