‘Drawing Ancient Trees’, a workshop for Haddon Hall Medieval Park
Ten creatively curious people with ten sets of sound footwear (including one specially purchased pair of wellies) joined me at Haddon Hall Medieval Park for my ‘Drawing ancient trees’ workshop two weeks ago. What a day we had!
I grew up in the Peak District and always loved Haddon for its Tudor architecture and spectacular setting above the River Wye. I had no idea then that, 30 years after I left Derbyshire to make an artist’s life in Scotland, I’d be invited back there to share my tree drawing approach in a workshop.
We spent a memorable day with some of Haddon’s historic trees, getting to know them through observational drawing. It was a privilege to share some of the artistic approaches and ecological knowledge I’ve gathered in my 15 years of drawing old trees.
We read the stories written in their forms and enjoyed learning to capture their unique shapes in charcoal, graphite and conté crayon. I gave tree drawing demos surrounded by birdsong and 900 year old anthills. After lunch in the Tudor Stable Block Studio, I showed the group how to work from sketches and photographs to create a more finished drawing.
It’s striking how our surroundings affect our moods and energy on days like these. The beautiful Tudor Stable Block studio exuded calm from its historic walls and cracked old timbers, helping us to focus and extend ourselves. Walking the private parkland with our drawing boards and tuning into the trees gave a strong sense of connection to the natural world. The act of looking and drawing a tree becomes a meditative process, time stood still and also flew by.
Here’s how one participant described it…
‘It was wonderful to have a full day in such a beautiful and historic environment, and Tansy is a patient and inspiring teacher. I loved the way she encouraged us to connect with the slow time of these ancient and venerable trees, and I did let go of all sense of the outside world, for what was a beautifully immersive experience. I can’t imagine anything more heavenly than sitting beneath a beautiful tree, focusing on capturing its twisting boughs and powerful presence with charcoal, whilst birds sang around me and a brown hare bobbed across my path: perfect peace.
Thank you to Suzanne at Haddon Medieval Park for hosting such a special day of drawing and connection with the natural world.
See my Workshops page for more opportunities to draw with me.
Thanks Tansy, I had such a wonderful day. I have been recommending you to everyone I know who loves to draw! Marla