Still life drawing lessons begin at Eden Art Space |08 April 2022

As of April 6, adults and children are able to join art classes that focus on learning still life drawing skills. Hosted by Julie Johnston, the classes are being held every Thursday, from 3 – 5pm, at Eden Art Space, Eden Plaza.

Ms Johnston, artist, art teacher and founder of Zuri Seychelles, hosts art lessons and creative workshops for both children and adults in various locations on Mahé.   

Speaking to the Seychelles NATION, Ms Johnston shares that the idea behind still life drawing lessons is to create something realistic and visually interesting. The focus is on small lines, shadows and texture, which she says are significant. The basic but important drawing skills one acquires is to be able to observe and create outlines, shapes, colours, lighting, scaling and arrangement.

Ms Johnston explains that at the beginning of each class, she talks about what they will be focusing on and the skills that one can use in the lesson, including sketching techniques, as well as light and dark values. 

She further explains that the focus and theme of still life drawing lessons are decided upon after having a closer look at the elements of art.

“For example, if I want to teach the concepts of space and lines, then considering the elements of art, I can choose what I will be teaching for that lesson, with a more in-depth look at lines and shapes included. The focus and theme of still life drawing arrangements are based on this,” she says.

A variety of mediums are used for still life drawing and during her classes, Ms Johnston introduces her participants to soft pastels, pencil, charcoal and possibly pen and ink.

She tells us that still life drawing classes offer many benefits for the participants and for the community.

“Still life drawing classes are a great way to build essential drawing skills, improve hand and eye coordination, understand perspective, understand finer details, understand the importance of shadows with the observation of light source, and develop visual observation – looking at everyday objects, you learn to appreciate smaller details,” says Ms Johnston.

“The other great benefit of still life drawing is that it teaches mindfulness, and though one does not feel it at first, it helps to build confidence. The classes also have an impact on our community as it offers people another creative outlet, one which allows accessibility to art for all ages.”

For more information, contact Ms. Johnston:

-           WhatsApp: 2 514 383

F.P.

Photo sources: Julie Johnston