On the 1st of December I took the train to Dundee to join a ranger called Colin in the Botanic Gardens, where we delivered a workshop on squirrels and hedgehogs. Sadly, only two of the 8 booked participants turned up, but they were friendly and enthusiastic, and went for a wander with Colin around the gardens whilst I arranged the art materials ready for some creativity.
They returned an hour later, and together the 4 of us discussed the animals and evidence of animals they had seen, different conservation efforts across Scotland, and the state of funding for both conservation and the arts.
After having some lunch, we settled down to learn some drawing techniques.
First, we sketched hedgehogs in pencil, building up our drawings of animals using shapes, shading, and using a variety of marks to communicate different textures. We progressed to fine line pen, considering how different nib sizes, different pressures, and different movements can be used to develop a “repertoire” of marks.
Colin and the two participants drew brilliant hedgehogs, and we discussed different experiences of art education, and the importance of a space like the Botanic Gardens.
Once satisfied with our hedgehogs, we applied the techniques we had just learnt to drawing a squirrel in a similar way.
We then explored water based inks, using watercolour paper and paint brushes to experiment with the “wet-on-dry” and “wet-on-wet” techniques. We discussed how shapes and shadows can be used to communicate as much as edges do, and how we can have fun with colour and tone. The participants had a lot of fun painting squirrels and hedgehogs using this material until the end of the workshop.
“Colin was a great guide around the gardens & we really enjoyed his help on tree identification & his advice on using a bird song app.
Felicity is an excellent teacher. As an Art college graduate I can honestly say she was loads better in one afternoon than anyone I encountered in 3 years. Please pass that on!
I am delighted with my hedgehog & squirrel illustrations & she might even have helped me overcome a lifetime of avoidance of drawing.”