Course details
Whether you are a beginner or have a creative practice, this course liberates you from expectations. Explore the techniques of parsemage and automatic drawing to create exquisite paintings in a free and unself-conscious way.
Join artist Kate Southworth for this three-day course exploring the symbolic connections between Alchemy and Calendrical Art. Loosen your approach, embrace chance and happy accidents, and tap into a more unconscious and intuitive way of working. See how various artists including Ithell Colquhoun, Leona Carrington and Hilma af Klint, used alchemy in their life and paintings, and learn various techniques and processes to free-up your practice.
Kate will guide you though practical exercises and group discussions using the stages of alchemy and the transition points of the calendar year. Relating these to your own creative process, you will work with automatic and mindful techniques of image making to encourage your unconscious and conscious creativity to flow and emerge unhinderred.
Learn how to use Parsemage, or powdering, developed by artist Ithell Colquhoun – a process of scattering powdered charcoal and chalk onto the surface of water and scooping paper either underneath the waterline or laying it onto the surface of the water. The traces of charcoal or chalk can then be developed further through drawing and painting. Producing a series of images using this technique, you will then have a chance to work through the results with various methods and mediums to create a unique body of works.
This course is ideal for both beginners and more experienced painters. Great if you are looking for a new direction, or even if you’d like to start painting and are not sure where to start. Kate is a wonderfully calm and attentive teacher who will help you on your painting journey, from wherever you’re starting!
Day to day plan
This is a rough indication of what to expect over the course. However sometimes the structure of the days may alter depending on the nature of the group.
Day 1
On day one we will set the context by exploring creative practice as a transformative process in relation to Alchemy. We will explore some of the symbols, images, ideas, processes and operations found in Alchemy, and look at artists who reference alchemy in their work. In the afternoon we will work with automatic techniques (charcoal and collage) of image making to allow your unconscious creativity to emerge unhindered.
Day 2
We will work with Parsemage or powdering, which was developed by artist Ithell Colquhoun. This involves scattering powdered charcoal and chalk onto the surface of water and scooping paper either underneath the waterline or laying it onto the surface of the water. You will then develop this technique further using drawing and painting in watercolour and acrylic. We will produce a series of images using this technique.
Day 3
Referring to one of the works made over the last two days you will re-interpret it three times using a different medium each time (e.g. collage, painting, drawing). Then setting out your three interpretations you will make notes of the similarities and differences between them. We will end with a group tutorial and discussion.
What will I learn?
- Learn practical tips on navigating the creative process.
- Increased confidence in a range of approaches to making.
- Learn about alchemy and its connection to making art
- Learn to recognise that there’s no such thing as bad work and to feel confident about making.
Who would this course suit?
This course would suit artists at any stage in their creative journey; whether you have an established practice or are just starting out. Ideal if you are looking for ways to increase skills, experience and attitude as well as interests and mobility.
Taught by
What to Bring
Our studios are fully equipped and we provide you with all the materials you need for your course. However, if you have a favourite set of brushes or any specialist materials that you would prefer to use, please bring them with you.
Timings and Breaks
The first day starts at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time.
All course days after that start at 9.30am and finish at 4pm and there will be an hour for lunch. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.
What our students say
A beautiful course on all levels, deep and lovely productive time spent on understanding the process – Kate really is a great tutor.
Look at painting in a completely different way to other courses.
I didn’t really know what to expect as I am new to painting, but it was such brilliant experience, I really learnt a lot.
Kate facilitated and respected the varied needs & ways of working of each individual, regardless of previous experience. Kate was a very gentle and open tutor giving just the right amount of structure and guidance, whilst never imposing herself but always available. Thank you very much for a relaxing and reviving course.
It was well paced with rich content, with a focus on discovering and developing our individual style. The tutor’s gentle and affirming approach was both helpful and encouraging.
FAQs
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