Join artist Gaelle Berthelot for a relaxing outdoors walk and sketch around Portrush town centre as part of the SWELL FESTIVAL. A sketch, by its very nature is a rapidly executed freehand drawing done to record sceneries, or demonstrate ideas. Sketches can be made in any drawing medium, and is an essential practice for artists, in planning and developing concepts or improving visual skills as a student. Sketches represent the essence of drawing: full of life and rhythm.

Walk & Sketch takes you on a journey around the beautiful local scenery, to discover or re-discover places, while connecting you physically to the landscape, through the rhythm of your walk and your drawings. By taking the time to stop and look around, to trace lines on a paper while breathing fresh air, you will experience a unique connection to the place, and a sense of well-being. No need for previous artistic knowledge, Gaelle will guide you through the first steps. Suitable for ages 18+ years ONLY.

There are two sessions available, one at 10..30am and an afternoon session at 2.30pm. Sessions will last approximately 90-120 minutes, depending on weather.

WHAT TO WEAR: Walk & Sketch takes place in around accessible walking area so you can wear basic walking shoes, or trainers. Make sure to bring waterproof and warm clothing, as we will spend one to two hours outside.

WHAT TO BRING: a small backpack with water and snacks, and your art material (sketchpad, pencils, sharpener, rubber are the essential or/ and any other medium you would like to use, such as ink, markers, watercolour, colour pencils…). You can bring a bunch of papers (a minimum of 10 pages) stapled together if you don’t have a sketchpad, but remember to take a hard surface such as an A4 piece of solid cardboard and clips to keep your paper down.

WHERE TO MEET: Meet outside Portrush Town Hall, 1 Mark Street, Portrush BT56 8DX

COVID SAFETY: Participants must observe 2 metre social distancing . Please bring your own mask to wear and please bring your own hand sanitiser should you need to use. Participants numbers are limited to 8 maximum per session.

[This activity is part of our ARTbeat and Causeway Creative Trail initiatives, promoting the arts and wellbeing through our environment.

This project is receiving financial support through Council’s Good Relations Programme. The purpose of the event / activity is to bring people together, using creative arts as a method of connecting people from different community and cultural backgrounds using shared spaces (whether online or in a specific location) so that we can build positive relations using the medium of the creative arts.]

Portrush Walk and Sketch