2018

Conference Presentation at the 76th International Scientific Conference: Human. Technologies. Quality of Education.
University of Latvia,
Riga Latvia
12-13 February 2018

I was invited by Dr. Austra Avotina to come to the University of Latvia and briefly present myself, my teaching of drawing and research as part of the 76th International Scientific Conference in the Art. Design. Technology. Education section of the conference. It was lovely to be one of the speakers on this panel!

Chelsea Staff Exhibition 2018
8-14 February 2018

It was lovely to be invited to contribute work to the Chelsea Staff Exhibition 2018 – CHELSEA#6. Private View 8 February 6-8pm at the Triangle Gallery. The sixth annual Chelsea Staff Exhibition will take place from 9-14 February 2018 (weekdays only) in the Triangle Gallery. All staff who work on the Millbank site are invited to submit work for the exhibition. I have just this year started to teach at Chelsea. The show looks great! Thank you.

Central Saint Martins Short Courses Blog:
Meet our tutors: Ilga Leimanis
29 January 2018

Thank you CSM Short Courses for featuring me on the CSM Short Courses blog! A lovely interview by Hamish Mek Chohan. You can read it here: http://blogs.arts.ac.uk/csm-short-courses/2018/01/29/meet-our-tutors-ilga-leimanis/

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
16 January 2018

The eighth Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at London College of Fashion, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Freehand Perspective Drawing
The Crowood Press
January 2018

I am very happy to announce that I have been invited by The Crowood Press to write a book about Drawing! Freehand Perspective Drawing will be available next year and I will be sharing my teaching and my drawings! Contracts are signed and lots to do this year! Thank you! Very excited!!

2017

Build drawing skills: freehand spatial visualisation
The Building Centre
November – December 2017

I am pleased to teach another new drawing course at The Building Centre! This drawing course offers a thorough introduction to freehand spatial drawing developing confidence to communicate your ideas visually. The course is open to students of all ability levels. Thank you to Harriet at The Building Centre and to all the wonderful students! I look forward to more courses with you! Image credit: Building Centre website and student drawings.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
11 December 2017

The seventh Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Camberwell College of Arts, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Total Drawing autumn 2017
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

I have taught Total Drawing many times since 2008. Usually a mixed ability group (some are drawing for the first time), part of the course focusses on developing core skills, then it introduces students to simple techniques and experimental processes to enable them to develop a more personal or meaningful interpretation of their subject matter. Thank you to this amazing group! Image credit: student drawings.

The next sessions of this course run 17 February – 17 March 2018 and 26-29 March 2018 and also Online from 6 February 2018. Book your place.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
6 December 2017

The sixth Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Wimbledon College of Art, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Drawing classes for Production Designers
Third Year BA Film Practice
London College of Communication
University of the Arts London
November 2017

I was invited to teach drawing to a small group of third year BA Film Practice students who are specialising in Production Design. The BA course at London College of Communication is a general film course at the beginning, then towards the end of year 2, students start to move towards specialisms. The advice given from visiting production designers is to get the students comfortable to communicate their ideas through drawing. I ran four weekly sessions covering drawing basics and materials.

Thanks to Polly Nash for inviting me for a third year to work with another wonderful group of students! Image credit: student drawings.

Interview: Latvijas Radio
Mākslinieka darbistabā: Māksliniece Ilga Leimanis
19 November 2017

I was interviewed by Inta Zēgnere for Latvijas Radio 3 at Five Years, in conjunction with my exhibition Rooted in Limbo. The half hour conversation was broadcast on 19 November as part of their series ‘In the Artist’s Studio’! Thank you so much!

The interview is available online. Imgae credit Latvijas radio and Anda Kavina.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
14 November 2017

The fifth Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Camberwell College of Arts, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London.

Thanks to the two students who stayed after the workshop and generously shared their learning on video for the Academic Support online resource! Image credit: participant drawings.

New Work: Silk Scarf Design
Architecture of Conversation
November 2017

Architecture of Conversation, my collaboration with architect Bidisha Sinha continues this month, building on from our new drawings made during the Peckham Festival in September. We have embarked on a few silk scarf experiments! It was so much fun to work together again … watch this space! Image credit: Ilga Leimanis and Bidisha Sinha.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
6 November 2017

The fourth Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London.

Thanks to the two students who stayed after the workshop and generously shared their learning on video for the Academic Support online resource! Image credit: participant drawings.

Life Drawing workshop
Haworth Tompkins
London, October 2017

I ran a fast-paced life drawing workshop for Haworth Tompkins, an architecture studio based in Kentish Town. It was a pleasure to work with such an amazing and focused group with loads of energy. Thank you for a great evening!

Thank you to Rowena for organising the session. Image credit: student drawings.

Back to Basics Drawing and Creative Process workshops
Affordable Art Fair Battersea
Central Saint Martins Short Courses
20 October 2017

I was invited to run two one-hour workshops exploring drawing and the creative process, for Central Saint Martins Short Courses at the Affordable Art Fair London in Battersea Park. We started with a Back to Basics Drawing workshop followed by a Creative Process workshop, which started with the memory of a favourite work from the fair. We used drawing, 2D and 3D paper, and mixed media, to play with making changes to the initial source, through a simple and fun process.

Thank you to the participants for a stimulating and fun day, to CSM Short Courses and the Affordable Art Fair for the opportunity to return again! Image credit: participants’ work.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
19 October 2017

The third Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Camberwell College of Arts, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Drawn in London: 10 Years of Drawing Group Dates
2007 – 2017

Ten years ago, the 19th October 2007, was the first date of the London-based Drawing group I run. For the last four years it’s been Drawn in London, but its origins lie in my work with Ortelius Drew. I set up the group in order to get out and draw!

I still need to tally up exactly how many dates I’ve organised but the number is probably coming up to 100! Thanks to everyone who has drawn with me! More dates announced soon!

The first date was the Serpentine Pavilion with about 20 people drawing with me. Other early dates include The British Museum, The Tate Modern, The Victoria & Albert Museum, Leadenhall Market, Regent’s Park, Covent Garden and the National Gallery. Image credit: Ilga’s drawings.

Big Draw workshop: Masks in Limbo
Sunday 8 October 1-4pm
Five Years, London

Drawing and mask making, animating and performing. I ran a mask making workshop using lines and shapes as part of The Big Draw Festival Living Lines. Image credit: I. Leimanis.

Solo exhibition: ROOTED IN LIMBO
Ilga Leimanis
Five Years, London
7-15 October 2017

Closing event: Friday 13 October 6-9pm
Gallery hours: Saturday and Sunday 1-6pm
All other times open by appointment.

“Dearest Father, On Sunday we had the most frightful dust storm we have had yet. It began at 6pm and advanced just like a huge wave and was as thick as a London Fog though not so obscure. In half a minute everything was smothered with dust and one couldn’t see three yards in front even if one had been able to open one’s eyes.” Fuller collection, South Africa, 6 February 1900, King’s College London Archives.

Making audible the voice of a migrant, a speaker of other languages, Rooted in Limbo brings together the past, in the form of archival research about military conquests of the world, with the absurdity of the present and all its cast of colourful characters. These visual descriptions from loved ones writing home from abroad, led to an interest in pattern and a discovery of how marine artists during WWI painted unique complex patterns of geometric shapes on ships in an effort to trick and obfuscate. Similar dazzle patterns are used on the walls of the gallery to mislead and disrupt, making it difficult to estimate a target’s distance, speed and direction. Rooted on the ground are animated and floating plastic bags, the kind you can still get free from street market stalls. The bags are covered with taped masks, these garish characters are reminiscent of Saul Steinberg’s paper bags, yet you could not comfortably wear one without fear of auto-asphyxiation in today’s climate.

Image credit: Five Years and B. Sinha.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
2 October 2017

The second Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Camberwell College of Arts, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Drawn in London: Greenwich Power Station
1 October 2017

Thank you to Lucrecia and Jon for suggesting this gorgeous riverside location. The station was designed by the London County Council architects department, and built in two sections between 1902 and 1910, to provide power for the London County Council Tramways. The station is an early example of a steel-framed building with a stone-clad brick cover. Coal was delivered to the large coal jetty in the river, which stands on 16 Doric-styled, cast iron columns.

Thank you to everyone who came out for a wonderful afternoon of drawing! Image credit: Ilga’s drawings.

Published CSM Short Courses Blog
designjunction 2017 x CSM Short Courses Workshop
= Drawing for Design with Ilga Leimanis
28 September 2017

Thank you to Hamish Mek Chohan and CSM Short Courses for the lovely blog about the workshop I ran for CSM at designjunction 2017. This was a practical workshop that examined ways to think through drawing, developing a process using quick, immediate sketches to expand upon an initial idea. Thanks again to all the participants! Image credit: Hamish Mek Chohan for the CSM Short Courses Blog.

Townscape Sketching Course
BDP
London, September 2017

I ran four townscape sketching sessions on location in London for BDP, an office of architects, engineers, designers, and urbanists based in Clerkenwell. It was a pleasure to return for a third time and work with such an enthusiastic and amazing office!

