Painting Exquisite Dragonflies

Open to all adults – from beginners to those with some drawing and painting experience.

Did you know that dragonflies can fly upside down and backwards? Are you interested to learn how to draw and paint these fascinating flying insects? This course will cover the depiction of dragonflies in a range of media. The course will start with observation techniques and sketching, progressing to more accurate drawing methods and finally to painting in watercolours.

During the course we will look at how artists and illustrators represent dragonflies in different ways. We’ll also look at some real specimens and photographs to understand the amazing variety of British dragonflies and damselflies and learn a few facts about these beautiful flying insects.

• How to choose a subject and sketch it loosely
• How to draw a dragonfly more accurately and to scale in pencil.
• How to represent the wing venation in simplified but accurate way
• How to use ink and/or watercolour paints to colour your dragonfly. We will aim to paint at least 2 dragonflies during the course.

Materials
Materials will be supplied, however if you have your own sketch book and watercolour paints and brushes, please bring them along. You are most welcome to bring any materials that you are accustomed to using.
Students may wish to purchase a set of proportional dividers to make measurements when drawing, the tutor will advise at the beginning of the course.
Students are most welcome to bring their own reference pictures that they may wish to draw, but the tutor will provide a selection of images.

Tutor
Hazel Wilks, studied Zoology in South Africa and is a professional botanical artist