Drawing is seeing

Today at uni we had a drawing master-class with theatrical costume designer Anne Curry which was really great. She was such a character and really keen to help us improve and develop our drawing skills using a variety of mediums. Have a look at her work here.

Anne Curry - Queen Elizabeth I

Drawing workshop with Anne Curry
Bryony Hamer - Poster paints and oil pastels

This got me thinking back to when I started to learn to draw on my art foundation and how my tutors at the time would really drill into me how important it is to draw. I couldn't agree more. The thing I love most about drawing is that it's one of the rare occasions where there is really no wrong way to do it. I just think it's a beautiful way to express yourself. I mean, yes you can technically be a talented drawer in terms of proportion and accuracy but the beauty of drawing is that you are able to create a piece of art that is seen through your eyes. Drawing has no limitations and it is a way of expressing yourself that all languages can understand and/or can interpret in their own way.

In my opinion, drawing is more about seeing that actually putting pencil to paper. By really looking you are able to understand what you are drawing. It is that level of concentration that will allow you to create an image that is seen and interpreted through your eyes and I just think it is a beautiful form of communication.

I saw the video 'Ruth Drawing Picasso' by Rineke Dijkstra and Fiona Tan at the Accedemia in Florence a few years ago and it has stuck in my mind ever since. It really demonstrates what I mean when I say drawing is seeing.

I think you can see it at the Tate Liverpool but take a look at a short clip of it here.

Breaking Down Workshop

This workshop was really fun as we were literally just trying to make ourselves look gory and playing with fake blood! (well, red dye). We were making bullet wounds and used puff binder to create a sort of scabby look to the wound. Latex paint can be used to make the wound look wet and 'fresh'. When designing the wounded costume you need to know how old the wound is and bare this in mind when thinking about colour etc.

Puff binder is a liquid foam that can be painted onto fabric and when heat is applied it expands to create 3D effects. To change its colour it can either be painted after it has expanded or dye can be mixed into the foam solution (be careful not to add too much dye or the foam will turn to liquid and will not expand when heat is applied).

Anastasiya

Lucy

Bullet Wound

Puff Binder