At the end of the course, BDP organised a large exhibition of their drawings in their vast reception space on the ground floor of their studio in a converted brewery. This was the second such exhibition of their drawings!

Thank you to Paddy for organising the sessions and the exhibition. Image credit: student drawings.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
27 September 2017

The first Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Chelsea College of Arts, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Building Drawings Skills Through Life Drawing
The Building Centre
September 2017

I am pleased to teach a new drawing course at The Building Centre! This course offers a thorough introduction to a variety of drawing methods and materials, and develops core skills over four life drawing classes. The course is open to students of all ability levels. Thank you to Harriet at The Building Centre and to all the wonderful students and models! I look forward to more courses with you! Image credit: Building Centre website and student drawings.

Drawn in London: Villa WALALA
Exchange Square, 100 Liverpool Street
London Design Festival
23 September 2017

At the end of August, we enjoyed drawing WALALA X Play at the NOW Gallery so much, that I chose another Walala installation to draw, Villa Walala, part of the London Design Festival.

Textile designer Camille Walala created a huge inflatable sculpture, titled Villa Walala, that dominates Exchange Square in Broadgate, a dynamic hub just behind Liverpool Street Station that is owned by British Land. “I want to introduce a sense of the unexpected,” she says of the Landmark Project for London Design Festival. “I think that, to turn a corner into Broadgate, and find a huge, bouncy, pink and patterned house will be hugely entertaining. And people are, of course, invited to come in and play.” Thank you to everyone who came out for a wonderful evening of drawing! Image credit: Ilga’s drawings.

Drawing for Design with Ilga Leimanis
Central Saint Martins workshop for designjunction
21 September 2017

As the leading destination for design, arts and culture during the London Design Festival, designjunction visitors can experience breathtaking installations, participate in creative workshops, indulge in a spot of retail therapy, engage in lively talks and much more.

Central Saint Martins presented two free workshops during design junction and I was invited to run a practical workshop to examine ways to think through drawing, developing a process using quick, immediate sketches to expand upon an initial idea. Drawing to support thinking, creative practice and communication, we worked individually and collaboratively, through a fun and easy process, repeatable for any project. Thanks to Shauna Scott at CSM Short Courses for inviting me to do this workshop! Thanks to all the participants! Image credit: Hamish Mek Chohan.

Architecture of Conversation
Peckham Festival
15-17 September 2017

Architecture of Conversation, my collaboration with architect Bidisha Sinha continues at the Peckham Festival. Acme Galleria artists opened their studios during the weekend and it was so much fun to work together again with Bidisha! We have developed many ideas about our new direction…watch this space! Thanks to the Peckham Festival for a wonderful weekend and to everyone who came by to say hello! Image credit: drawings by Ilga Leimanis and Bidisha Sinha.

Drawn in London: WALALA X Play
NOW Gallery, Greenwich Peninsula
23 August 2017

Thank you to everyone who came out for a wonderful evening of drawing at WALALAxPLAY, an art installation that explores bold colours, patterns and reflective surfaces by renowned digital print designer Camille Walala. WALALA X PLAY welcomes visitors to explore, examine and enjoy a labyrinth network of corridors and enclosed spaces in ‘temple of wonder’ created by Walala Studio. Thank you to NOW Gallery for the wonderful visit! It was spectacular to draw! Image credit: Ilga’s drawings.

10 Years teaching short courses at Central Saint Martins
2007 – 2017

Ten years ago in August, I taught my first course at Central Saint Martins short courses. These courses are in drawing, creative process and portfolio preparation, building skills for professionals and also as an initial point of entry for many students, it has been a rewarding experience helping prepare many students for their degree programmes. I have worked with students who have gained a place at CSM and other schools in the UK: Goldsmiths, Architecture Association, University of Edinburgh, among others. Thanks to all the many wonderful people I have met over the years and all the beautiful work made! Image credit: I. Leimanis photo of students on the course.

Drawn in London: 10 Years drawing Serpentine Pavilions
2007 – 2017

My recent drawing date at the Serpentine Pavilion 2017 reminded me that it is my 10th anniversary drawing Serpentine Pavilions! I remember each one so well! Thanks to everyone who came to draw with me! Image credit: Ilga’s drawings.

Drawn in London: Serpentine Pavilion 2017
30 July 2017

Thank you to everyone who came out for a wonderful afternoon of drawing at the Serpentine Pavilion. This year’s pavilion is by Diébédo Francis Kéré, the award-winning architect from Gando, Burkina Faso, who responded to the brief with a bold, innovative structure that brings his characteristic sense of light and life to the lawns of Kensington Gardens. Image credit: Ilga’s drawings.

Art and Design Workshop for 13-16 year olds summer 2017
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

For the fifth summer in a row, I taught this two-week intense art and design workshops for teenagers looking to get the full experience of art school: building skills and developing ideas. With fashion courses next door, I worked together with a great team: Rochelle Fry, Simon Foxall and Ryan Connolly. Thank you for an amazing summer! Image credit: student work.

Register to be notified when the 2018 course sessions are available for booking.

 
 

Kickstart Your Creativity Online spring 2017
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

A Short Course Online at CSM. Designed to ignite and inspire your creativity with six weekly highly invigorating doses of drawing, painting, photography, collage and artful input designed to stimulate your intellect and refine your technical abilities. This course shows you key methods to unlock your imagination, practice creative problem solving, and keep your innovative drive going through a series of manageable projects. You’ll be encouraged to experiment with unusual materials and methods, explore a wide variety of themes and expand your abilities and horizons.

My students on this course live in Bath, Cornwall, Lahore, London and Qatar. Image credit: student work.

Look out for the next sessions in the winter term.

Life Drawing at Foster+Partners
Drawing At Work
May – July 2017

I taught life drawing classes at Foster+Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with two groups of focused architects over the course of those six evenings, building observational drawing skills and working with several materials.

After 11 years, this was my final evening teaching for Drawing At Work. This job brought me into many architecture and engineering offices in London including at Foster+Partners (almost) weekly since 2014. I will most definitely miss it, and the wonderful students, but as life gets busier, it is time to focus on my own projects! Thank you! Always a pleasure! Image credit: student work.

Thinking Through Drawing
Library and Academic Support Staff Conference: Creative Enquiries
Wimbledon College of Arts
4 July 2017

I participated in the LAS (Library and Academic Support) staff conference: Creative Enquiries at UAL Wimbledon College of Arts, running two mini Thinking Through Drawing workshops. These workshops revisited drawing skills and considered how quick sketches can help to think through conceptual ideas, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. A great day! Thank you for inviting me. Image credit: participant drawings.

Total Drawing summer 2017
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

I have taught Total Drawing many times since 2008. Usually a mixed ability group (some are drawing for the first time), part of the course focusses on developing core skills, then it introduces students to simple techniques and experimental processes to enable them to develop a more personal or meaningful interpretation of their subject matter. Image credit: student drawings.

The next sessions of this course run 11 November-9 December 2017 and 26-29 March 2018. Book a place.

Drawing Portfolio spring 2017
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

An intensive skills-based course suitable for beginners, students were encouraged to produce a solid set of portfolio-standard drawings and build their visual literacy skills. Looking at drawing within a variety of different contexts including fine art, illustration, architecture and even doodling, we explored a range of materials and techniques and looked at the history of drawing and contemporary artists’ work. Image credit: student drawings.

The next sessions of this course run Thursdays: 5 October – 2 November and 9 November – 7 December 2017. Book a place.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
20 June 2017

The fifteenth and final Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at London College of Communication, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London.

It was a wonderful year and so many students! Thank you! Image credit: participant drawings.

Drawn in London: Shoreham Sculpture Trail
Shoreham, Sevenoaks
18 June 2017

Another excuse to draw sculpture…One of the largest Sculpture Trails the UK has ever seen with The London Group and invited artists including many prominent UK sculptors, (including my friend Sheila Vollmer). There were over 200 works of astonishing diversity ranging from the monumental to the ephemeral.

We had the opportunity to view the finest sculptures in wonderful gardens of all sizes in a spectacularly beautiful village in Kent, just on the edge of London. It was a perfect day! Image credit: Ilga’s drawing of Sheila Vollmer’s sculpture.

Drawn in London: Hiking Cult with Melissa Manfull
Hampstead Heath and Elemental Bias at Five Years
17 June 2017

To coincide with my friend Melissa Manfull’s exhibition Elemental Bias at Five Years, she did a performance walk through Hampstead Heath inspired by W. G. Sebald’s Rings of Saturn and the game Morpion Solitaire. Drawn in London came along to draw with Melissa on the Heath.

Melissa Manfull is an artist based in Los Angeles. Drawing, endurance and natural psychedelic phenomenon are intertwined in her work. She is the leader of an artist hiking group called Hiking Cult which explores the wilderness around Southern California through guided hikes, performances and events.

As a recent member of Five Years, Melissa is the first artist I invite to show in the gallery. Thank you so much for coming to London! June was a great month! Image credit: Melissa’s Elemental Bias at Five Years, Hiking Cult photo credit: M. Manfull, Ilga’s drawing on the Heath, Melissa and her wall drawing at Five Years.

