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Drawing and Painting at Wooburn!

31st October 2019

We are currently running a Drawing & Painting Workshop that will run over 10 weeks.
Classes start at 6pm & finish at 9pm every tuesday.
All abilities are welcome, you’ll be introduced to a variety of techniques and materials,
allowing you to experiment and get creative.
Each week you’ll be introduced to work of a variety of artists to inspire you, materials are
included in price of the course.

Classes kicked off on 8 Oct,
In Week 1 we looked at light and shade, using charcoal, students were encouraged to
experiment with mark-making and created quick still-life studies.
Looking at shapes to create form, we all used our fingers to smudge the charcoal to create
subtle tones and rubbers to create highlights. Students created some powerful images, this technique helps to build confidence.
People often say ‘I can’t draw’ its my aim to dispel this belief and through the techniques that we’ll cover each week, students will just have fun experimenting with the creative process.
In Week 2 we’ll be introducing colour, using pastels on coloured papers to explore mark making, textures and colour to create a mood.
It’s still not too late to join us if you are looking to learn new skills and experience the positive power that creativity has on our mental and physical well-being. Come and join us
in our lovely studio in Wooburn.

MACHINE WOOD CARVING AT THE WOOBURN CRAFT SCHOOL

17th August 2018

We tried a new course this summer, a Machine Carving classe with Simon Clements – with great success.  Here is what the students said:

 

“I was surprised and delighted how easy was to work with the different machines and able to create my first ever machine carved bowl. Thank you for Simon’s straight forward instructions which made it truly enjoyable to design and follow through my plan. I hope there will be more, similar courses.”

     Judit – 13 July 2018

 

“Loved the power carving class. Great tutor, Really helpful to complete novice with power tools. Very pleased with the result. Jut got to tidy it up and oil it now. Will Definitely be back!!”

    Brett 10 July 2018.

 

During one of the hottest periods in the English summer, four students and the tutor, Simon Clements set out to learn how to use machine carving devices to create objects in wood at The Wooburn Craft School. These tools are generally based on the use of an angle grinder and small Dremel type of tools. They include attachments made by Arbortech who helped the event by providing samples to try out including the ball gouge, and the Turboplane In addition we also used the following tools by Arbortech: the wood carver blade, the contour sander, and the mini carver with its various attachments.

The class began by covering safety, PPE safe handling and importantly care of your colleagues, the equipment produces lots of fast moving chips and dust – not to mention the noise and vibration. So everyone donned eye protection, face masks and ear protectors and gloves. We were then shown a number of finished and unfinished power carved products, demonstrating the range of finishes and shapes that can be produced with the equipment available.

The actual project began when all students were given a large piece of lime, approximately 300 x 300 x 100mm and asked to design any thing we would like to carve and draw it on the timber. Simon discussed the designs with each of us and selected a suitable tool for starting carving. As the week progressed the merits of each cutter were discussed and practiced on our designs in such a manner that each of the students used all of the systems. We started by using the Ball Gouge or the Wood carver blade to make the initial shape. Both were amazingly fast and efficient – sending dust and chips into every corner of the workshop!!! As the week progressed, each of the students switched to techniques of refining and smoothing the surfaces using the profile sander or the Turboplane. During the week individual problems and their solution giving us all a deeper insight in to power carving.

As everyone learned, once the power carving was at its end decorative touches were added using more traditional techniques.   Despite everyone having experience carving, Simon was able to add to their knowledge and he demonstrated his approach to sharpening a range of conventional carving chisels . Then we used these freshly well sharpened tools to add the finishing touches to our carvings .

 

Congratulations to Lilian Shaw

4th November 2016

Lilian Shaw, The Wooburn Craft School’s stained glass teacher has been very busy practicing her craft. The first picture shows the most recent commission completed using the copperfoil method (one of the methods taught at The Wooburn Craft School.)  This is a sanctuary lamp for St.Peter’s Catholic Church on Carronbridge Road in Eastleaze, Swindon (SN5 7ES). Its dimensions were approximate are its Diameter to top contour 25cm, Diamter to lower section 17cm and stands approximately 33cm – see the second picture below.  This project was guided by Rev.Dr Michael Saunders. On thi project there was metal work included – this was carried out by Zeke Moss, (Thame Forge. 01844215979).

Lili has also recently been commissioned to produce a leaded stained glass for the library of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic School in Tollgate, Peterborough.

Following is a rough of the design drawn to scale, for which she is currently cutting (first picture).

These are both very important and challenging projects for Lili to tackel.  We offer our sincerest congratulations.

 

Ernest Riall, Ph

 

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Wood Carving Successfull First Carving

One of the first carvings that students new to carving execute is to carve a leaf.  Students find the leaf, draw it, measure it and design a carving based on the leaf.  This exersise will take students through the whole process of being inspired by nature, designing a carving, then executing and finishing that design.  Students are frequently amazed at the work that they can accomplish leaving them with a wonderful decorative element to take home with them and the skills to tackle their next accomplishment.  Following a just a few examples of some of these efforts.

 

 

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