On the first morning, we will take inspiration from our beautiful surroundings gathering visual information and exploring mark-making using simple rubbings and lines. Back in the studio, you will develop your sketches further using colour, collage and mixed media to create a unique series of drawings.

Through discerning observation, you will identify sections of your drawings you wish to translate into felt work, considering how best to interpret and execute composition, form, texture, tone, and colour.

You will first work on small experimental pieces to familiarise yourself with the process, technique, and materials, gaining deeper understanding of their properties and behaviours.

Working from your library of marks and samples, you will then work on a larger piece, gradually building your composition as you apply fibres, threads and inserts in fine layers. You will manipulate materials and textiles to develop expressive textures and tonal moods.

You will work individually but will be supported throughout by tutor demonstrations and handouts, one-to-one tutorial advice, as well as informal group discussion.

The course offers you the opportunity to:

• Foster sharper observation skills
• Seek inspiration from nature and develop unique ideas through drawings
• Explore an alternative approach to the wet felting technique
• Acquire a deeper knowledge of materials’ behaviours
• Explore and manipulate fibres, threads and fabrics in an expressive art form
• Develop an individual approach and flow to your creative practice

Please come prepared for outdoor amblings whatever the weather. The course will include a visit to the nearby Petworth House (The National Trust) special exhibition on Turner and Landscape on Monday morning to collect inspiration to inform your work back in the studio.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply many of the materials including: - Merino wool tops

• Embellishment fibres
• Silk fabrics (small sizes)
• Muslin cotton fabric
• Merino wool prefelt

On this course the College will supply some of the materials including: one A1 sheet of Cartridge paper white and A1Tracing paper; 3 sheets of A1Newsprint; 4 sheets of A2 Tissue paper white; 100 x 100 cm bubblewrap (small bubbles); a small quantities of White spirit and bleach, Quink Ink and PVA glue to share.

What students need to bring

• Fabric scissors
• Pointy tweezers (if you have one)
• 3 small/medium size towels
• Felting palm (if you have one)
• Water sprinkler (if you have one) or plastic cup with handle
• Plastic bowl for soap solution suitable for microwave
• Plastic bag
• Pen, pencil soft, rubber, ruler 50cm, notebook/sketchbook,
• iPad, camera phone (if you have one)
• Apron/ old shirt to protect your clothes
• A few small rags

Drawing Equipment / Material (bring what you have available to you)

• Paint brushes (large and medium sizes), palette knives, nibs, etc
• Oil pastels, paints, inks, charcoal sticks, graphite sticks, etc

Felting Equipment, (can be purchased from tutor)

• Synthetic netting approx. 80 x 80cm
• Insulation pipe 1m long, 4cm diameter
• Pair of knee-high pop socks

Felting Materials (if already available to you)

• Wool tops
• Open mesh lightweight fabrics
• Embellishment fibres

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• Various drawing materials including pastels, inks, charcoal and graphite sticks

Available from tutor:

• Silk fabrics £23/m, cost to be determined according to size
• Felting equipment £4.40, includes netting, insulation pipe, pop socks

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Please note: small quantiies of White Spirit and bleach will be used to create effects in your drawings. If you have sensitivity to these materials gloves and masks will be supplied.

In the event of an extreme weather forecast, such as high winds, there may be changes to the course content as necessary. The College will provide transport for the visit to Petworth House.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions