This event is sold out. Please contact me for the waiting list.
A full day of figure drawing in ancient woodland, with a life model, amongst the trees.
Walderchain Wood, near Canterbury, has been here long enough to have accumulated an atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where drawing a person standing in dappled light between the oaks feels like a connection to a deep past.
We’ll be working with model Jon Owens, a champion wrestler and puckish presence who’ll bring a bit of Where the Wild Things Are energy. Inspired by both our model and the landscape, the day will be built around the stories woodlands carry — the ones about magic, wildness, and the odd feeling that something very old is paying attention.
There'll be warm-up exercises to shake out your hands and your imagination, some structured drawing prompts, and plenty of time to explore your own work.
You don't need experience. You don't need a working theory about ancient myth. You just need to be curious, willing to spend a day outside, and dressed for whatever Kent decides to do with the weather. (Layers. Bring layers.)
All levels welcome. Beginners especially. The trees are very non-judgemental.
About the venue
Walderchain Wood is a 23 acre ancient woodland site in the Elham valley area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), about 20mins south of Canterbury. The woodland is managed to continuously supply timber as a material and fuel, to enhance biodiversity and natural stability and for amenity value.
-
Walderchain wood is about 20 minutes drive south of Canterbury, near Barham.
Woodland Farm, Walderchain, Canterbury, CT4 6NS
Parking is on site, close to the teaching area down a dirt track The entrance is through a gate at What Three Words: ///unicorns.display.shelf .
The venue is a 10-15min walk from the nearest bus stops (Mill Lane /Derringstone Hill or Old Chalk Pit Barham) or 15-20min walk from the Jackdaw in Denton.
-
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided, but please note that Lunch is NOT included - bring your own packed lunch.
All materials, including paper are included. There will be drawing boards, some easels, and some seating.
You might want to bring
suncream, hats, layers, good shoes - it’s a woodland in the English summertime…
your favourtite art materials
your own easel and board, if you have one
a sketchbook, if you like working smaller
a panic blanket, and/or a folding camping chair to make longer poses in the wood easier. (Don’t worry if you don’t have these - there are a good number already)
-
The class is in a woodland, with no paved paths. The ground is uneven, and may be muddy if there has been rain.
Classes will be held in a semi-covered woodland clearing, a robust open sided workshop or a warm dry workshop - depending on weather conditions.
Parking is on site, close to the teaching area.
There are toilet and wash facilities onsite.
I try to be inclusive in the way I run classes, but I'm always learning. If there's anything that might be a barrier to you fully taking part, please feel free to drop me an email, or pull me aside for a chat at the start. ! I'm really happy to work together to adapt things to work for all of us in the class.
-
Beginners are welcome - you don’t need any previous drawing experience to come along to this class.
I can offer some individual tuition during the day, and can adapt the activities to support you. It’s a great, safe place to try drawing the figure in a supportive, inclusive and non-judgemental atmosphere, but a full day of life drawing outdoors might be a LOT if it’s your first time.
If you’re nervous or unsure, drop me a line for a chat.
-
You need to be 14 or older to join the class.
If you’re under 18, you’ll need to show you have an OK from a responsible adult (parent or guardian), because life classes involve naked models and people can be weird about that stuff. I want to make sure you’re safe, and properly looked after.
Drop me an email and we can sort it out.
-
I offer reduced tickets for people who are struggling financially: Universal Credit claimants, people in receipt of the Disability Living Allowance, PIP or other income support.
Please contact me to to receive a discount code you can use when buying tickets. I won’t ask for proof or documentation.
If you are able, please consider paying the full price - this is my main source of income!If you’re feeling generous, perhaps you would like to buy a pay-it-forward ticket, to cover a free ticket for someone who really needs it?
The small print
Cancellation policy
If you need to cancel, a full refund can be obtained up to 22nd July, 1 week before the course starts. Late cancellations are not refundable, but it’s fine to transfer tickets between people if you let me know in advance who wants to take your slot.
If the class does not run, you’ll get a full refund.
There is a code of conduct and you’ll need to agree to the workshop safety guidelines.
If you behave in a way that endangers yourself or others, are disrespectful of the model or other attendees, you will be asked to leave and no refund will be given.