From Sketchbook to Studio - Rotterdam '25
Drawing on the bustle of this urban port, its industrial heritage and chic architecture, this five-day workshop will explore ways to travel with a sketchbook and then give these drawings life back in the studio.
We’ll begin with an entirely playful first day - exploring colour and pattern, inviting intuitive and abstract image-making - using processes that influence the start of many of my own creative projects. On Day 2 we’ll take inspiration from the modern architecture and urban life of Rotterdam using a sketchbook and pared-back selection of drawing tools, before spending the rest of the week back in the studio creating energetic illustrations inspired by the city. Subjects will be decided by you but can range from, for example, modern architecture to cafe life, marine industry to summer gardens.
Throughout the week you’ll have the choice to work with your own preference of materials with my guidance (including watercolour, ink, charcoal, monoprint, lino print, pastel and pencil) along with a special focus this year on building colour palettes, creating characterfully imperfect illustrations and developing final images that evoke a strong sense of place.
By the end of the week you’ll have myriad ways to explore any location with a sketchbook - from the city to your back garden - and know how to develop these casual ‘on-the-go’ sketches into vibrant artworks inspired by your trip.
This is an opportunity to fully immerse yourself creatively, with a balance of directive teaching and feedback along with the freedom to explore on your own terms. You’ll leave feeling inspired to move your creative work in new directions, having tried new approaches and different techniques in an inspiring setting.
This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience and ability from enthusiastic beginners to more established artists seeking new inspiration. It also covers new themes and processes and is therefore equally suitable for students who have attended my previous workshops or retreats.
Dates: Mon 16th - Fri 20th June 2025
Times: 10am - 4pm
Group size: Max. 12 people
Location: Krimpenerwaard, Rotterdam (exact location provided on booking)
Five uninterrupted days of Laura’s very generous and inspiring encouragement and guidance for creating through exploration and play, while also having a lot fun alongside five other wonderful artists. I’ve been letting the effects settle in and have come away with a can’t-quite-describe-it sense of both freedom and focus, thanks so much Laura. I’m more than happy to sing your praises after such an exceptional experience, the workshop exceeded expectations and my expectations were high!
– Drawing Urban Nature, London 2023 - Lindsey, North Wales
Drawing on the bustle of this urban port, its industrial heritage and chic architecture, this five-day workshop will explore ways to travel with a sketchbook and then give these drawings life back in the studio.
We’ll begin with an entirely playful first day - exploring colour and pattern, inviting intuitive and abstract image-making - using processes that influence the start of many of my own creative projects. On Day 2 we’ll take inspiration from the modern architecture and urban life of Rotterdam using a sketchbook and pared-back selection of drawing tools, before spending the rest of the week back in the studio creating energetic illustrations inspired by the city. Subjects will be decided by you but can range from, for example, modern architecture to cafe life, marine industry to summer gardens.
Throughout the week you’ll have the choice to work with your own preference of materials with my guidance (including watercolour, ink, charcoal, monoprint, lino print, pastel and pencil) along with a special focus this year on building colour palettes, creating characterfully imperfect illustrations and developing final images that evoke a strong sense of place.
By the end of the week you’ll have myriad ways to explore any location with a sketchbook - from the city to your back garden - and know how to develop these casual ‘on-the-go’ sketches into vibrant artworks inspired by your trip.
This is an opportunity to fully immerse yourself creatively, with a balance of directive teaching and feedback along with the freedom to explore on your own terms. You’ll leave feeling inspired to move your creative work in new directions, having tried new approaches and different techniques in an inspiring setting.
This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience and ability from enthusiastic beginners to more established artists seeking new inspiration. It also covers new themes and processes and is therefore equally suitable for students who have attended my previous workshops or retreats.
Dates: Mon 16th - Fri 20th June 2025
Times: 10am - 4pm
Group size: Max. 12 people
Location: Krimpenerwaard, Rotterdam (exact location provided on booking)
Five uninterrupted days of Laura’s very generous and inspiring encouragement and guidance for creating through exploration and play, while also having a lot fun alongside five other wonderful artists. I’ve been letting the effects settle in and have come away with a can’t-quite-describe-it sense of both freedom and focus, thanks so much Laura. I’m more than happy to sing your praises after such an exceptional experience, the workshop exceeded expectations and my expectations were high!
– Drawing Urban Nature, London 2023 - Lindsey, North Wales
Drawing on the bustle of this urban port, its industrial heritage and chic architecture, this five-day workshop will explore ways to travel with a sketchbook and then give these drawings life back in the studio.
We’ll begin with an entirely playful first day - exploring colour and pattern, inviting intuitive and abstract image-making - using processes that influence the start of many of my own creative projects. On Day 2 we’ll take inspiration from the modern architecture and urban life of Rotterdam using a sketchbook and pared-back selection of drawing tools, before spending the rest of the week back in the studio creating energetic illustrations inspired by the city. Subjects will be decided by you but can range from, for example, modern architecture to cafe life, marine industry to summer gardens.
Throughout the week you’ll have the choice to work with your own preference of materials with my guidance (including watercolour, ink, charcoal, monoprint, lino print, pastel and pencil) along with a special focus this year on building colour palettes, creating characterfully imperfect illustrations and developing final images that evoke a strong sense of place.
By the end of the week you’ll have myriad ways to explore any location with a sketchbook - from the city to your back garden - and know how to develop these casual ‘on-the-go’ sketches into vibrant artworks inspired by your trip.
This is an opportunity to fully immerse yourself creatively, with a balance of directive teaching and feedback along with the freedom to explore on your own terms. You’ll leave feeling inspired to move your creative work in new directions, having tried new approaches and different techniques in an inspiring setting.
This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience and ability from enthusiastic beginners to more established artists seeking new inspiration. It also covers new themes and processes and is therefore equally suitable for students who have attended my previous workshops or retreats.
Dates: Mon 16th - Fri 20th June 2025
Times: 10am - 4pm
Group size: Max. 12 people
Location: Krimpenerwaard, Rotterdam (exact location provided on booking)
Five uninterrupted days of Laura’s very generous and inspiring encouragement and guidance for creating through exploration and play, while also having a lot fun alongside five other wonderful artists. I’ve been letting the effects settle in and have come away with a can’t-quite-describe-it sense of both freedom and focus, thanks so much Laura. I’m more than happy to sing your praises after such an exceptional experience, the workshop exceeded expectations and my expectations were high!
– Drawing Urban Nature, London 2023 - Lindsey, North Wales
MORE INFORMATION
Price includes refreshments and a daily lunch (with exception of our trip to Rotterdam central on Tuesday where there will plenty of food options to suit a range of budgets).
An optional dinner in the studio will be hosted for the group on Wednesday evening for an additional £40-45 per person. This can be arranged and paid for closer to the date.
Accommodation options in the local area starting at £40 per night can be shared after booking. Participants are invited to make their own arrangements but we are happy to support with local knowledge and contacts.
Information and assistance can be provided in Dutch and English but all teaching will be delivered in English.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE:
** We will be walking and standing to draw during our day out in Rotterdam. If you feel this might be difficult for you please arrange to speak to me before booking to discuss what adjustments can be made.
** A gentle, well behaved dog will be around during the workshops. I’m very happy to have a chat about this in advance if you have any concerns.
** Bookings are non-refundable unless your space can be filled, in which case it will be refunded minus any transaction fees. Please make sure your own travel costs are insured in the unlikely event the workshop is cancelled.