Use whatever materials you have to hand: pens, paper, scrap paper and news papers, that old box of paints and pastels that have been sitting in the draw for years

During the five weeks you'll have opportunities to draw, make collage, create your images from looking at the world around you. Use whatever materials you have to hand: pens, paper, scrap paper and news papers, that old box of paints and pastels that have been sitting in the draw for years. Get to grips with line, tone, structure and composition. Plus you'll have lots of fun!

What to expect

  • Community

    LIVE Zoom Sessions & COMMUNITY chat app to connect, share and meet people

  • View from my window LINE

    Session 1

    Using your window as a ‘frame’ draw what you see from your window

    PREPARATION: Pens and pencils to draw with. Art paper, Art pad or A4 printing paper. Surface or board to lean on

  • My favourite things FORM

    Session 2

    Draw favourite things describing their form, e.g. cylinder, square, sphere

    PREPARATION You will need to collect together items for a still life and position them on a table in front of you Draw or paint them still using line e.g. pen, pencil, brush. Art paper, Art pad or A4 printing paper. Surface or board to lean on

  • My favourite things part 2 TONE AND COLOUR

    Session 3

    Continue with subject and introduce hot and cold colours

    PREPARATION: You will need a strong light source/lamp for this week. Charcoal and/or colour pastels, paints. Art pad or paper and board

  • My favourite artwork COMPOSTION – COLLAGE

    Session 4

    Re-create your favourite painting in collage (paper, fabric, clothes!)

    PREPARATION: You will need to print out the image that has been sent to you Collect collage material before the session: newspapers, magazine, scrap paper, menus, envelopes, packaging, fabric and/or clothes. Glue and scissors. You don’t have to cut the fabric if you are creating a large piece on the floor.

  • Self-portrait OBSERVATION – LINE, FORM, TONE

    Sesson5

    Draw, paint or collage a self-portrait in the style of an artist

    PREPARATION You will need to source and print out a portrait by and artist to copy their style Use a mirror, a photo on a tablet or a printed photo of yourself. This needs to be a decent size Choose if you want to draw, paint or collage the final piece

Do you think you can't draw? or you want to draw but don't know where to start? have not drawn in years?

Open to everyone

Podcast

Janet talks about the benefits of art to our mental health

Your course facilitator

Janet Ayers

Janet Ayers is a Community Artist and Natural Voice Practitioner who has been running choirs and teaching people to sing for 15 years. She says that singing is a bit like swimming: to get the hang of it you just need to jump in!

Janet Ayers studied Art, Photography, Art History and Theatre Studies at school. After her Foundation course at West London College she went onto Portsmouth Art College where she gained an BA(hons) in Illustration. After graduation she began a career in Arts Administration and Publishing. When she moved back to Portsmouth in 2002 that's when her community music career took off and the art stuff was put on hold. Printmaking was a way back in for Janet to re-awaken her passion for art, attending courses at the Badger Press, Red Hot Press and Omega Printmakers. She has exhibited with the Society of Woodengravers (as a student entry) and also with Omega Printmakers. Many of you may know Janet for her Community Choir and singing for wellbeing work, circle dance groups and as a performer. Portsmouth University has recognised her contribution to the local creative music community by awarding her an honorary degree (rescheduled for May 2021) .

Since lockdown she's been able to carry on some of her singing work online, but not all. So as one door closes for a while, Janet is taking this opportunity to get back into drawing, painting and creating and would like you to join in too.

www.janetayers.org

Mental Wealth Academy

The Good Mental Health Cooperative

The Good Mental Health Cooperative supports people to access community based activities and workshops which help with inclusion, recovery and good mental health. The support is intended for people who have experienced serious life challenges, are socially isolated, anxious or lacking in confidence. This may include experience of mental ill-health, addictions, disability, bereavement, caring responsibilities for example. At the Good Mental Health Cooperative, we believe that connecting with others, and informal learning opportunities, are really important steps to good mental health, bringing a sense of inclusion and challenge, rather than feeling isolated and lacking in purpose. www.goodmentalhealth.org.uk

More with Janet