alternative approaches to depicting native flora

with juan ford

Sun 25 June 2023

10am – 3pm

Join artist Juan Ford for a masterclass focussing on capturing expressive monochromatic drawings of native flora.

This masterclass invokes strategies pioneered by various contemporary artists working in urban environments, which Juan has modified for use in the Australian bush.

The drawings will focus on the use of silhouette and free mark-making using various forms of medium including compressed and powdered charcoal and ink. A presentation will be shown at the gallery, followed by drawing exercises outside.

About the Artist

Juan Ford’s practice has consistently been engaged with opening new possibilities for realism in painting. He has employed many strategies that argue around the theoretical ‘problems’ of realism in painting. Ford enjoys exploiting the limited shortcomings of the dull, officially sanctioned dialogue between painting and its would-be executioner, photography, in order to develop new potential for realism. While his work evolves and varies across time, it characteristically involves an examination of the human figure and its fraught relationship to the natural environment.

Juan Ford received a Master of Art from RMIT University in 2001. His many commissions include the Australian War Memorial, 2018, the National Gallery of Victoria’s Melbourne Now 2013/2014, Manifesta 9 European Biennale 2012, among others.

Ford has exhibited extensively within Australia and internationally, including solo and major group exhibitions. Ford has received prestigious international awards and residencies across Australia, Italy, and the United States.

Masterclass includes

All required drawing materials including compressed and powdered charcoal and ink.

Light lunch – There is an opportunity to advise of any dietary requirements when making your booking.

You will walk away with

A completed A2 drawing, inspiration and a ‘toolkit’ of new techniques

Other important information

Please arrive 10 minutes early to avoid late starts and allowing time to find an all-day carpark.

This Masterclass will take place outside the gallery under marquees. Please wear weather appropriate clothing.

FAQs:

Is this workshop suitable for me?

If you have previous drawing experience this workshop is for you

What can I bring?

Old clothes/apron

Weather appropriate clothing

Closed in shoes

Water bottle

Investment $150

Sunday 25 jun 2023 10am - 3pm