Drawing of a plant, during on-line classes

 I have recently finished a sequence of three classes with my students about the stages of drawing a small plant from either observation or photograph.

The idea was to help the students learn to work in information cycles.

Drawing foliage isn't the easiest thing on earth. It demands a lot of attention, and I believe drawing leaves that come forward in the viewer's direction is challenging. Another problematic aspect is to get the right size of the whole plant.

So, we began by doing a broad, loose sketch. Then we tried to correct some angles and sizes of individual leaves, adding some details and making the values darker little by little (at the same time, we turned the highlights brighter).

I scanned the drawing whenever I felt each cycle was finished.

Here's a tip: when drawing a plant, take a photograph at the end of the first session because the leaves will be different the next day - so you can reference the picture going forward.

'Sketching Haven' at Madeline Island School of the Arts

Great news!!

I am pleased to inform you that I will share my approaches and techniques at Madeline Island School of the Arts, in July 2024!

I will be together with a few fantastic international sketchers: Jane Blundell (Australia), Oliver Hoeller (Austria) and Nina Johansson (Sweden). Participans will sketch with each of us at different new locations daily (check their website and see how impressive the place is!)

The 'Sketching Haven: A Summer Retreat with Four Internationally Renowned Artists' (link here) will happen on July 8th–12th, 2024

"Experience an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your artistic skills with four exceptional instructors. Eduardo Bajzek‘s workshop focuses on capturing trees and landscapes, while Jane Blundell’s workshop specializes in color and botanical sketching. Oliver Hoeller guides participants in telling the story of Madeline Island through sketching, and Nina Johansson immerses you in everyday life in coastal harbor town. With diverse techniques and personalized guidance, these workshops offer a comprehensive learning experience for participants to refine their skills and explore various aspects of sketching and painting. Students will interact with a new instructor and visit a new location everyday."

I will teach the following workshop:

Eduardo Bajzek: Trees and the Island Landscape

Morning Session:

• Discover the essence of incorporating Nature as the predominant theme, exploring its graceful and meaningful presence in crafting artistic compositions.
• Exploring different types of linework, shapes, and edge variety associated with trees.
• Understanding the structure consistency of trunks and branches for a balanced composition.
• Developing the skill to see and sketch tree silhouettes.

Afternoon Session:

• Outdoor sketching session in Madeline Island, combining nature and buildings in unique compositions.
• Demonstrations by the instructor on choosing and framing subjects, organizing layers of tone, and creating depth.
• Participants will create their own landscape drawings, applying the learned concepts and receiving in-person assistance.
• Feedback session for participants to share their work and receive final considerations.

And here's a short description of my fellow partners (see more at Madeline's website):

Jane Blundell: Botanical Sketching

Jane is a member of the Australian Watercolour Institute, Australia’s oldest watercolour society, and an exhibiting member of the Royal Art Society of New South Wales, and a member of the Urban Sketching education committee. She is passionate about watercolour, colour, drawing and sketching.

Oliver Hoeller: Sketching the Story of Madeline Island

Oliver is a skilled sketcher and traveling artist, known for his ability to tell rich stories through his work. Explore Madeline Island, visiting the museum and surrounding areas to gather visual elements that reflect the island’s fascinating history. Oliver provides personalized guidance on arranging elements on the page; presenting demonstrations and giving feedback throughout the day.

Nina Johansson: Everyday Life in a Coastal Village

Nina Johansson, an illustrator and art teacher from Stockholm, Sweden, is a dedicated on-location sketcher with a penchant for capturing everyday life in urban environments. Learn techniques to convey perspective without construction, work from big shapes to smaller details, and create well-composed sketches. Students will grow through individual support and group discussions.