Explore & Draw – family workshop, Oare Gunpowder Works

Amanda Thesiger led this nature based family workshop; walking and drawing in and around the beautiful and historic Oare Gunpowder Works near Faversham, Kent. Using some of the stopping-off places at the site, participants collected tiny, natural treasures and used them to create large, collaborative drawings.

We used charcoal in its dry, stick form, and explored simple ink-making; processing the charcoal into a rich, black ink to complement the buttery yellow of the alder buckthorn bark ink provided by Amanda. Attendees also experimented with different ways of drawing; through touch – and with a focus on mark-making with a variety of tools.

“Came along to a brilliant explore & draw family workshop today and we had such a fantastic time learning about the area we were visiting and creating some marvellous artwork.” 

“We really enjoyed it and suitable for all the family, even the teen!”