COLOURED PENCIL WORKSHOPS

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Introduction to our coloured pencil workshops and tutor
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​Our coloured pencil workshops are aimed at those looking to learn how to create detailed portraits. You do not need any previous experience, as our programme ensures you get all the advice you need to create your own masterpiece!

At every workshop, we provide individual demonstrations and offer one to one help for those who get stuck. You also receive a booklet that you can work from during the day, which covers all the techniques explained in the demonstrations. We keep the groups small so that we can connect with everyone and make the day as enjoyable as possible.

Why not come and join us!

2023 Art Workshops

All our workshops have now commenced for 2023. We will be release our 2024 subjects at the beginning of the year. 
We also run a graphite pencil workshop too.
You can find out more about our workshops on our dedicated  WORKSHOP page.

Barn Owl - Our 2023 1-day workshop subject

THIS WORKSHOP HAS NOW COMMENCED
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The 2-day workshop has been cancelled

​WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU THAT THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT NUMBERS

​Our coloured pencil workshops will be back in 2024

The 2024 workshops will be made available at the beginning of the year.

Why coloured pencils?

Coloured pencils as a medium are rising in popularity due to the fact there is little mess, easy transportation for impromptu sketching opportunities and they can be used to create a wide range of styles from Illustrative up to the photo realism style. It is great news that  art companies such as Caran d'Ache, Derwent & Faber Castell provide the artist with lightfastness and archival qualities, and it means that coloured pencil art is finally gaining the recognition it deserves, being exhibited in many respected art galleries around the world and getting praised by those people who originally thought it to be a 'kids' medium - as a self taught, coloured pencil artist from a very young age and with over 40 years of practice - this news makes Karen very happy!

What we offer

Karen has been working with coloured and graphite pencils for over 30 years. Although she has tweaked her techniques over time, the process is much the same as it has always been. The introduction of new products into the art market, may offer an opportunity to adapt these techniques, but she keeps her approach to the process, as simple as possible, yet very effective. This ensures that anyone can learn these techniques and it only requires a minimal amount of tools. The coloured pencil techniques taught in these workshops cover the importance of preparation and layering, and explains the usefulness of blending too. Learn how to build up your layers and when and where to apply the fine details to create a realistic piece of work.

​We are aware that working with pencils can seem very daunting, especially for someone who has never used the medium before. It is important that complete beginners find these workshops as enjoyable as those who may be more advanced in the art of pencils. Due to this, we devised a 'programme' that provides both observation and literature. Our demonstrations and booklets work in parallel so you can first watch how we create the subject and you can then follow the narrative using the workshop notes. If you get stuck, Karen is always on hand to help. 

There are no expectations for those who attend these workshops to create or copy the subject, as accurate as the reference image. In fact we encourage people to be expressive and use our demonstrations as a guide during application. Detailed drawings can take hours, and it is impossible for most people to complete their drawing in 6 hours. This is why we provide the workshop book, which is yours to keep. With this in mind, there is no rush to finish your work on the day. We much prefer that you enjoy the day, whilst picking up lots of hints and tips, and sharing stories with others in the group.

Our coloured pencil workshops are run to give those wishing to learn about producing fine detail in their pencil work, an insight on how to build up a coloured pencil piece. Coloured pencils can take many hours to create something quite detailed and our workshops offer those interested in realism, a chance to learn how to create detailed portraits.  These workshops are open to anyone from complete beginners looking to try out a different medium or those wishing to improve their current pencil techniques, and are tutored suitably for all artistic levels. Each subject varies as does the paper, so we can offer a wide range of choices for artists of all calibres.

These workshops will show you, whether an absolute beginner or an intermediate:

* Where to begin with coloured pencils
* How to achieve fine details
* How to layer with coloured pencils
* When & how to use the white pencil for best effect
* The importance of base layering
* How to blend coloured pencils

Tutor Demonstrations

Over the course of the day, there are 5 - 6 individual demonstrations, which the artist and tutor Karen, presents from her easel. This allows you to watch and see how each section is constructed, providing a visual guide for you.

1 To 1 Help

Between demonstrations, Karen is always on-hand, to provide further guidance and advice during the day. This ensures that you are not left to your own devices unless, you are happy working alone. 

What is included in the price

​*  The support paper
*  Reference photograph
*  Photocopy of subject for Tracedown use
*  A Workshop Booklet
*  Tutor Demonstrations
*  1 - 1 tutoring where required
*  Free Hot & Cold drinks throughout the day
*  An Art Kit (for those who request one)

A workshop booklet for everyone

A booklet is created for every workshop. Each subject is trialled before the day especially for this reason. Everyone is presented with a copy and it is yours to keep so you can use it to finish your portrait at home. It may also be useful for future reference too. The booklet also includes a colour chart, provides a list of do's and dont's and gives information about the paper used at the workshop. 

Bring your iPad or smartphone

Every attendee will receive a print out of the reference image, so you can work from it during the day. You may prefer to view the image on your phone or tablet instead, so ask us to email the image to you. A screen offers better clarity, brighter colours and means you can zoom into the image.​There is no internet access in the venue, so download the image to your device beforehand.

We have art products for sale at our workshops. These products match those used in demonstrations, and allows you to purchase extra stock or new products that 
you do not own but may be useful in your art. Please note that stock may be limited. If you wish to purchase an art kit, we do have excess stock, and can be purchased before the workshop begins. This means that you have the right colours for the subject and can be used for future workshops you may attend with us.​

Where is the workshop venue?
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Our workshops are run in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The county borders the Peak District, which many will be aware of, maybe even visited in the past. If you have heard of the 'wonky spire', (officially known as the Church of St. Mary and All Saints), this is the town.

Parish Centre Stonegravels
91 Sheffield Road
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S41 7JH

Small car park available, at the back of the centre.

Entrance to car park

PRICING
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Coloured Pencil single workshop
June 2023.....From £60
Saturday 11am - 4:30pm
​Art kits can be purchased

Coloured Pencil  2 Day Workshops August....From £110.00
Saturday 11:30am - 4pm
Sunday 11:30am - 4pm

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WHAT PRODUCTS WILL YOU NEED TO BRING WITH YOU?

If you wish to work with your own products you can view a detailed breakdown of requirements and recommendations on our Coloured pencils product recommendations page. Click the link below to visit.

WORKSHOP PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS

WHY NOT PURCHASE AN ART KIT

If you prefer, you can opt to loan a kit for the day or purchase a home kit which is yours to keep. The pencils supplied in both kits have been coded by Karen herself and matches the pencils she uses in the workshop - each pencil colour code is written in the workshop notes thus making it much easier to select the correct pencil immediately.
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The coloured pencil kit

Loan Kit                        £5.00 Extra

You can loan an art kit for the duration of the workshop if this is your first time working with coloured pencils and wish to see if you enjoy the medium before you buy a professional pencil range. If you wish to buy a home kit during the day, the £5.00 charge for the loan kit will be deducted from the cost of the home kit (subject to availability) You may wish to loan a kit simply because it saves time trying to organise your own pencil colours. 

Home Kit   -  48pk           £15.00 extra

A home kit provides you with the all the products needed for these workshops. They are supplied in a case and compact enough to carry around with you, bringing it to future coloured pencil workshops also.
Due to limited stock, book your home kit early.

Step by Step Art Gift Vouchers

Looking for a special gift for someone who loves art? Why not give them a personalised gift voucher that can be used for any of our workshops, starting from just £60?

Our vouchers are valid for two years and can be sent by post or email for convenience.​

ORDER YOUR VOUCHER TODAY