Kirkstall: Waterside Life – Draw & Make alongside Leeds/Liverpool Canal

Waterside Life

Come along for a creative afternoon of walking, looking, drawing and making as we explore the living landscape along the towpath of the canal.

We’ll head out along the historic canal corridor to see what we can find, noticing the plants, insects and wildlife that make use of this waterside habitat. Through playful sketching and observational drawing, we’ll look closely at the shapes, textures and tiny details that are easy to overlook.

We’ll explore how different forms of life coexist along the canal edge, from plants growing alongside the water and insects moving between vegetation, to the different habitats and micro-environments created along the waterway.

We will end our towpath walk by heading to the woodland shelter located in Hollybush Conservation Centre, here we will turn our observations into simple collage illustrations, shapes and abstract interpretations, experimenting with marks, textures and forms gathered from our drawings.

You don’t need any previous drawing or printmaking experience, just bring your curiosity and a willingness to look at the familiar in a new way.

The drawings and prints created during the session will contribute to three collaborative zines as part of Common Ground, a wider funded project bringing together observations and creative responses to Kirkstall’s living landscape.

Practical information & accessibility:

This is a relaxed, outdoor workshop involving a guided walk along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath, followed by a creative making session at Hollybush.

The towpath may include uneven surfaces, narrow sections and areas where conditions vary according to the weather. Participants should wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear.

If you have any access requirements or would like to discuss whether the session is suitable for you, please get in touch before booking.

• Please consider using public transport to arrive at the canal towpath.

• Meeting point: Wyther Lane canal car park.

• All materials and equipment are provided.
• We will not collect or remove living plants or disturb wildlife.

This project is part of the Seasons of Culture Programme funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Council through the Leeds Cultural Investment Programme.