The Drawing Gym

Join Trevor Flynn and Peter Ayres for a weekend of drawing as a way of seeing, thinking and expressing your ideas visually.

Day 1: Drawing to Observe
Learn the fundamentals of 3D isometric drawing and freehand techniques to represent objects, spaces, and systems. You'll study human proportion principles by sketching chairs from the museum's collection, creating 1:20 scale elevation drawings that connect design to human scale.

In the afternoon, you'll practice essential observational drawing skills through slow and quick drawing techniques that sharpen visual perception and coordination. We'll visit the museum's permanent collection and select objects to capture proportion, shape, and details.

Day 2: Drawing to Understand and Communicate
Explore how drawing supports creative thinking and communication within the museum environment. You'll be introduced to diagramming methods that combine visible and invisible information, training yourself to observe both what's present and what forms in your mind's eye.

In the afternoon, you'll experiment with time-based narratives to capture change, rhythm and interaction. Using sketch-note techniques and graphic novel approaches, you’ll observe and map patterns of human and other behaviours within the museum environment. This culminates in a final piece: a visual map of your investigations – part documentary, part creative interpretation.

You will leave the workshop with an expanded view of what drawing can do – both as a practice and as a way of thinking.

Please note:

• Capacity is limited, we advise booking early to avoid disappointment

• All equipment, materials and light refreshments will be provided for the duration of the course

• This workshop is suitable for adults aged 18+

"The fact that it was broader than drawing. The workshop is making you think out of the box."

"The teacher is going around and giving 1on1 feedback."

"Got practical experience of a new skill."

• Please note that this workshop is for participants over 18 years old, and the content and complexity have been tailored accordingly

• If you would like to let us know about any access requirements, including neurodiversity, there is the option to notify us at the ticket checkout

• If you would like to have 1:1 support for this workshop, you are welcome to bring a companion to support you on your project, at no extra cost. To request a companion spot please email learning@designmuseum.org with your booking information

• This session has a capacity of 20 participants, and one or two facilitators will be leading the sessions

• If you have any questions, please contact learning@designmuseum.org

Background image courtesy of The Drawing Gym / Trevor Flynn.