Head of Art Katie Lenham working with young artists during one of the creative sessions

Workshop inspires young artists

A one day art workshop held at the College this week saw some 30 Year 6 pupils from local prep schools spend an enjoyable day developing and broadening their creative skills and knowledge.

Under the direction of the College's Head of Art, Katie Lenham, and Artist-in-Residence, Sam Walker, and accompanied by their teachers, they had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of drawing techniques..

The young artists worked in pencil, charcoal and chalk pastels to discover how to exploit the properties of these materials. The day was divided into three sections, focusing on the different aims of drawing: Drawing to Discover; Drawing to Express; and Drawing to Observe.

Pupils worked from imagination and at other times they listened to poetry to inspire them. They concluded with careful observation of objects to try and combine what they had learnt through the day.

The day finished with pupils selecting their most successful piece and hanging it in the foyer of the John Piper Art School for their parents to admire over tea.

Pupils attending the workshop were from Danes Hill, Shrewsbury House and Thomas's Battersea.

 "We were delighted with the pupils' ability to throw themselves in to the demands of the day and the work they produced reflected their practical ability, energy and enthusiasm. We were also very grateful for the visiting teachers' support and assistance," said Katie Lenham.