Illustration Workshops are the heart of my program. While lectures give your students the opportunity to see examples of my work, hear the stories behind them and interact through questions-and-answers, my Workshops pull it all together, through their own creative endeavors.

These Workshops engage students of all grade levels, in fun, yet challenging, drawing projects. Through storytelling and step-by-step instructions, they become “The Illustrator”, turning words and ideas into pictures - each, in their own unique way. Simple lines and shapes soon transform blank paper, into complex, believable, three-dimensional illustrations. The results are often, far beyond their expectations. Whenever possible, I try to allow time at the end of the Workshop, to meet with each student - to see, compliment and autograph their work.

Back in the classroom, many students want to keep right on drawing, some, even through recess. This is a good time to fill out the Evaluation Form I provide, while the experience is fresh in mind.

Much more can be done with their work. Finished drawings hold a wealth of information, about the selected topic, making this a great introduction to creative writing projects. I encourage teachers to follow-up, by linking the work of the author, with the illustrations students have already created. As in all things, The more they put into it, the more they get out of it!

Teachers may select topics to fit their curriculum, request new topics, or leave it to me.

Single-session Workshops result in 12”x18” illustrations, broadsides, or cover art for a folder. Multiple-session Workshops result in “Books” of 4-8 pages, with extensive drawing, and emphasis on visualizing, outlining and writing techniques.

Setup needs are basically the same as for assemblies. In the workshops, it is even more important that students can see and hear what’s going on. The quality of their work depends on it! I’ve shared my Workshops successfully, with groups of all sizes, but, smaller is better for all involved. Students will need durable 12”x18” white drawing paper, note paper and two sharpened pencils.

I recommend that all adults present, participate. It’s a good message to send, and just a drawing!

Everyone Can do this!

In a 30-minute workshop, with kindergartners at Elba Elementary, in Lapeer, we explored the story of Old Broken Nose, and the Iroquois False Face Healers. This was the first time I’d adapted this complex story to such a young age group. I was so impressed with the results, I copied them all. There were tall ones, short ones, skinny ones, funny ones, even scary ones. Emily’s drawing, was selected for the cover of “Creative Connections”, a county-wide anthology of K-12 student works!

“...but, that drawing looks far too complicated for my students.”
A heartfelt comment from a concerned and admittedly “art-challenged” teacher

My father taught me long ago, that I could do anything I set my mind to. He encouraged me, towards almost everything I chose to “be” when I grew up. As a child, those choices changed with the wind. One day a sailor, the next, an astronaut, then, a paleontologist. He’d put his big hand on my shoulder, look me square in the eye, and say “Tommy, the world is your oyster.” My gut reaction, then, was “Yuck!”. But, I knew he meant well. He didn’t say, but I’m sure he knew, that I had time to make up my mind, and that getting there is half the fun. Years later, I acquired a taste for oysters and learned the value of the pearls inside. In my workshops, we seek the pearls and savor the journey, knowing we can do anything, if we’re willing to try.

“My kids won’t believe I did this!”
the same teacher, one hour later

"Many of the children who often reflect a negative self concept, expressed themselves through their artwork in such a unique and positive way...Many of the children who are categorized in Special Education, related to the tasks in such a way that their handicapping conditions were not there.

- Tammy Miller, Counselor, Sheridan Elementary School

"During this workshop a great deal of learning took place for all those involved. Not only did the children learn but also the staff. Tom Woodruff was warmly welcomed by everyone. He shared a great deal of himself and did so in a genuine and sincere way. His enthusiasm for art and for the life around the Great Lakes region was contagious. Make that highly contagious!!"

- Kathy Heinze, Elementary Art Educator, Greenville Schools

Some Workshop Examples.

2351 WEST BRICKER RD. FENWICK, MI 48834
Phone: 616-761-2275 tom@woodruffdesigns.com Fax: 616-761-2276