Doodle Days Schools Online Workshop: What a Character! 9 - 18 Feb 2022
Have you ever wanted to be a storyteller? Well during this illustration and character development workshop led by artist Duffy Mooney-Sheppard, you will see just how easy it can be to enter the world of storytelling.
If you are drawing, writing or telling an original made-up story, there are so many ways you can start. Inventing and developing characters through drawing is one fantastic way to begin.
The characters you draw can take on a life of their own and might even surprise you with the stories, conversations and adventures they end up having on your page.
In this workshop, Duffy Mooney-Sheppard will inspire your class, introducing them to a most unusual set of characters from ancient folklore from around the world. This will be followed by a number of playful character drawing games. These are games that Duffy and many other artists use to get their best ideas flowing. They can be used time and time again as a creative visual way into story creation. For the second half of the workshop your class will work in black paint and brush, exploring line and pattern in their final artwork.
Curricular Links
This workshop focuses on developing the children’s ability to look with curiosity at qualities of line, rhythm, texture and tone. It will focus on the drawing and paint and colour strand of the curriculum. Children will explore character development and storytelling, exploring line, patterns and tones to create their own artworks.
Requirements for Participation
For safety reasons, a teacher must be present in the room throughout the workshop and be available to assist the children as needed.
- A computer/laptop with internet access
- A digital whiteboard (or alternatively a white wall or screen and projector).
- Speakers
- To ensure a smooth and successful workshop, The Ark staff will also need to arrange an advance preparation phone call with the class teacher.
Materials students will need:
- 4 sheets of A4 paper and a pencil.
- 1 sheet of A3 paper (white or light in colour).
- Paint brushes (thin to medium is best).
- Black and white paint.
- Empty containers (to mix paints together and create different shades).
- A pot of water
- Tissue paper to dry the paint brushes.
Online platform: The workshop will be delivered using the Zoom video call software. This will be a private Zoom session which will only be accessed by the teacher whose class is booked into the workshop, the artists and The Ark's staff. The session will be recorded for the safety and security of all participants, however this recording will not be shared publicly and will be deleted within 30 days.