Drawing to Watercolour Course
BDP
London, May – June 2017

I ran four life-drawing, wash and watercolour sessions for BDP, an office of architects, engineers, designers, and urbanists based in Clerkenwell. It was a pleasure to return for a second time and work with such an enthusiastic and amazing office!

Thank you to Paddy for organising the sessions and thank you to our great models. Image credit: student drawings.

RAS 2 Dissemination
University of the Arts London
14 June 2017

Two years ago, Chris Koning and I were awarded Retain, Achieve, Succeed research funding, a staff researcher Programme at the University of the Arts, London. Together we interviewed students and staff about drawing, and our RAS research report Hazy Expectations: collected stories around drawing hopes to make useful recommendations in order to support real and long term institutional change.

This term, RAS (Retain-Achieve-Succeed) Researchers 2 had our first opportunity to reveal our findings, with RAS 2 Disseminations. Chris Koning and I also presented a few process drawings by University of the Arts London students, who have attended the Thinking Through Drawing workshops offered by Academic Support at UAL. These drawings are considered to be ‘thinking’ drawings, demonstrating creative process and design development, and why it is important for students to have the confidence and skill of drawing to succeed on their courses.

A big thank you to Dr Kate Hatton and Dr Michael McMillan for their guidance, to University of the Arts, London, and to everyone who came to support us and engage with our research! Thank you to Chris Koning, it was a pleasure to work together. An amazing day! I am so grateful for the opportunity. Thank you! Image credits: UAL student drawings and photo by Melanie Davies.

Get in touch if you would like a copy of our report. It will be available soon online.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
12 June 2017

The fourteenth Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Ortelius Drew celebrate 10th Anniversary!
11 June 2017

Ten years ago today, Ortelius Drew first drew together in Dulwich Park. This drawing and illustration collaboration with Doreen Wittenbols has been going ever since.

Happy Anniversary!!! It’s been a great time! Image credit: photo of Ilga drawing in 2007 in Dulwich Park by D. Wittenbols, Ortelius Drew 2017 by C. VanDorp.

Ortelius Drew at Urban Resort Festival
Amsterdam, Netherlands
10 June 2017

Ortelius Drew published a new set of postcards, a selection from our recent series of collages for Sexplosion at Mail & Female last year. Doreen Wittenbols represented Ortelius Drew with a stand at the Urban Resort Festival for a day of selling postcards and drawings, and much more: art, music and performance.

Get in touch if you would like to order some postcards!

Total Drawing Online spring 2017
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

This is the online version of my popular Total Drawing course. Usually a mixed ability group (some are drawing for the first time), part of this course focusses on developing core skills, then it introduces students to simple techniques and experimental processes to enble them to develop a more personal and meaningful interpretation of their subject matter. Image credit: student drawings.

My students on this course live in Abu Dhabi, China and Japan.

Life Drawing at John McAslan + Partners
Drawing At Work
24 May 2017

I taught one life drawing class at John McAslan + Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with a group of focused architects that evening, building observational drawing skills. Thanks for a wonderful evening! Image credit: student work.

New illustration work: interiors
May 2017

I was invited to try some painterly illustrations this month. Developing a soft, light, romantic style in the manner of Jeremiah Goodman’s gorgeous interiors. Hard, but very rewarding! I definitely look forward to more, and will develop my illustration practice! Image credit: Ilga’s drawing.

Beginners Drawing Spring 2017
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

Structured around the life model, this course introduced materials, mark-making techniques, the study of human proportion and compositional skills, together with instruction on the use of drawing inks, crucial for those who wish to continue onto exploring painting and further drawing techniques. Experimentation and individual development were encouraged at all times. Image credit: student drawings.

The next sessions of this course run Saturdays: 7 October – 4 November 2017. Book a place.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
17 May 2017

The thirteenth Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at London College of Communication, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Colour Course at Foster+Partners
Drawing At Work
April – May 2017

I helped develop and teach a painting course at Foster+Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with a group of focused architects over the course of those 5 evenings, building observational painting and colour mixing skills. Always a pleasure! Image credit: student work.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
4 May 2017

The twelfth Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at London College of Fashion, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Published CSM Short Courses Blog
Student Stories: The urge to learn is an ongoing process!
3 May 2017

My former student, Masako Hayashi from Tokyo is a recent graduate of my Total Drawing course at Central Saint Martins. Masako shared her experience on the course and how it boosted her confidence and broadened her horizons. Huge thank you to Masako for her wonderful review of the course and thank you to CSM Short Courses blog and to Shelley O’Hare for writing the interview. Image credit: CSM Short Courses Blog.

Life Drawing at Desso
Drawing At Work
12 and 26 April 2017

Desso have hosted life-drawing classes in their Clerkenwell showroom for the last eight years. Taught by Drawing At Work, these classes have been very popular. It was a pleasure to return to Desso for two evenings this month, and work with a large mixed group of architects and designers from various local offices. Image credit: participants’ drawings.

Drawn in London: SuperMaterial exhibition
The Building Centre
24 April 2017

Thank you to everyone who came out for a wonderful morning of drawing at the SuperMaterial exhibition at The Building Centre, a public exhibition by The Built Environment Trust celebrating the essential, and often hidden, elements of our surroundings. Delving into the world of academia and science, we identify the latest laboratory-based discoveries and demonstrate how they will change our world – informing the R&D departments of today and transforming the buildings of our future. The project will also explore how the historical application of raw elements and minimally processed goods – the ‘super materials’ of their time – have shaped our urban fabric.

Thank you to The Building Centre for having us! It was a super exhibition to draw! Image credit: Ilga’s drawings.

Ortelius Drew meet graphic designers Put Gootink
Amsterdam, April 2017

Great morning meeting with graphic designers Put Gootink in Amsterdam for design of Ortelius Drew‘s 10th anniversary poster! Thanks for a great discussion! Feeling inspired! These are ponds and flower beds from our very first series of drawings. Ready to get to work with Doreen Wittenbols. We have our work cut out! Image credit: Ortelius Drew.

Life-Drawing Course
BDP
London, February-March 2017

I ran four life-drawing sessions for BDP, an office of architects, engineers, designers, and urbanists based in Clerkenwell. It was a pleasure building drawing and seeing skills and working with this amazing office!

At the end of the course, BDP organised a large exhibition of their drawings in their vast reception space on the ground floor of their studio in a converted brewery. Thank you so much for welcoming me, it was a great evening!

Thank you to Kevin for recommending me, and to Sopie for organising the sessions and thank you to our great models. Image credit: student drawings.

Total Drawing easter 2017
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

I have taught Total Drawing many times since 2008. Usually a mixed ability group (some are drawing for the first time), part of the course focusses on developing core skills, then it introduces students to simple techniques and experimental processes to enable them to develop a more personal or meaningful interpretation of their subject matter. Image credit: student drawings.

The next sessions of this course run 4-8 September and 11 November-9 December 2017. Book a place.

Colour Course at Foster+Partners
Drawing At Work
February – March 2017

I helped develop and teach a new painting course at Foster+Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with a group of focused architects over the course of those 6 evenings, building observational painting and colour mixing skills. Always a pleasure! Image credit: student work.

Cobourg Drawing Club
January – March 2017
Cobourg’s Got Talent 2017

I volunteered to teach drawing basics to year 3-5 pupils at Cobourg Primary School over the winter term. It was an after school enrichment club and my fourth time working with children at the school. Over seven weeks, we looked at drawing objects, portraits, perspectives and animals. It was a wonderful experience and the children I worked with were very enthusiastic and dedicated!

I installed an exhibition of the drawings in the school office, to coincide with the school’s talent show: Cobourg’s Got Talent. Most parents were able to see these drawings, because they were on display in the office until the end of the school year! Thank you! Image credit: student drawings.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
21 March 2017

The eleventh Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Wimbledon College of Arts, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.
 
 

Experimental Drawing winter 2017
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

I covered this course for my colleague, another tutor at CSM. It was great fun to teach a more experimental drawing course. Thanks to the students for being such a great group! Image credit: student work.

Kickstart Your Creativity Online winter 2017
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

A Short Course Online at CSM. Designed to ignite and inspire your creativity with 8 weekly highly invigorating doses of drawing, painting, photography, collage and artful input designed to stimulate your intellect and refine your technical abilities. This course shows you key methods to unlock your imagination, practice creative problem solving, and keep your innovative drive going through a series of manageable projects. You’ll be encouraged to experiment with unusual materials and methods, explore a wide variety of themes and expand your abilities and horizons.

My students on this course live in Mexico City, Spain and Switzerland. Image credit: student work.

Look out for the next sessions in the autumn term.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
7 March 2017

The tenth Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at London College of Communication, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.
 
 

Life Drawing at Studio Egret West
Drawing At Work
23 February 2017

I taught one life drawing class at Studio Egret West for Drawing At Work. I worked with a group of focused architects that evening, building observational drawing skills. Image credit: student work.
 
 

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
21 February 2017

The ninth Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Central Saint Martins, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.
 
 

Life Drawing at Foster+Partners
Drawing At Work
January – February 2017

I taught life drawing classes at Foster+Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with a group of focused architects over the course of those six evenings, building observational drawing skills and working with several materials. Always a pleasure! Image credit: student work.
 
