In this fun and interactive workshop, participants will be guided through some of the key challenges and approaches to drawing wild mammals and birds from life, at sea. A classroom session, simulating a whale watching trip will breakdown the challenges of drawing wildlife through practical exercises on field craft, anatomy and strategies for sketching unpredictable and moving subjects from observation.
Skills learned in the classroom will be put into practice with the opportunity for participants to create their own wildlife seascapes, either drawn plein-air on the quayside with the spectacular views of the Forth coast as a backdrop or, by working in the studio from a range of reference material. 1-1 tuition at this stage will guide participants through the process of developing observational drawings into resolved artworks.
Outcomes will include at least 6 sets of drawings of different whale, dolphin and seabird species and one sustained seascape drawing of a wildlife scene.
‘Drawing at Sea’ is suitable for adults aged 16 and over, including beginner to experienced artists as well as nature watchers interested in learning how drawing wildlife can enhance their observation and ID skills. Materials included.
Chris Wallbank, SWLA is a painter, drawer and printmaker. His practice explores the experience of landscape and the wild environments where he is most at home working in response to the changing elements and rhythms of nature. Chris’ work is often concerned with ecological themes and he has collaborated with a wide range of conservation projects, such as the long-term monitoring of breeding Guillemot colonies on Skomer Island and the preservation of urban Black Kites in New Delhi. In recognition of this, he was awarded the Birdscapes Conservation Through Art Award in 2020. Chris has been an art tutor, predominantly with the Royal Drawing School and Prince’s Foundation since 2016 and also works as a marine surveyor and wildlife guide. He often combines knowledge and experience from both these roles to present uniquely taught workshops on drawing wildlife in wild environments.
Marine Fest is supported by North Berwick Trust.