What a joy, pen and ink drawing in the garden…

Posted:25 July 2010

Yesterday local artist and teacher Debbie Hovell lead a workshop in pen and ink drawing using the garden as inspiration.

We had the perfect day, one of those wonderful sunny summer days when you can think of nothing you’d rather be doing than sitting quietly in the garden and drawing…

Debbie took us through a range of inspirational works, from Beatrix Potter to Henry Moore, showing how different techniques suit different subjects or moods, and how different effects can be achieved by using a variety of pens.

Her patient enthusiasm had its reward following a delicious lunch in the garden,  everyone was soon settling into the perfect spot to capture their vision…

The day reminded me just how important it is to slow down and enjoy our garden spaces.  Most activity centres around digging, weeding, pruning, watering – and so many gardeners I know say they hardly ever, or indeed never, actually relax and enjoy their garden.

But at any time of year it’s equally important to just sit and review, or capture the moment in ink, paint or on camera – so take a tip from us summer’s here, slow down, put your feet up, and enjoy…