We Explore Drawing Workshop

Paul Brandford from "We Explore Drawing", recently hosted a workshop for our Year 10 Art students. Paul studied at the Royal Academy Schools. In 2003, he won the 2003 Jerwood Drawing Prize, Britain’s foremost award for drawing, and was shortlisted for the inaugural Threadneedle Prize in 2008. Paul examines today’s world of politicians, culture and conflict; photojournalism and film stills inspire his drawings and paintings. The resulting work is sometimes satirical, sometimes serious but never pure reproduction.

The aim of the workshop was to explore the interrelationship between painting and drawing. Paul used examples of his own paintings, historical and contemporary examples to explore discipline and expression in a range of media. The purpose was to explore possibilities beyond the notion of drawing and painting as separate activities and break boundaries bringing students out of their comfort zones to enhance their creative imaginations.

Beginning in monochrome and moving into colour, students explored painting and drawing from a range of imagery and artistic styles. They were able to gain confidence in drawing with their brushes and familiarity with the physical properties of paint. The students went on to experiment with paint mixing and working with a range of tools on a number of surfaces. The session ended with a sustained painting based upon a photographic source during which the students developed their previous findings in pursuit of a personalised approach to painting. They were inspired by Paul in a vibrant and supportive atmosphere as he guided them through tasks that they had not experienced before. All work has gone towards the students’ portfolio submission on their GCSE Art course.

A great day was had by all and we look forward to working with Paul in the future! #collaboration #success #respect