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Wonderful Wombat Workshop

In this fun, informative and interactive workshop, I share with children my experience as illustrator of Wombat, written by Christopher Cheng, published by Walker Books Australia, for their wonderful Nature Storybook Series, including:

How I used research to inform my artwork,
My illustration process and a little about the process of picture book illustration in general,
Students will see some of my rough drawings, original artwork and the materials I used,
Students will try using research to inform their own drawings as out lined below.

About Me:

I am an illustrator and visual artist based in Central Victoria. I trained in Fine Art and Special Education and have many years’ experience working with communities on festivals and other projects, and more recently, as Education Officer at La Trobe Art Institute in Bendigo. I have a current WWCC.

Workshop Outline (1hr duration, aimed at Grades 3-6):

After reading the story of Wombat to the children, I will share ‘behind-the-scenes’ information about my illustration process and how I researched the characters of Wombat and Dingo and their environment. (20mins)
The children will then be asked to draw a wombat from their imagination. (10mins)
We will then conduct some research by looking at photos of different types of wombats in detail and discussing how to carefully observe and draw key features such as eyes, nose, mouth, feet, the texture and colour of the fur and so on. (10mins)
The children will then do a second drawing based on their research and compare the two pictures. The group will then discuss the benefits of drawing straight from the imagination, (i.e. beautiful spontaneous drawings!), and how using research can inform their drawings. (15-20mins)
Suitable for English and Visual Art Learning Areas and Critical & Creative Thinking and Personal and Social Capabilities.

Please provide:

A selection of drawing materials and at least two pieces of paper for each child.
If presenting in person, I will require equipment to give a PowerPoint presentation if possible.

Please note:

The workshop can be modified for presentation in person or online.
Best suited to single class or up to 30 children but you are welcome to call me to discuss your requirements.

For cost details, bookings and more information, please email Liz.

ABN 91 322 655 266

Draw Yourself as a Children's Book Character

Email Liz for more info

Without a great character, you don’t have a story. A character can be a person, animal or even a ‘thing’ (a pencil or a stick for example).

The character must have personality, charm and life and be able to tell us a story. We need to love them or hate them, and always believe in them!

A great character must have:

Personality, (which can be shown through using interesting detail)
An expressive face that shows the reader how they feel or what they are thinking and
Look like they are ready for action!

In this workshop, students look at what makes a great book character and how illustrators use interesting details, body shape, expressions and movement to make their characters come to life.

We then consider what is particular and interesting about us? Which of our characteristics would an illustrator notice and draw that would help tell our story? Not just our hair/body shape/ what we wear etc, but also what our interests are, what we like to do and aspects of our personality.

Students do lots of experimental drawings to get to know their character (which is them), and then complete a more finished drawing of themselves as a book character.