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Marks That Matter: Charcoal Drawing Workshop Reviews

4.8 Rating 6 Reviews
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This is a fun activity in West Drayton, London

Workshop with Gabby Graham

Step into a quietly expressive afternoon of charcoal exploration, guided by art practitioner Gabby Graham. This workshop invites you to slow down, loosen up, and rediscover the pleasure of mark-making through the tactile richness of willow and condensed charcoal. We begin gently, warming the hand and eye with free, intuitive gestures on generous sheets of butcher's paper. These early marks are playful, exploratory, and gloriously unprecious—an invitation to let the charcoal speak before you try to tame it. As the session unfolds, you’ll move towards developing a more intentional composition, working on beautifully heavy, high-quality cartridge paper in A2 or A1 scale. With Gabby’s thoughtful guidance, you’ll build depth, contrast, and confidence, allowing your piece to grow into something bold, expressive, and—quite possibly—splendid. Whether you’re new to charcoal or returning to an old love, this workshop offers space to experiment, expand, and enjoy the meditative rhythm of drawing.

Please note: This class needs 7 people to run. If minimum ticket sales are not reached the workshop may be cancelled/rescheduled.

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Teacher easy to follow. Used music to help movement on the page. I like that the Teacher gave tips and showed examples.
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Posted 1 month ago
Jayne Towndrow
Verified Reviewer
This is the second time I’ve done this workshop. I loved it so much the first time I booked again. And it didn’t disappoint. The tutor, Gabby, is absolutely lovely, very encouraging and creates a really super relaxed atmosphere. You don’t need to be able to draw that’s why I love it. You’re literally making marks and when you’ve made the marks, you end up with a picture. Nothing needs changing, but if it was longer, I wouldn’t mind. Can’t believe how excited I feel about charcoal.
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Posted 2 months ago
Shervin Sharifi Rad
Verified Reviewer
Very lovey people and lots of opportunities to practice and play
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Posted 4 months ago
Sue Williams
Verified Reviewer
Incentivized
This class was amazing. I am a complete beginner but was allowed to play with the craft tools & experiment with my own marks. By my 4th picture, I was more confident with my technique & went home feeling very relaxed & accomplished. Thank you Southlands for a fab afternoon.
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Posted 4 months ago
Jayne Towndrow
Verified Reviewer
I am a little biased becasue I am a fan of Southlands Arts Centre but I absolutely loved this workshop. An opportunity to play and to play on a bigger scale than I ever have previously. A medium I have never tried before. I cannot draw but didn't need to, I just needed to trust the gestural marks my body wanted to make, to trust my body and let the charcoal flow. What a super tutor, very relaxing, music to help inspiration, using the body to do art, moving the body to make art. I was new to charcoal and I know I will do more. And a very good value ticket price.
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Posted 4 months ago
"Debra Coles"
Verified Reviewer
A fun afternoon, being free to make marks with no specific requirements or outcomes. The tutor was relaxed and knowledgeable and spent time with everyone in turn. Listening to music, and making art, in a wonderful old house set in amazing grounds. A perfect afternoon. Thank you Southlands.
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Posted 4 months ago