Observational Drawing: Exploring Line and Tone with Curtis Botham

The workshop will begin with a focus on line work. Depending on weather conditions, class may take place partially outdoors, providing ample opportunities to draw inspiration from surrounding scenery, buildings, or objects. Throughout the session, participants will engage in warm-up exercises and learn fundamental techniques such as sight measuring, gesture drawing, and tonal exercises. Following this, participants will have the opportunity to select subjects for drawing, whether outdoors or indoors if weather conditions are unfavourable.

In the afternoon participants will continue their exploration of observational drawing, focusing on incorporating tone into their sketches. Participants will be introduced to various techniques for creating tone, including experimenting with different pencils and understanding light direction. Individual guidance and advice will be available throughout the session to help participants refine their skills.

This workshop is designed for advanced beginner to intermediate levels. Students should have some prior knowledge and some existing drawing skills.

About your Instructor:

Curtis Botham graduated from NSCAD University in 2017. He has won numerous grants and awards, including NSTT scholarships, the Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award, and grants from Arts Nova Scotia and

the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation. His large-scale charcoal drawings have been displayed in galleries around Nova Scotia, and three of his works have been purchased by the Nova Scotia Art Bank. Since participating in New Glasgow's Artist in Residency program in 2017-18, he has been interested in exploring the origins, impacts, and labour involved in the products that make up our lives. He is also interested in depicting industry, consumption, and the social and environmental impacts of our capitalist society. Some of Curtis' artwork can be seen at curtisbotham.weebly.com. He can be contacted at ctbotham@gmail.com.