Combining mindfulness meditation with drawing. A retreat style day, with all materials provided, suitable for any level, no expectations. You will be led into the session with an introduction to mindfulness meditation, using body and breath as a focus for your attention, followed by an introduction to the drawing materials you will be using for the day. You will be paying attention to how the materials feel in the hand, the touch on paper, the sound of drawing, the movement of the body, the relationship of your breath to the whole process.

Drawing could be described as making marks on paper. With this idea in mind, you will be making a series of experimental drawings, large and small, making marks in response to sensation more than observation. This approach aims to keep you present to the process, rather than focused on the outcome. It doesn’t have to look like anything, and you do not have to be good at drawing to enjoy this course and benefit from it. Whatever your experience, the practical exercises are designed to enable you to let go of self judgement and expectations. You will be encouraged to play and experiment.

For example:

• drawing with charcoal across a large page, one mark per breath, notice what you notice

• making marks as you move, with pen and pencil on tiny pieces of paper held in the hand

• making large gestural marks on a larger piece of paper with the eyes shut, following a meditation

• draw from observation, taking a line for a walk, looking around you and not at the paper, to remove judgement and expectation

• rub out, or rip up a drawing, collage it back together again

You will go home from this course with an experience of drawing, rather than finished drawings. You may choose to leave all the work behind and trust that the impact of the process, the way of looking, of paying attention to your subject and your materials will be long lasting and affect the drawings you make in the future.

Suitable for all, including beginners

Booking: via West Dean website

Cost: £158 all materials included

Location: West Dean College,West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0QZ