 

Drawn in London: Mathematics – The Winton Gallery, Science Museum
12 February 2017

Thank you to everyone who came out for a wonderful afternoon of drawing at the Mathematics Gallery of The Science Museum. This gallery examines the fundamental role mathematicians, their tools and ideas have played in building the world we live in. From war and peace to life, death, money, trade and beauty, the objects in Mathematics: The Winton Gallery reveal how mathematics connects to every aspect of our lives.

This recently opened gallery, was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, and we are lucky to have Bidisha Sinha, the Senior Associate responsible for the project, join our group. This was my first drawing group date this year. When we finished drawing at 4pm, some of us walked up Exhibition Road to the Serpentine Galleries to catch the final day of ZAHA HADID: EARLY PAINTINGS AND DRAWINGS.

Thank you to Bidisha Sinha for the interesting background information about the gallery! Image credit: Ilga’s drawing, photo of everybody’s sketchbook by B. Sinha.

Beginners Drawing winter 2017
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

Structured around the life model, this course introduced materials, mark-making techniques, the study of human proportion and compositional skills, together with instruction on the use of drawing inks, crucial for those who wish to continue onto exploring painting and further drawing techniques. Experimentation and individual development were encouraged at all times. Image credit: student drawings.

The next sessions of this course run Saturdays: 7 October – 4 November 2017. Book a place.
 
 

Life Drawing at Desso
Drawing At Work
2 and 9 February 2017

Desso have hosted life-drawing classes in their Clerkenwell showroom for the last eight years. Taught by Drawing At Work, these classes have been very popular. It was a pleasure to return to Desso for two evenings this month, and work with a large mixed group of architects and designers from various local offices. Image credit: participants’ drawings.

Drawing Portfolio winter 2017
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

An intensive skills-based course suitable for beginners, students were encouraged to produce a solid set of portfolio-standard drawings and build their visual literacy skills. Looking at drawing within a variety of different contexts including fine art, illustration, architecture and even doodling, we explored a range of materials and techniques and looked at the history of drawing and contemporary artists’ work. Image credit: student drawings.

The next sessions of this course run Thursdays: 5 October – 2 November and 9 November – 7 December 2017. Book a place.

Visualisation Commission for Ortelius Drew
1 February 2017

Ortelius Drew, my long-term collaboration with Doreen Wittenbols, received a commission to make a visualization of how a square in Amsterdam could look like. Everything is hand drawn/made in these works. The only use of a computer was to scan the final drawings. We made these drawings in one day & used ink, pencil, acrylic paint & collage. So much fun to be drawing with Doreen again!
 
 

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
31 January 2017

The eighth Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Chelsea College of Arts, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.
 
 

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
17 January 2017

The seventh Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Central Saint Martins, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

2016

Ortelius Drew on Patty Morgan
December 2016

We are pleased to announce the curators and critics at Patty Morgan selected Ortelius Drew (my collaboration with Doreen Wittenbols) to join their online art platform! This is a place where you can get inspired by contemporary artists and buy their work. On the platform you can find a wide range of talented artists who upload their content on their own profiles. Patty Morgan believe that art becomes more interesting when you can follow artists for a longer period of time, gain access to their artistic practice and see their work develop.

Some of our drawings are on view and available for sale on this online gallery & artists’ network.
 
 

Life Drawing at Foster+Partners
Drawing At Work
November – December 2016

I taught life drawing classes at Foster+Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with a group of focused architects over the course of those four evenings, building observational drawing skills and working with several materials. Always a pleasure! Image credit: student work.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
6 December 2016

The sixth Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at London College of Fashion, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Ortelius Drew European Tour (2nd edition)
Margate, UK
28 November – 2 December 2016

My longterm collaborator, Amsterdam-based Doreen Wittenbols and I met in Margate for four days of continuous drawing and creating new work, part of our practice as Ortelius Drew. We visited the sites of Margate for a stimulating and productive few days, which resulted in over 20 new drawings. This is the second edition of our tour, since our inaugural visit to Madrid last year.

A big thank you to Simon Foxall and Mariano for accommodating us and letting us take over their dining room table. This trip would not have been possible without them! Stay tuned for where our drawing takes us in 2017! Image credit: Ortelius Drew and our drawings in progress.

Idea Generation Processes autumn 2016
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

How do you convert ideas into a finished work? Where do you get ideas? This course gives you practical investigative methods to start this process. Thank you to a diverse, international and open group of students. Image credit: student work.

The next sessions of this course run 20–24 March and 21-25 August 2017. Book a place.

Drawn in London: Rambert Archive
28 November 2016

Thank you to everyone who came out for a wonderful morning of drawing at the Rambert Archive. My sixth drawing group date this year. The Rambert Archive holds significant collections documenting the evolution of British dance. It tells the story of the development of Britain’s oldest dance company as we moved from classical ballet, through embracing modern American and other influences, to become a 21st century contemporary dance company. With over 500 costumes, 700 posters, thousands of images and objects, dance notation, music and footage, the collections held in the Rambert Archive demonstrate the company’s pioneering work in dance throughout the 20th century to present day collaborations.

Thank you to Kate Whitehead for suggesting this location and to Rambert Deputy Archivist, Emma Brignall, for the wonderful visit! Image credit: Ilga’s drawings.

Drawing classes for Production Designers
Third Year BA and MA Film Practice
London College of Communication
University of the Arts London
October – November 2016

I was invited to teach drawing to a small group of MA and BA Film Practice students who are specialising in Production Design. The BA course at London College of Communication is a general film course at the beginning, then towards the end of year 2, students start to move towards specialisms. The advice given from visiting production designers is to get the students comfortable to communicate their ideas through drawing. The MA course was newly set up this year. I ran five weekly sessions covering drawing basics and materials.

Thanks to Polly Nash for inviting me again to work with a wonderful group of students! Image credit: student drawings.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
22 November 2016

The fifth Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at London College of Fashion, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

ACME Galleria Open Studios 2016
10th Anniversary
19-20 November 2016

I opened the doors to my studio this weekend as part of the ACME Galleria 10th anniversary celebration. Thanks to those who came for a visit! My studio was flooded last June, and it was so difficult to deal with the mess! Over the last couple of months, I was happy to get everything ready for the Open Studios. These images are from A Plotted Affair a collaboration between Rochelle Fry, Ortelius Drew (my collaboration with Doreen Wittenbols) and Astrida Neimanis.

Huge thanks to Julian Sharples for organising this weekend and it was a treat to meet the other artists in the building. Image credit: studio flyer and my collaborative work.

iJADE Conference 2016: Drawing
Riverside Innovation Centre, University of Chester
Chester, UK
18-19 November 2016

In my capacity as a Retain, Achieve, Succeed staff researcher at the University of the Arts, London, I travelled to Chester together with my collaborator Chris Koning to present our research at the iJADE Conference on Drawing at the University of Chester. Our RAS research, to be published in 2017, hopes to make useful recommendations in order to support real and long term institutional change. It was a wonderful experience presenting our ongoing research about drawing to an engaged audience!

A big thank you to the iJADE (International Journal of Art and Design Education) conference organisers, to Dr Kate Hatton for her guidance, and to University of the Arts, London for funding our participation at the conference. Image credit: conference programme.

Published CSM Short Courses Blog
Student Stories: Idea Generation Processes
9 November 2016

Central Saint Martins Short Courses published a new blog. My former student, Madeleine Staubli is a recent graduate of my Idea Generation Processes course at Central Saint Martins. Madeleine shared her experience on the course and how it enabled her to experiment with different materials and a great opportunity to get closer to her own artistic language. She says she learned how to use her brain in new ways. Huge thank you to Madeleine for her wonderful review of the course and thank you to CSM Short Courses for publishing this post! Image credit: CSM Short Courses Blog.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
8 November 2016

The fourth Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Wimbledon College of Art, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
31 October 2016

The third Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at London College of Communication, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Drawing Portfolio autumn 2016
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

An intensive skills-based course suitable to beginners, students were encouraged to produce a solid set of portfolio-standard drawings and build their visual literacy skills. Looking at drawing within a variety of different contexts including fine art, illustration, architecture and even doodling, we explored a range of materials and techniques and looked at the history of drawing and contemporary artists’ work. Image credit: student drawings.

The next sessions of this course run Thursdays: 16 February-16 March and 20 April-18 May 2017. Book a place.

Total Drawing autumn 2016
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

I have taught Total Drawing many times since 2008. Usually a mixed ability group (some are drawing for the first time), part of the course focusses on developing core skills, then it introduces students to simple techniques and experimental processes to enable them to develop a more personal or meaningful interpretation of their subject matter. Image credit: student drawings.

The next sessions of this course run 27-31 March and 26-30 June 2017. Book a place.

Life Drawing at Desso
Drawing At Work
13 October 2016

Desso have hosted life drawing classes in their Clerkenwell showroom for the last seven years. Taught by Drawing At Work, these classes have been very popular. It was a pleasure to return to Desso for a special evening this month, and work with a large mixed group group of architects and designers from various local offices. Image credit: participants’ drawings.

