Mike Willdridge, old friend and Watermill tutor, always urges you to carry a sketchbook with you wherever you go. His motto is ‘Work quickly, catch the moment,’ but he is aware that some people become self-conscious if they are seen at work on their sketchbook. Mike says: “If don’t want to be seen drawing, you’re often safest in a crowd! “
All the four drawings above were made in Sorrento, in the South of Italy, where Mike spent some time last year between tutoring courses at the Watermill. He says: “ In three out of the four drawings, nobody was aware that I was drawing them. One of the drawings was made on a very crowded train journey. I’d given up my seat and was standing – hence the slightly chaotic feel to the drawing …. all part of the “moment”. I often use a permanent ink pen followed with some watercolour.”
And here’s another quick sketch:
Mike says: “This last painting is of the market at Fivizzano, the ancient walled town where we go to paint during our Watermill courses. This drawing was also made very quickly and, because of that, I think it captures something of a moment (the movement and jostling of a crowd in a small space), although I’ve also used the ‘contre-jour’ lighting to add some drama. I painted this one first before drawing with ink using a wooden stick.”
Why not come and ‘capture the moment’ yourself with Mike on a week-long painting holiday at the Watermill?
Mike’s week this year is completely full up, but we are now taking bookings for 2024. And now is the time to book for inspiring teaching, warm hospitality, delicious food and wine, stunning locations and the convivial company of like-minded people.
Mike Willdridge
7 – 14 September 2024
Watercolour and drawing (also gouache and acrylics)
To learn more, please visit our 2024 Courses review page
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