Another Successful Workshop
Drawing with Ink: A Day of Confidence, Curiosity and Letting G0!
Yesterday I delivered a ‘drawing with ink’ workshop, and once again I was reminded why I love teaching as much as I love making work myself
The group was a mix of abilities, from people who draw regularly to those who described themselves as “not very confident drawers”. Ink can feel intimidating — it’s permanent, unforgiving, and doesn’t allow for erasing — but that’s also where its power lies.
We began with warm-up exercises designed to loosen hands and quieten the inner critic. Working quickly and without pressure helps people stop aiming for perfection and start responding to what’s actually in front of them. Very quickly, the room shifted from nervous to absorbed.
Growing in Confidence
Throughout the day we explored line, mark-making and tonal contrast, focusing on observation and experimentation rather than outcome. I encourage participants to see ink as a way of thinking on the page rather than producing a finished drawing. Once that idea lands, confidence grows fast.
One of my favourite moments in workshops is seeing people surprise themselves — realising they can make expressive, confident marks when they stop overthinking. By the afternoon, the work on the tables was bold, individual and full of character. No two responses looked the same, which is always a sign that people are working honestly.
Creativity
Workshops like this aren’t about teaching a single “right” way to draw- and I always emphasise this point. They’re about giving people permission to experiment, to make mistakes, and to trust their own responses. Ink is brilliant for that — it asks for commitment and rewards attentiveness and creativity.
I’m always grateful for the openness and generosity of the people who attend my workshops. Teaching feeds back into my own practice in ways I didn’t anticipate when I first started — it sharpens my thinking, slows me down, and reminds me why drawing and creativity matters.
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