WORKSHOPS AT COMMUNITY EDUCATION WHANGANUI 2026
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Childrens' Book Illustration - one week summer school
Join Sandra for a week-long workshop on Childrens' book illustration.
From January 12th - 16th 2026
Sandra Morris is passionate about her work and offers a wealth of knowledge and experience. Here is an opportunity for aspiring author/illustrators to build expertise and technique as they learn the skills of developing and illustrating a picture book. This hands-on, informative programme will show you how to take your picture book from concept to submission.
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Character Development
Learn techniques to create and develop your very own storybook characters.
The course will cover:
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an introduction to picture books — What makes a successful picture book?
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character mapping
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learn drawing techniques that bring your character to life
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develop more dynamic character drawings through making a 3D model
Storyboarding and making a dummy
Learn the process of illustrating, and developing a picture book. Explore ways in which relationships of image and text can enhance the story, and discover sequencing techniques to improve the pace, rhythm and flow of your book.
The course will cover:
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pagination, using text and image relationships to your advantage; and
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learn sequencing techniques, to improve your story's pace, rhythm and flow.
Following on you will, design, illustrate and then make a mock-up picture book of your story. Learn the principles of page design, the balance of image and text and guiding the eye across the page. Continue with character development and drawing techniques that will have your characters running and leaping from the page!
The course will cover:
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techniques to make your composition more dynamic
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the principles of page layout and design
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bringing your characters to life​
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Illustration Techniques
Experiment with a range of illustration techniques using graphite, pen and coloured pencils. Create a knowledge bank of skills to continue with your illustration projects. This is an opportunity to develop skills and discover new techniques to enhance your work.
The course will cover:
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graphite and other soft pencils useful for outlines
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techniques using ink - various pens, sticks and wash techniques
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various coloured pencil techniques
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tips on how to approach a publisher​
Venue: UCOL, Whanganui
Dates: January 12-16 January 2026
Time:10am-5pm
Cost: $595
​Buy your ticket HERE
Beginners' Botanical Watercolours
Explore the magic of watercolour with renowned illustrator Sandra Morris. No experience is necessary, as Sandra will guide you as you learn about this fabulous medium and how to achieve stunning results with the right tools, the right tips and some tricks Sandra has used in her own art practice. This workshop will be offered on 2 different dates.
Venue: UCOL Whanganui
Dates: Sunday 1 March 2026 or option date Sunday 12 July 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: $110
materials list supplied upon enrolment
Buy your ticket HERE​​​​​​
Botanical Drawing with Graphite and Coloured Pencils
A beginner-friendly session exploring botanical drawing with graphite and coloured pencils. You will practice simple observation and techniques including shading and colour layering to create gentle, nature-inspired illustrations.
Venue: UCOL Whanganui
Dates: Sunday 29 March 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: $110
materials list supplied upon enrolment
Buy your ticket HERE
Botanical : Pen and Ink Stipple
Award winning natural history illustrator Sandra Morris will introduce you to the world of botanical art using techniques that are a great way to start.
With stick and ink you will loosen up and be surprised at what you can create on a large scale. Pen and ink stipple is a great way to start your botanical art experience,
and for some it opens the door to a career in Botanical and Scientific iIlustration. You will leave the course with new skills ready to start drawing the plants from your own garden.
Venue: UCOL Whanganui
Dates: Sunday 7 June 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: TBA
materials list supplied upon enrolment​​​
Botanical Drawing with Plant Based Inks
Join botanical illustrator Sandra Morris for an introductory botanical drawing workshop. Sandra will discuss and demonstrate the use of homemade plant inks made from readily available plant matter, with printed DIY ink recipes and an ink sample for participants to take home.
All materials provided, no experience necessary.
Venue: UCOL Whanganui
Dates: Sunday 18 October 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: TBA
Nature Journalling Weekend
A two day workshop on garden journalling at Te Rangi Peace centre with botanical artist Sandra Morris, using careful observation and journalling techniques to record how our personal connection with our environment changes our perception and wellbeing. This will inspire you and give you the tools to start recording in your own garden, as you observe the changes throughout the seasons.
You will learn:
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Different ways to observe and the practice of mindfulness and wellbeing
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Different ways to record visually, eg. diagrams, sketches, careful drawings, maps, graphs
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Different ways to record in words, numbers
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Approaches to page layout and hand lettering
​Suitable for all skill levels- with a desire to learn to observe and connect with the natural world around you.
Venue: Te Rangi Peace Centre, 4 Allison St, Durie Hill, Whanganui
Date: Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 November 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Cost: TBC
​​Material list supplied upon enrolment