This workshop, led by artist Benjamin Deakin, takes Gilpin’s idea that nature needs to be "improved" by humanity (the artist) for it to be aesthetically appealing. You will be led through a series of drawing exercises that explores ways of “augmenting” the landscape, from working with charcoal to screen based activity.

VIEW A RECORDING OF THIS WORKSHOP ON RECORDINGS +

Part of More Than Ponies Summer 2020 programme TeleVistas - an online broadcast project that explores how we look at the landscape during the pandemic, inspired by New Forest based William Gilpin, the great writer of the picturesque movement of the 18th century. The workshop will be delivered via online platforms using the Tele Vistas broadcast of New Forest landscapes as our views. A family worksheet will also accompany the event.

Suitable for all abilites, you will need:

• Drawing paper A4 or larger ideally (thick enough to handle a bit of rubbing out etc) 

• Charcoal if possible, but alternatively pencils, graphite stick, chalks etc.

• Eraser (putty rubber if available) 

• Teatowel or similar, for protecting computer keyboard from charcoal dust if necessary

Other suggestions:

• Rolled paper torchon ( or cotton buds makes a handy fine-smudge tool )

• Rag, for smudging and smoothing areas of the drawing

• Coloured pastels, if you're feeling adventurous

FREE all welcome.

Benjamin Deakin is based in London, UK. He is a painter with key artistic interests is his experience from various travels to remote parts of the world. Recent exhibitions include: The William Morris Society, London (2019); Arthouse1: London (2019); Contemporary British Painting Prize, (2018) Huddersfield Art Gallery; St Marylebone Crypt, London; The Cello Factory, London. The Concept Space, London (2018); Studio 1.1, London, (2017); Tannery Projects, London (2016); Turps Gallery, London (2015). A survey of his recent work entitled Reimagining Somewhere and Nowhere with an accompanying essay by Stephen Baycroft was published in 2019. He was recently awarded an artist’s residency at PADA studios, Lisbon, 2018. Previous residencies include: Joya Art+Ecologica, Andalucia, Spain (2017); Listhus, Olafsfjordur, Iceland (2015); The Klondike Institute of Arts and Culture in Dawson City, Yukon, Canada (2008), University of Kathmandu, Nepal (2005), Hospitalfield Trust, Arbroath, Scotland (2002).

IMAGE: Benjamin Deakin, Lodge, 65x75cm. 2013.