Take part in a graphite workshop on Thursday, 4 July, hosted by renowned wildlife artist Tom Middleton, as he explains the process and technical skills to create a breathtaking tiger.
Each workshop participant will have access to a selection of Derwent graphic pencils and will be given a tin of 6 Derwent graphic pencils to take away on the day.
The workshop will start with a short explanation of how to start things off and drafting out artwork by eye. Then, you’ll learn to build layers appropriate to the surfaces you’re trying to achieve. The next step is easy to skip, but luckily, you’re being guided by a professional – so you’ll spend some time on the importance of choosing the right pencil. You’ll also learn how to work with erasers to create textures that would otherwise be unachievable with pencil alone.
Using his previous Wildlife Artist of the Year commended piece ‘Run, Man Cub!’ as a reference, workshop attendees will have the unique opportunity to finish a blank half of the artwork, under the tutelage of the original artist.
You’ll then be able to take home your piece to finish and share photos with Tom upon completion. Tom will also make himself available to all attendees via email, for any further questions or advice. Don’t miss out on this exceptional value workshop experience!
DATE: 4 July
TIME: 12.30 – 1.45 pm
LOCATION: Mall Galleries,
COST: £15 pp
Born in Lancaster, England, Tom took up wildlife artwork professionally at the age of 28 to supplement his career in music. After spending a short while diving into the world of wildlife and discovering the plight of many species, his passion for conservation was born. Tom spent some time in South Africa travelling from Johannesburg to Pretoria to spend time with Kevin Richardson, the Lion Whisperer, learning all he could about the various wildlife at the reserve.
Tom then travelled the garden route via various sanctuaries to finally visit Gansbaai, to study Great White sharks. It wasn’t long before Tom discovered David Shepherd’s Wildlife Artist of the Year, entering his piece; ‘King Elephant’, which received high commendation in 2019. The following three years saw a category win with; ‘Silver Lining’ and three more high commendations for ‘Here’s Johnny!’, ‘Calculating’ and ‘Run, Man Cub!’.
In 2023, after taking a short break from artwork, Tom was honoured to have been asked to host the virtual awards ceremony for the competition. Now in 2024, he’s back with his piece; ‘Fever Pitch’, eagerly awaiting the results of the competition and looking forward to socialising at the Mall Galleries exhibition.
Tom’s artwork now spans the globe and in the homes of people such as Sir David Attenborough, Jason Momoa, Myles Kennedy, Clive Standen, and Clare Balding. The next year will see Tom embarking on his largest and most ambitious piece yet, so stay tuned!
DSWF have invited 3 esteemed wildlife artists to host art workshops in the beautiful setting of the Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition at the Mall Galleries.
These unique workshops are a superb opportunity to learn from renowned wildlife artists, gain invaluable knowledge in person at an affordable price, and admire some of the most impressive wildlife art in the world.
