Last week I started an interesting new project: I have been travelling to Nottingham almost every day, visiting different secondary schools across the city. That's a lot of train travel, so lots of sketching time: couldn't fit them all in here, so I've put some more in the Picture Gallery.
It's all part of a illustration & book making competition for Y7 students (age 11/12), and I have been asked to kick things off with a series of inspirational sessions, to get everyone really buzzing.
Over 5 days, I'm seeing 10 groups of students, doing illustration workshops to inspire them, but also to give them hints and tips to help them later on with their competition projects. I been showing them how to make their characters come alive: how to make them move realistically and how to depict a wide range of emotions through body language and facial expressions.
It's been fun for me to work with slightly older children for a change: I don't very often get invited into secondary schools, because of their far less flexible timetables.
There's still one school to go, then the students all spend a few weeks working with teachers and school librarians, writing and illustrating their own books. The students pictured are from Bulwell School, who are also writing their story in French - double challenge!
On April 21st I am going back to choose the best few pupils from each school, who will win a day out in June, to visit an art gallery, possibly the Tate Modern, although it's not quite decided yet. Great prize though, wherever they go. I can't wait to see what the students come up with!
5 comments:
sounds like such a good lesson, i wish someone had done something like this when i was in school! Have you considered posting something similar for us blog readers, would love to know how to make my characters more alive?
Thanks Gemma. I have done something a little like that in the past and blogged more specific detail, with examples of my flipchart sketches for the children's tips. Couldn't tell you where unfortunately!
When I have a little more time I'll try and do it again.
Great sketches Lynne. I love the color palette on first one /feb 2nd/ and the sense of light is so great. You're an ace marksperson with a pencil on those rails and always get your subject so right on.
Super wonderful life drawings!
:) Thank you very much for the comment on my blog!
I really enjoy your book illustrations as well!
It's cool to see all the sorts of illustration out there!
Thank you guys!
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