A Level Textiles students from QE have enjoyed an exciting and interactive painting workshop with freelance designer, Davinder Madaher. The session introduced students to observational drawings using inks and watercolours, both of which are huge trends in fashion, and tasked them with translating paintings into floral designs. The group not only studied real flowers but also considered online images of varying shapes allowing them to develop their creative skills and obtain a valuable insight into the intrinsic workings of the fashion industry. During the workshop, Davinder was able to share his own experiences having been part of the creative sector for 30 years and having worked with many retailers.
Student, Ciara Millin, comments: ‘I enjoyed the workshop as I was able to learn about the creative industry and the different ways designers paint and draw to create prints for fashion and homeware. We worked with masking fluid which I had never used before and it was great to be able to incorporate it into my piece of art’. Davinder adds: ‘My aim for the workshop was to encourage students to dream big and believe that they can have a successful career in fashion. I’ve really enjoyed my time at QE and the students have fully engaged with the workshop, expanding their horizons and obtaining a greater understanding of the industry’. Rachel Barras, Assistant Head of Art and Design at QE, concludes: ‘The event was a fantastic opportunity for students to talk with and learn from someone with such a wealth of experience in the design industry. Allowing our students to see how accessible a career in this industry is continues to be important for us. The floral painting workshop has taught them technical drawing skills that can be applied to all areas of creative work, including their current and future projects. We are really excited to have Davinder work with us and look forward to future opportunities with industry professionals’.