Thinking Through Your Project Through Conceptual Drawing
BA (HONS) Fashion Marketing Futures and Innovations
London College of Fashion
12 October 2016

I ran a variation of my Thinking Through Drawing workshop for UAL Academic Support for students on the BA Fashion Marketing Futures and Innovations course at London College of Fashion. This workshop considered how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. Some students were surprised to discover new directions through this process! Image credit: participant drawings.

Life Drawing at Foster+Partners
Drawing At Work
September – October 2016

I taught life drawing classes at Foster+Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with a group of focused architects over the course of those five evenings, building observational drawing skills and working with several materials. Always a pleasure! Image credit: student work.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
11 October 2016

The second Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at London College of Fashion, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Future of London Leaders Plus Round 4 Drawing Workshop
Deptford
5 October 2016

I ran a drawing workshop for Future of London‘s new Leaders Plus participants. I had worked with previous groups over the last two years and it was a pleasure to be invited back again this year. Deptford is the current case study. Jeff Endean, of the London Borough of Lewisham, gave an overview of the masterplan and a walking tour of the area, and I led the group through two different drawing exercises focussed on looking. A beautiful morning, followed by a group discussion and mini exhibition at Deptford Lounge. Image credit: The workshop and participants’ drawings.

Life Drawing at Pilbrow & Partners
Drawing At Work
September 2016

I taught life drawing classes at Pilbrow & Partners for Drawing At Work. This is the second time this year I worked with the group of focused architects, building observational drawing skills over the course of two evenings. Thank you for the wonderful work! Image credit: student drawings.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
27 September 2016

The first Thinking Through Drawing workshop this academic year for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Chelsea College of Art, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Drawn in London: The Roof Terrace, One New Change
27 September 2016

Thank you to everyone who came out for a wonderful morning of drawing at the The Roof Terrace, One New Change. My fifth drawing group date this year. We took in the spectacular views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline from the breathtaking public roof terrace, the city of London’s must see attraction. One New Change was designed by architect Jean Nouvel. Thank you to Benny for sharing his knowledge of this special view of the London skyline! Image credit: Ilga’s drawing and photo by Tim Baynes.

Drawn in London: Limehouse Arts Foundation
15 September 2016

Thank you to everyone who came out for a wonderful evening of drawing at the Limehouse Arts Foundation. My fourth drawing group date this year. This building houses 60 independent artist studios in Bow, East London. We drew the view of Canary Wharf from the stairs to the rooftop of the building. Huge thank you to Gill and Kay for inviting us! Image credit: Ilga’s drawing.

Drawn in London: Serpentine Pavilion and Summer Houses
11 September 2016

Thank you to everyone who came out for a wonderful afternoon of drawing at the Serpentine Pavilion and Summer Houses. My third drawing group date this year, this year’s pavilion is by Bjarke Ingels, a Danish architect and head of the architectural practice Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). New this year are four summer houses by Kunlé Adeyemi, Barkow Leibinger, Yona Friedman and Asif Khan. Image credit: Ilga’s drawings.

Townscape Sketching summer 2016
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

A great week drawing London on location this summer! In additional to urban environments, we drew parks, canal-side, riverside, markets and museums. The students practiced building skills and developing style in their drawings and illustrations. My sixth summer teaching this course, I worked with another wonderful group of students! Image credit: student drawings.

The next session of this course runs 29 August – 1 September 2017. Book a place.

Idea Generation Processes summer 2016
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

How do you convert ideas into a finished work? Where do you get ideas? This course gives you practical investigative methods to start this process. Thank you to a diverse, international and open group of students, including seven employees from Puig, a fashion and fragrance business based in Barcelona and Paris. This is the second year they sent people to this course. Image credit: student work.

The next sessions of this course run 9 January – 13 March 2017 and 20 – 24 March 2017. Book a place.

Life Painting and Drawing at Foster+Partners
Drawing At Work
June – August 2016

I taught life painting and drawing classes at Foster+Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with two groups of architects over the course of those three evenings, building observational painting and drawing skills. Always a pleasure! Image credit: student work.

Beginners Drawing summer 2016
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

Structured around the life model, this course introduced materials, mark-making techniques, the study of human proportion and compositional skills, together with instruction on the use of drawing inks, crucial for those who wish to continue onto exploring painting and further drawing techniques. Experimentation and individual development were encouraged at all times. Image credit: student drawings.

Art and Design Workshop for 13-16 year olds summer 2016
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

For the fourth summer in a row, I coordinated 2-week intense art and design workshops for teenagers looking to get the full experience of art school: building skills and developing ideas. With fashion courses next door, I taught four of the six weeks this summer and worked together with a great team: Rochelle Fry, Ignacia Ruiz, Doreen Wittenbols, Simon Foxall and Junior Boakye-Yiadom. Thank you for an amazing summer! Image credit: student work.

Total Drawing summer 2016
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

I have taught Total Drawing many times since 2008. Usually a mixed ability group (some are drawing for the first time), part of the course focusses on developing core skills, then it introduces students to simple techniques and experimental processes to enable them to develop a more personal or meaningful interpretation of their subject matter. Image credit: student drawings.

The next sessions of this course run 14 January – 11 February 2017 and 27-31 March 2017. Book a place.

‘The Dirty Subject’ poster and new space launch
Five Years, London, 23 June 2016

As a member of Five Years, I was invited to contribute to a collaborative poster for the launch of our new space in Archway.

FIVE YEARS is pleased to announce the opening of its new space in Archway. For the opening event we will be presenting a series of screen-printed posters by FIVE YEARS members titled THE DIRTY SUBJECT. Artists: Mia Taylor / Amacollective / Edward Dorrian / Rochelle Fry / Marc Hulson / Ilga Leimanis / Louisa Minkin / Sally Morfill / Michael Murphy /Esther Planas / Alex Schady / Francis Summers.

The prints will be for sale at £9.99: we were forced to flee the East End by our unscrupulous landlords who doubled the rent. Set adrift, we found refuge at the Bomb Factory and we ask that you join us for a night of rebirth and celebration.

The exhibition was open until 3 July 2016, and the posters will be available until sold out.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
22 June 2016

Another Thinking Through Drawing workshop for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at London College of Fashion, High Holborn, was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.
 
 

Interview for UAL Academic Support Online
22 June 2016

I was interviewed by UAL Academic Support to talk about how I use my sketchbooks and why students should too! Thanks so much for coming to my studio. Happy to be part of this online resource. I’ll keep you posted when it goes live!

Total Drawing Online spring 2016
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

This is the online version of my popular Total Drawing course. Usually a mixed ability group (some are drawing for the first time), part of this course focusses on developing core skills, then it introduces students to simple techniques and experimental processes to enble them to develop a more personal and meaningful interpretation of their subject matter. Image credit: student drawings.

My students on this course live in Barcelona, Birmingham, Bulgaria, Kinshasa, London, Rome, San Sebastian and Singapore.

Look out for the next session in the winter term.

Conceptual Drawing Skills Workshop
UAL-wide Academic Support
15 June 2016

Building on from the popular Thinking Through Drawing workshops for UAL Academic Support, past participants were invited back to build further skills. One student said: “I didn’t realise I was lacking a skill, I thought I was not talented.” This workshop at London College of Fashion at High Holborn was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: Ilga’s teaching sketch.

European Access Network Conference
University College Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
29 – 31 May 2016

In my capacity as a Retain, Achieve, Succeed staff researcher at the University of the Arts, London, I travelled to Dublin to present a Thinking Through Drawing mini-workshop and an exhibition of UAL student drawings at the European Access Network conference at University College Dublin. This exhibition comprised of a few process drawings by University of the Arts London students who have attended my Thinking Through Drawing workshops offered by Academic Support at UAL. These drawings are considered to be ‘thinking’ drawings, demonstrating creative process and design development, and why it is important for students to have the confidence and skill of drawing to succeed on their courses.

My RAS research is in collaboration with Chris Koning, to be published in 2017, and hopes to make useful recommendations in order to support real and long term institutional change.

A big thank you to Finola McTernan and the EAN conference organisers, to Dr Kate Hatton for her guidance, and to University of the Arts, London for funding my participation at the conference. Image credits: Vincent Hoban and UAL student drawings exhibited at University College Dublin.

Ortelius Drew DOES Mail & Female
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
27 May – 26 June 2016

Together with my long term collaborator Doreen Wittenbols and part of our collaborative practice as Ortelius Drew, we had the unique opportunity to create new work from the inventory of the adult toy shop Mail & Female in Amsterdam. Inspired by the various sex toys, we made cutouts and stencils repeating them with drawing and collage. In total, we made 31 drawings for the exhibition Sexplosion. This series, entitled Ortelius Drew DOES Mail & Female is on display in one of the shop windows during the exhibition from 27 May – 26 June, 2016.

A big thank you to Mail & Female for supporting this project which allowed me to visit Amsterdam in order to create the work together with Doreen. Image credit: Ortelius Drew.

Life Painting at Foster+Partners
Drawing At Work
April – May 2016

I taught life painting classes at Foster+Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with a group of focused architects over the course of those 4 evenings, building observational painting and colour mixing skills. Always a pleasure! Image credit: student work.

