Workshop Details
Create your own handcrafted sketchbook and fill it with creative possibilities in this inspiring two-day workshop that combines traditional bookbinding with practical sketching techniques.
On the first day, you will construct a beautiful art journal using Coptic stitching, a durable and elegant binding method that allows your book to open completely flat, making it ideal for drawing, journaling and painting. You'll learn the fundamentals of creating your own sketchbooks from scratch, giving you the skills to continue making books in any size or format using your favourite papers. Each sketchbook is a unique, handcrafted work of art in its own right.
On the second day, you'll bring your new sketchbook to life through a wide range of sketching exercises and creative techniques. Discover why sketching is the foundation of artistic practice and how maintaining a sketchbook can strengthen your drawing skills, develop creativity and support a lifelong artistic habit.
Through demonstrations and guided exercises, you will explore pen and ink, tonal studies, mixed media and gouache, learning to sketch with confidence both with and without preliminary pencil work. Subjects may include natural history, landscapes, buildings and perspective, people and faces, as well as opportunities for en plein air sketching where conditions permit.
Whether your interests lie in travel journaling, urban sketching, landscape drawing, natural history illustration or developing a regular creative practice, this workshop offers a rewarding and practical introduction to sketchbook making and sketching.
Please note: Good manual dexterity is required to fully participate in and complete the bookbinding component of this workshop.
Skill Level
eginners to experienced artists wishing to develop their sketching skills and create a personalised sketchbook.
About the Artist
Amanda McLean is an internationally renowned pastel artist and avid sketchbooker who has been painting and drawing throughout her life. Based in Murrumbateman, she is deeply inspired by the Australian landscape, and her work is widely acclaimed for its sensitivity and evocative sense of place.
Amanda documents her life and travels through her sketchbooks and has written extensively for both national and international art publications. She also served for many years as an editorial consultant to Australian Artist magazine. Working closely with Australian company Art Spectrum, Amanda helped develop a broad range of new pastel colours, using her own colour recipes.
A highly respected and popular tutor, Amanda conducts workshops throughout Australia and internationally. She also teaches intimate small-group masterclasses from her studio, as well as invitation-only workshops across the country. Her teaching style is positive, empathetic, and passionate, and she is known for her generosity in sharing knowledge.
Amanda was also featured on Colour In Your Life, the internationally acclaimed art documentary series, now available on YouTube.
What to Bring
Lunch, a snack and a drink
Workshop T's & C's
Please make sure to familiarise yourself with our Workshop T's & C's including Missed Classes, Deposits, Age Restrictions, Refunds, Participant Behaviour, COVID-19 and Class Cancellations.
