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Sunday 1st November 2026 Autumn Botanical Coloured Pencil Skills Workshop
What will you learn?
In-person, full-day class
In this mindful, in-person botanical drawing class, you’ll learn how to draw an autumnal leaf directly from life using graphite and coloured pencils. You’ll be guided step by step to build a beautiful drawing that captures the gorgeous rich colours of Autumn.
We’ll begin by learning how to draw tonally using graphite, focusing on light, shadow, and form. From there, you’ll be introduced to a range of coloured pencil techniques, including underpainting, layering, and burnishing, to create rich, vibrant colours.
We’ll spend the day exploring one leaf in depth, discovering its shapes, textures, and tiny details. You’ll learn how mark-making can be used to describe the minuscule.
Coloured pencils are a wonderfully versatile medium - and perfect for taking with you on holiday or using at home.
Who is it for?
Suitable for all abilities - beginners welcome. The day includes plenty of demonstrations, individual guidance, and feedback throughout.
Please bring:
One or two leaves that you feel inspired by
Please provide your own materials (most other workshops materials are provided)
Materials You’ll Need:
A good quality smooth drawing paper. At least 190 gsm. A4 or A3 size. Eg. Hot pressed SMOOTH watercolour paper
A range of coloured pencils. (I recommend Faber-Castell Polychromos Coloured Pencil Set of 12 for a good basic range*)
A good eraser – (recommended- Faber Castell Dust Free)
A few soft Graphite pencils (HB – 8B)
Tissue,cotton wool or chamois cloth for blending
A pencil sharpener
Putty eraser or blue-tack
Optional materials
Color Wheel Company : Grey Scale and Value Finder https://www.jacksonsart.com/color-wheel-company-grey-scale-and-value-finder?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22134082228&gclid=CjwKCAjw6P3GBhBVEiwAJPjmLg7Qw3Ua6yg9u-kxxxjqT200gFZXpnclMyliOnx-vOfjHKCnhXq5kBoCDuYQAvD_BwE
Electric eraser- more useful than you think!
A eraser pen eg. Tombow MONO Zero Eraser Fine
To achieve darker tones Mars Lumograph Black pencil and Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matt Pencil to achieve darker tones
Useful Polychromos coloured pencils for Botanical drawing- you may wish to look at and choose depending on what colours you wish to use.
FC101 White
FC103 Ivory
FC102 Cream
FC184 Dark Naples Ochre
FC118 Scarlet Red
FC142 Madder
FC133 Magenta
FC193 Burnt Carmine
FC194 Red violet
FC123 Fuchsia
FC134 Crimson
FC157 Dark Indigo
FC138 Violet
FC170 May Green
FC168 Earth Green Yellowish
FC172 Earth Green
FC174 Chrome Green Opaque
FC278 Chrome Green Oxide
FC179 Bistre
FC178 Nougat
FC175 Dark Sepia
FC230 Cold Grey I
FC274 Warm Grey V
FC273 Warm Grey IV
Arrival The session is from 10:30am - 4:30pm. Please arrive around 10 minutes before the start time so you can be buzzed in, settle yourself, and get set up ready to begin at the start time.
Bring a packed lunch as the lunch break will be short.
Before you book, please read through the Frequently Asked Questions.
If you are younger than 18 please see FAQs.
About the Space
The session will take place at The Wellbeing Space, a light, calm studio in a beautifully converted mill. The room is airy and thoughtfully designed, with plants, soft lighting, and a variety of seating options.
It’s a space created for wellbeing classes and workshops. It is a quiet place to focus and draw.
The space is accessed via a set of stairs, unfortunately there is no lift access
There are toilets available for use during the session
this is a shoes-off space, so feel free to bring warm socks.
Refreshments - free tea and coffee
Materials - A range of drawing materials will be available to use during the class. These are loaned for the session and must be returned at the end. Your drawings, of course, are yours to keep. You are welcome to bring your own too. Please see the FAQs for more information about what you can and can’t use.
Three minutes walk from Macclesfield Train Station. 22 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly, 11 minutes from Stockport.
Before you book, please read through the Frequently Asked Questions.