Drawn in London: South London Gallery
Michael Dean: Sic Glyphs
21 May 2016

Thank you to everyone who came out for a wonderful afternoon of drawing in Turner Prize nominee Michael Dean’s solo show at the South London Gallery. My second drawing group date this year, this was a beautiful exhibition of sculpture: concrete, naked steel reinforcement and other do-it-yourself materials which invoke the physical reality of contemporary urban surfaces. Thank you to the South London Gallery for our visit! Image credit: Ilga’s drawing.

Drawing Portfolio spring 2016
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

An intensive skills-based course suitable to beginners, students were encouraged to produce a solid set of portfolio-standard drawings and build their visual literacy skills. Looking at drawing within a variety of different contexts including fine art, illustration, architecture and even doodling, we explored a range of materials and techniques as well as looked at the history of drawing and contemporary artists’ work. Image credit: student drawing.

The next session of this course runs Thursdays: 29 September – 27 October 2016. Book a place.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
10 May 2016

Another Thinking Through Drawing workshop for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Life Drawing at Pilbrow & Partners
Drawing At Work
April – May 2016

I taught life drawing classes at Pilbrow & Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with a group of focused architects over the course of those 2 evenings, building observational drawing skills. Thank you for the wonderful evenings! Image credit: student work.

New Work: Ortelius Drew Teasers
April 2016

I joined my long term collaborator Doreen Wittenbols in Amsterdam for four days of continuous drawing, cutting and pasting, part of our collaborative practice as Ortelius Drew. This series of 30 new works will be exhibited next month as part of the exhibition Sexplosion at Mail & Female. Image credit: Ortelius Drew.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
19 April 2016

Another Thinking Through Drawing workshop for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Wimbledon College of Art was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Total Drawing Easter 2016
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

I have taught Total Drawing many times since 2008. Usually a mixed ability group (some are drawing for the first time), part of the course focusses on developing core skills, then it introduces students to simple techniques and experimental processes to enable them to develop a more personal or meaningful interpretation of their subject matter. Image credit: student drawings.

The next sessions of this course run 27 June – 1 July 2016 and 5-9 September 2016. Book a place.

Life Drawing at Desso
Drawing At Work
13 April 2015

Desso have hosted life drawing classes in their Clerkenwell showroom for the last seven years. Taught by Drawing At Work, these classes have been very popular, and over the years I have taught a few sessions. It was a pleasure to return to Desso for an evening this month and work with a very talented group of architects and designers. Image credit: student drawings.

Life Drawing at Foster+Partners
Drawing At Work
March – April 2016

I taught life drawing classes at Foster+Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with a group of focused architects over the course of those 3 evenings, building observational drawing skills and working with several materials.

Always a pleasure! Image credit: student work.

Creative Spark workshop
Affordable Art Fair Battersea
Central Saint Martins Short Courses
11 March 2016

I was invited to run an experimental one-hour workshop exploring the creative process, for Central Saint Martins Short Courses at the Affordable Art Fair London in Battersea Park. Starting with the memory of a favourite work from the fair, we used drawing, 2D and 3D paper, and mixed media, to play with making changes to the initial source, through a simple and fun process. Thank you to the participants for a stimulating and fun hour, and to CSM Short Courses and the Affordable Art Fair for the opportunity! Image credit: participants’ work.

Drawing, Painting, and Process course
Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects
London, February-March 2016

I ran seven sessions for Pringle Richards Sharratt Limited, an architecture office based in Kennington. It was a pleasure to return for a second time and work with such a talented, enthusiastic and welcoming group! Thank you to Joana for organising the sessions. Image credit: student drawings.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
8 March 2016

Another Thinking Through Drawing workshop for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Central Saint Martins was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Published CSM Short Courses Blog
Student Review: Total Drawing
4 March 2016

Central Saint Martins Short Courses published a new blog. My former student, Angelica Salvia is a recent graduate of my Total Drawing course at Central Saint Martins. Angelica shared her experience on the course and how it has benefitted her career and personal development. Huge thank you to Angelica for her wonderful review of the course and thank you to CSM Short Courses for publishing this post! Image credit: CSM Short Courses Blog.

Life Painting at Foster+Partners
Drawing At Work
January – March 2016

I taught life painting classes at Foster+Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with two different groups of focussed architects over the course of those 5 evenings, building observational painting and colour mixing skills. Always a pleasure! Image credit: student work.

Published Guest Blog:
Former CSM Short Course Students Invited to Contribute to Book
18 February 2016

Central Saint Martins Short Courses published a new blog, to which I was invited to contribute. I wrote a piece about Creative Sketching Workshop, the book published last October by Pete Scully. I was invited to write three chapters in that book, and this was an opportunity to mention my former CSM Short Course students, who kindly shared their work and have their drawings featured in the book. Thank you, CSM Short Courses for publishing this post! Image credit: CSM Short Courses Blog.

New Work: Ortelius Drew
February 2016

My long term collaborator, Amsterdam-based Doreen Wittenbols and I met online for a long-distance studio day, to finish a few new drawings started on our recent trip to Madrid. This is part of our practice as Ortelius Drew.

Image credit: Ortelius Drew, Caixa Forum, Madrid, 2015-16. Ink, marker, collage on paper (29.5 x 42cm).

Drawn in London: Two Temple Place
17 February 2016

My first drawing group date this year at Two Temple Place, London’s first venue to specifically showcase publicly-owned art from around the UK. The building itself is one of London’s hidden architectural gems, an extraordinary late Victorian mansion built by William Waldorf Astor on Embankment. This is a return visit, our first was in 2013. There was also a chance to see the Beyond Beauty: Transforming the Body in Ancient Egypt exhibition and listen to Egyptian music performed in the evening during out visit. Thank you to everyone who came out for a wonderful evening! Image credit: Ilga’s drawing.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
16 February 2016

Another Thinking Through Drawing workshop for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at London College of Communication was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Collaboration continues:
Architecture of Conversation
Ilga Leimanis + Bidisha Sinha

Following on from BANG YOUR HEAD at Five Years last May, architect Bidisha Sinha and I continue to examine architecture of conversations, the dialogue between interdisciplinary collaborators. Watch this space! Image credit: sketches from our meeting.

Total Drawing winter 2016
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

I have taught Total Drawing many times since 2008. Usually a mixed ability group (some are drawing for the first time), part of the course focusses on developing core skills, then it introduces students to simple techniques and experimental processes to enable them to develop a more personal or meaningful interpretation of their subject matter. Image credit: student drawings.

The next session of this course runs 11-15 April 2016. Book a place.

New Work: Ortelius Drew
January 2016

My long term collaborator, Amsterdam-based Doreen Wittenbols and I met online for a long-distance studio day, to finish a few new drawings started on our recent trip to Madrid. This is part of our practice as Ortelius Drew.

Image credit: Ortelius Drew, Conservatory of Santiago Castroviejo, Royal Botanic Gardens, Madrid, 2015-16. Marker and collage on paper and The Infanta Margarita de Austria by MARTÍNEZ DEL MAZO & Queen Mariana of Austria VELÁZQUEZ, Museo del Prado, 2016. Ink & collage on paper.

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
26 January 2016

Another Thinking Through Drawing workshop for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at London College of Fashion was open only to currently enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.

Drawing and Paper Workshop
Developing Collaborative Practice:
Train the Trainer day for Academic Support Librarians
Chelsea College of Arts, University of the Arts London
21 January 2016

I ran an enquiry-based mini-workshop as part of a Train the Trainer day for UAL Academic Support Librarians. Part drawing, part paper manipulation, the group worked collaboratively as well as individually, to generate further ideas and reflection on a question from earlier in the day.

2015

Idea Generation Processes autumn 2015
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

How do you convert ideas into a finished work? Where do you get ideas? This course gives you practical investigative methods to start this process. This was a week long intensive course with a great, international and open group of students. Thank you! Image credit: student work.

Kickstart Your Creativity Online autumn 2015
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

A new Short Course Online at CSM. Designed to ignite and inspire your creativity with 8 weekly highly invigorating doses of drawing, painting, photography, collage and artful input designed to stimulate your intellect and refine your technical abilities. This course shows you key methods to unlock your imagination, practice creative problem solving, and keep your innovative drive going through a series of manageable projects.You’ll be encouraged to experiment with unusual materials and methods, explore a wide variety of themes and expand your abilities and horizons.

My students on this course live in San Francisco, Madrid, North Wales, Scotland, Bahrain, Delhi, Saudi Arabia and Los Angeles.

Look out for the next sessions in the summer term.

Drawn in London: The Royal Opera House Build Area and Props Room
8 December 2015

I organised the tenth and final drawing group date this year at The Royal Opera House.

We are very lucky to gain access to the Opera’s build area, where sets are assembled and dismantled. This year we also drew in the room where props are made; there was an overwhelming selection of all kinds of objects to draw! This was our eighth time behind the scenes at the ROH.

Thank you very much to Alison for organising! Image credit: Ilga’s drawing.
 
 

Drawn in London: The Tate Britain
4 December 2015

I organised the ninth drawing group date this year at The Tate Britain.

This date coincided with Late at Tate: Enjoy a vibrant mix of music, workshops, talks, special guests and DJs, live performance and debate, all taking inspiration from artwork in the Tate Collection.

