Inspired By the Garden: Drawing & Painting Workshop

Saturday 23 May, 11am-3.30pm

Immerse yourself in the magical Forgan Arts Centre garden! We will begin by stepping outside the studio to find inspiration: filling our sketchbooks with guided drawings, colour studies and quick paintings that capture the essence of the gardens. This will help us slow down, connect with nature and build confidence with different materials and techniques.

When we have finished ‘collecting’, we will return to the studio to begin the process of turning our sketches into an acrylic painting on canvas. Working from our sketchbooks, we will develop ideas in different stages, including making more detailed drawings, collage and working at a larger scale. The final part of the workshop will involve transferring these ideas to canvas.

Nicola aims to create an environment that balances playfulness, relaxation and challenge. It’s not about creating a drawing or painting that is ‘perfect’, but one that tells a story. By the end of the day you should feel more confident with a range of materials and techniques, but also learn a bit about yourself as an artist. This workshop is suitable for a range of people: from absolute beginners, to experienced artists seeking new perspectives.

What to Bring

Basic materials will be provided, but it would be useful to bring: a sketchbook, a canvas of your preferred size and an apron/overall. Other materials include: watercolours, watercolour pencils, coloured pencils, soft pastels, oil pastels, charcoal, white/coloured paper, acrylic paint, brushes and a palette knife. We will be flexible with materials to accommodate what you have. We will also be spending time outside (weather-dependent), so please bring appropriate clothing/sun protection.

About the Tutor

Nicola Wiltshire is a painter and art tutor born in Bedfordshire, living in Dundee with a BA Hons in Fine Art (University of Westminster) and MFA Art and Humanities (DJCAD). Nicola has previously worked with Forgan Arts Centre, Tayside Healthcare Arts Trust, McManus Museum and Art Gallery, Royal Scottish Academy, DCA, plus in collaboration with different schools and community groups.

Nicola works primarily in oil paint on patterned fabric, but also makes acrylic paintings and mixed media drawings. She is interested in transforming mundane, everyday places and objects into bold paintings that are infused with colour, energy and memory.