Thank you to everyone who came out to draw! Image credit: Ilga’s drawing.
 
 

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
1 December 2015

My second Thinking Through Drawing workshop this term for UAL Academic Support. This three-hour workshop revisits drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Central Saint Martins was open only to current enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.
 
 

Cobourg Drawing Club
September – December 2015
Peckham Platform OPEN15

I taught drawing basics to year 5 and 6 pupils at Cobourg Primary School over the autumn term. It was an after school enrichment club and my third time working with nine and ten-year-olds. Over eight weeks we looked at drawing the still life, portrait, perspective and figure basics. It was a wonderful experience and the children I worked with were very enthusiastic and dedicated! An exhibition of the drawings at the school, will follow in the new year.

I submitted two of the children’s self-portraits to the Peckham Platform Open15, an opportunity to celebrate all things creative in Peckham, inviting people that have a connection to Peckham to contribute artworks to exhibit together at Peckham Platform.

Thanks to the great turnout in support of the children, they took first and second places for the Public Choice Best in Show Prizes! Thank you to everyone who voted. Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

Life Drawing and Painting at Foster+Partners
Drawing At Work
June – November 2015

I taught life drawing and painting classes at Foster+Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with four different groups of focussed architects over the course of those 13 evenings, building observational drawing and colour mixing skills, and working with several materials.

Always a pleasure! Image credit: student work.
 
 

Drawn in London: The Hunterian Museum,
Royal College of Surgeons
21 November 2015

I organised the eighth drawing group date this year at The Hunterian Museum.
Boasting unrivalled collections of human and non-human anatomical and pathological specimens, models, instruments, painting and sculptures that reveal the art and science of surgery from the 17th century to the present day, it was an overwhelming space to draw for sheer volume of objects.

Thank you to everyone who came out to draw! Image credit: Ilga’s drawing.
 
 

Ortelius Drew drawing in Madrid, Spain
November 2015

My longterm collaborator, Amsterdam-based Doreen Wittenbols and I met in Madrid for four days of continuous drawing and making new work, part of our practice as Ortelius Drew. We visited the sites and museums of Madrid for a stimulating and productive few days, which resulted in nearly 30 new drawings.

Stay tuned for where our drawing takes us in 2016!
Image credit: Ortelius Drew, Puente de Segovia v2, 2015. Marker, watercolour & collage on paper.
 
 

Drawing classes for Production Designers
Third Year BA Film Practice
London College of Communication
University of the Arts London
October – November 2015

I was invited to teach drawing to a small group of Film Practice students who are specialising in Production Design. The BA course at London College of Communication is a general film course to start with, and then towards the end of year 2, students start to move towards specialisms. The advice given from visiting production designers is to get the students comfortable to communicate their ideas through drawing. I ran three weekly sessions covering drawing basics and materials.

Thanks to Polly Nash and the wonderful group of students! Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

New book: Creative Sketching Workshop
Published by Apple Press (UK), North Light Books (North America) and Tan Yang International (Asia)
October 2015

I was invited to write three chapters / workshops to a new book, Creative Sketching Workshop, by Pete Scully, published in October. It is a great new book of 21 workshops packed with different exercises to try out.

There are a total of 12 contributors from around the world: Virginia Hein, James Hobbs, Nina Johansson, Ilga Leimanis, Kumi Matsukawa, Shiho Nakaza, Melaine Reim, Rita Sabler, Liz Steel, Paul Wang, Samantha Zaza and the author Pete Scully.

In addition to these contributors, there are also many other guest artists whose beautiful artworks are included. This 176-page paperback is packed with inspiration and insights.

My three workshops are: Architecture, Portraits at Home and Pets and Animals. In addition to my own sketches (alone and as Ortelius Drew), I’ve also asked Tim Baynes, John Booth, Sandra Cox, Simon Foxall, Gazala Haq, Kinga Kowalczyk, Loretta McGregor, Ana Peigneux Ortega, Ignacia Ruiz, Felix Siew and Amy E. Wynne to contribute their drawings to these chapters. Thank you so much for making my chapters so colourful!

Thank you to Isheeta Mustafi of RotoVision Books and Pete Scully for asking me to be one of the contributors to this book! A wonderful new experience!
 
 

Total Drawing autumn 2015
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

I have taught Total Drawing many times since 2008. Usually a mixed ability group (some are drawing for the first time), part of the course focusses on developing core skills, then it introduces students to simple techniques and experimental processes to enable them to develop a more personal or meaningful interpretation of their subject matter. Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

Drawn in London: Rotherhithe Picture Research Library,
Sands Films Costumes Ltd
27 October 2015

I organised the seventh drawing group date this year at The Rotherhithe Picture Research Library. Established in 1975 as a reference collection, it is freely available to anyone wishing to do picture research for any reason whatsoever. Thanks for the behind-the-scenes tour and to everyone who came out to draw! Image credit: Ilga’s drawing.
 
 

Future of London Drawing Workshop
Peckham
22 October 2015

I ran a morning drawing workshop for the Future of London office focussing on three locations in Peckham: Peckham Rye Station, Peckham Square Arch and Copeland Park, followed by lunch at The Nines. Thank you for a great workshop! Image credit: Participant’s drawing.
 
 

Townscape Sketching Course
October 2015

I ran a small townscape sketching course over three Wednesday evenings in October. Taking place on location, the course covered perspective sketches to convey a townscape scene and learning how to deal with approximating detail. The course was open to all levels. Image credit: Ilga’s sketch of the Barbican foyers.
 
 

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
20 October 2015

Building on the success of the five Thinking Through Drawing workshops last academic year with Christina Koning, I will be continuing to run a series of three hour workshops for UAL Academic Support to revisit drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. Looking at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Chelsea College of Arts was open only to current enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London. Image credit: participant drawings.
 
 

Drawn in London: Cumberland Basin Horticultural Society,
Cumberland Market
18 October 2015

I organised the sixth drawing group date this year at Cumberland Basin Horticultural Society. This is a private space, an allotment garden, formerly a canal, on the Cumberland Market Estate. Please see the link for more information about its history. Thanks to Rochelle Fry for organising access and suggesting the location, and to everyone who came out to draw! Image credit: Ilga’s drawing.

Drawing classes for Hoare Lea
Central Saint Martins Bespoke Training
London, September 2015

Hoare Lea is an award-winning firm of consulting engineers specialising in mechanical, electrical and environmental engineering. I taught manual drawing skills to 60 engineers over 6 sessions, enabling them to using drawings to communicate effectively. This was a bespoke training opportunity provided by Central Saint Martins and a pleasure! Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

Future of London Leaders Plus Drawing Workshop
Hackney Wick Fish Island
30 September 2015

I ran a drawing workshop for Future of London‘s new Leaders Plus participants. I had worked with the previous group last year and it was a pleasure to be invited back again this year. Hackney Wick Fish Island is the current case study. The London Legacy Development Corporation gave a walking tour of the area, and I led the group through two different drawing exercises focussed on looking. A beautiful morning followed by a group discussion. Image credit: The workshop and participants’ drawings.
 
 

Drawn in London: Bold Tendencies
27 September 2015

I organised the fifth drawing group date this year in Peckham’s disused multi-storey car park with spectacular rooftop views across London. This building is home to Bold Tendencies, a 21st century not for profit creative enterprise. Since 2007 they have pioneered a radical approach transforming the car park into an internationally admired example of a creative community at work operating an acclaimed summer season. It was a beautiful sunny morning! Image credit: Ilga’s drawings.
 
 

Allies and Morrison Social Drawing Event
Drawing At Work
24 September 2015

Allies and Morrison held a social drawing event for staff led by tutors from Drawing at Work. The evening was split into three activities: life drawing, tonal studies and paper folding. There was a vast variety of work produced and everything was pinned up at the end of the evening. I ran three back-to-back life sessions for Drawing at Work, and had the difficult task of selecting the best drawings for prizes! A great evening. Image credit: students drawing.
 
 

Drawn in London: Serpentine Pavilion
20 September 2015

I organised the fourth drawing group date this year at the Serpentine Pavilion in Kensington Gardens. Spanish architects selgascano designed the 15th Pavilion, an amorphous, double-skinned, polygonal structure consisting of panels of a translucent, multi-coloured fluorine-based polymer woven through and wrapped like webbing. Thanks to the group that came out to draw on a beautiful day! Image credit: Ilga’s drawing.
 
 

Total Drawing summer 2015
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

I have taught Total Drawing many times since 2008. Usually a mixed ability group (some are drawing for the first time), part of the course focusses on developing core skills, then it introduces students to simple techniques and experimental processes to enable them to develop a more personal or meaningful interpretation of their subject matter. Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

Townscape Sketching summer 2015
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

A great week drawing London on location this summer! In additional to urban environments, we drew parks, canal-side, riverside, markets and museums. The students practiced building skills and developing style in their drawings and illustrations. My fifth summer teaching this course, I worked with another wonderful group of students! Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

Idea Generation Processes summer 2015
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

How do you convert ideas into a finished work? Where do you get ideas? This course gives you practical investigative methods to start this process. Thank you to a diverse, international and open group of students, including five employees from Puig, a fashion and fragrance business based in Barcelona. Image credit: Central Saint Martins.
 
 

Art and Design Workshop for 13-17 year olds summer 2015
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

For the third summer in a row, I coordinated 2-week intense art and design workshops for teenagers looking to get the full experience of art school: building skills and developing ideas. With fashion courses next door, I taught six of the eight weeks this summer and worked together with a great team: Rochelle Fry, Simon Foxall, Ignacia Ruiz and Ryan Connolly. Thank you for an amazing summer! Image credit: student work.
 
 

Life Drawing for 16-18 year olds summer 2015
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

This is a course for any student considering further study within the arts and is a great opportunity to hone visual skills and develop new confidence in your abilities. I worked with an amazing group of enthusiastic students and models. Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

Design Master Workshops
Beijing Sphinx International Art Education
Beijing and Shanghai, China
13-21 June 2015

I was invited to China to run workshops in Shanghai and Beijing at Sphinx International Art Education, an organisation that does a wonderful job preparing students for studies in Europe and North America. I ran creative process and idea generation workshops, working with four groups of students at different levels of study. I also ran personal tutorials, giving advice on students’ work and portfolios. It was an amazing opportunity and I learned so much! Thank you to everyone I met, in particular Gonny and May Li for organising the events and inviting me!
 
 

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
8 June 2015

Christina Koning and I were invited to run a series of three hour workshops for UAL Academic Support to revisit drawing skills and consider what it means to ‘see skilfully’. We looked at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Chelsea College of Arts was open only to current enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London.
 
 

Drawn in London: Sky Garden, 20 Fenchurch Street
1 June 2015

20 Fenchurch Street was designed in 2004 by Rafael Viñoly. With his distinctive design, it is stunning on a purely aesthetic level. Without increasing the building’s footprint, Viñoly has successfully turned the idea that buildings having to be smaller at the top on its head. The Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street is a unique public space that spans three storeys and offers 360 degree uninterrupted views across the City of London. Image credit: Ilga’s sketches.
 
 

BANG YOUR HEAD
Architecture of Conversation
Ilga Leimanis + Bidisha Sinha
Five Years, London, 23 – 31 May 2015

Opening Times: Sat – Sun (1-6pm)
Preview: Friday 22nd May 2015 (6–9pm)
Five Years 66 Regent Studios, 8 Andrews Road, London E8 4QN

First in a series examining the architecture of conversations, BANG YOUR HEAD, is the dialogue between interdisciplinary collaborators exploring well-being, from which the ‘Manifesto of Re-Engagement’ emerged.

Latvian Television broadcast an interview about the exhibition and gallery on 1 June 2015.
 
 

Drawing Portfolio spring 2015
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

An intensive skills-based course suitable to beginners, students were encourged to produce a solid set of portfolio-standard drawings and build their visual literacy skills. Looking at drawing within a variety of different contexts including fine art, illustration, architecture and even doodling, we explored a range of materials and techniques as well as looked at the history of drawing and contemporary artists’ work. Image credit: student drawing.
 
 

Beginners Drawing spring 2015
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

Structured around the life model, this course introduced materials, mark-making techniques, the study of human proportion and compositional skills, together with instruction on the use of drawing inks, crucial for those who wish to continue onto exploring painting and further drawing techniques. Experimentation and individual development were encouraged at all times. Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
19 May 2015

Christina Koning and I were invited to run a series of three hour workshops for UAL Academic Support to revisit drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. We looked at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at London College of Communication was open only to current enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London.
 
 

Life Drawing at Foster+Partners
Drawing At Work
January-May 2015

I taught life drawing classes at Foster+Partners for Drawing At Work. I worked with four different groups of focussed architects over the course of those 13 evenings, building observational drawing skills and working with several materials. Drawings from the last year were exhibited in-house mid-May. Always a pleasure! Image credit: exhibition and drawings.
 
 

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
28 April 2015

Based on the success of the first two Thinking Through Drawing workshops, Christina Koning and I were invited to run three more three-hour workshops for UAL Academic Support to revisit drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. We looked at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Central Saint Martins was open only to current enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London.
 
 

Drawn in London: Kenwood House
26 March 2015

Kenwood House (also known as the Iveagh Bequest) is a former stately home, in Hampstead, London, on the northern boundary of Hampstead Heath. It is managed by English Heritage, and normally open to the public. Thank you to Curator Jerzy Kierkuk-Bielinski for arranging the visit. Image credit: Ilga’s sketches.
 
 

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
25 March 2015

Together with Christina Koning, I ran the second of two three-hour workshops for UAL Academic Support to revisit drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. We looked at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop at Central Saint Martins was open only to current enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London.
 
 

Drawing classes
Pringle Richards Sharratt Architects
Central Saint Martins Bespoke Training
London, February-March 2015

I ran seven drawing sessions for Pringle Richards Sharratt Limited, an architecture office based in Kennington. This was a bespoke training opportunity provided by Central Saint Martins. It was a pleasure to work with this talented office! Thank you to Kevin for organising the sessions and our great models. Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

Drawing Portfolio spring 2015
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

An intensive skills-based course suitable to beginners, students were encourged to produce a solid set of portfolio-standard drawings and build their visual literacy skills. Looking at drawing within a variety of different contexts including fine art, illustration, architecture and even doodling, we explored a range of materials and techniques as well as looked at the history of drawing and contemporary artists’ work. Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

Drawn in London: The Wallace Collection
10 March 2015

The first drawing group date this year! The Wallace Collection is a national museum in an historic London town house. In 25 galleries are unsurpassed displays of French 18th-century painting, furniture and porcelain with superb Old Master paintings and a world class armoury.
Image credit: Ilga’s sketch.
 
 

Thinking Through Drawing
UAL-wide Academic Support
17 February 2015

Together with Christina Koning, I ran the first of two three-hour workshops for UAL Academic Support to revisit drawing skills and considers what it means to ‘see skilfully’. We looked at various drawing methodologies to consider how drawing can help to think through conceptual ideas, to work through a brief, and to expand and support thinking and creative practice. This workshop was open only to current enrolled students (all levels) at University of the Arts London.
 
 

Total Drawing winter 2015
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

I have taught Total Drawing many times since 2008. Usually a mixed ability group (some are drawing for the first time), part of the course focusses on developing core skills, then it introduces students to simple techniques and experimental processes to enable them to develop a more personal or meaningful interpretation of their subject matter. Another wonderful group of students! Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

Life Drawing at Desso
Drawing At Work – February 2015

Desso have hosted life drawing classes in their Clerkenwell showroom for the last six years. Taught by Drawing At Work, these classes have been very popular and over the years, I have taught a few sessions. It was a pleasure to return to Desso for an evening this month, and work with a very talented group of architects and designers. Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

Drawing Portfolio winter 2015
Short Course at Central Saint Martins

An intensive skills-based course suitable to beginners, students were encourged to produce a solid set of portfolio-standard drawings and build their visual literacy skills. Looking at drawing within a variety of different contexts including fine art, illustration, architecture and even doodling, we explored a range of materials and techniques as well as looked at the history of drawing and contemporary artists’ work. Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

Cobourg Drawing Club
September – December 2014
Exhibition 10 February 2015

I taught drawing basics to year 5 and 6 pupils at Cobourg Primary School over the autumn term. It was an after school enrichment club and my second time working with nine and ten year olds. Over eleven weeks we looked at drawing the still life, portrait, perspective and figure basics. The drawings were presented together in an informal exhibition in February and the school community were invited to view them. It was a wonderful experience and the children I worked with were very enthusiastic and talented! Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

Life Drawing classes
Vogt Landscape Architects
London, January 2015

I ran a set of four experimental life drawing sessions for Vogt, a landscape architecture office based in Shoreditch. It was a pleasure to return for a second time and work with such a talented, enthusiastic and welcoming group in their extraordinary railway arch space! Thank you to Chloe and Kate for organising the sessions and our great models. Image credit: student drawings.
 
 

2014

University of the Arts London Level 2 Drawing Programme
November – December 2014

At the end of the year, I taught four drawing classes, part of the Drawing Qualification, in Canning Town to Year 10 school pupils through a University of the Arts Widening Participation and Progression initiative. It was a wonderful experience working with the talented students, great tutors and student ambassadors. Photo credit: C Koning.
 
 

Membership: Five Years, London, December 2014

I was nominated for Five Years membership and am very proud to join this long-standing and well respected collaborative artists’ project. I will be working on a new collaboration to be shown in May.
 
 

Drawing: The UNSEEN Emporium and the Gilded State Barge
Somerset House, London, 9 December 2014

The final drawing group date for 2014 – two locations at Somerset House! T H E U N S E E N is an exploration house that blends biological and chemical matter into materials; focused on seeing the unseen by combining science with art, design and performance. The House opens its doors to a magical world of science fused with design.

A visitor centre featuring audiovisual displays on the history of the building and the gilded state barge of the Lord Mayor of the City of London are open in the wing overlooking the river. At the time of construction, the river was not embanked and the Thames lapped the South Wing of Somerset House where three great arches allowed boats and barges to penetrate to landing