It was captivating to see artists of all levels converge for the inaugural “Lagos Life Drawing Workshop” at JK Randle Hall in Onikan, Lagos.
This two-day event on April 25 and 26, organized by Gemini Gallery, focused on life drawing to reignite the fundamentals of line work, human anatomy, and form, that are the core skills for practicing artists and young enthusiasts alike.
Veteran masters joined emerging talents to loosen their pencils in an exercise often viewed as challenging yet essential to art practice.
Facilitators included Abiodun Olakun, Duke Asidere, Ogbemi Heymann, George Edozie, and Bob Nosa Uwagboe, alongside Uche Uzorka, Saheed Adelekun, Steve Ekpenisi, Wallace Enigma, Obinna Makata, Jefferson Jonathan, Elizabeth Ekpetorson, Salako Olajide, and Ifeanyi Nwoko.
Over 100 participants, including facilitators, fostered a vibrant camaraderie that elevated the experience.
The workshop bridged generations, with old masters sharing wisdom and energizing young artists through studio-style life drawing often seen as a notoriously tough skill.
Abiodun Olakun, a veteran facilitator, described it as “not like a wrestling match or any kind of bout. For him, it is like another kind of fellowship.
“For those of us that belong to my generation, it is an opportunity to share the experience we have built over time and to pass it on, to those coming after us. We want to encourage them with our passion. Often, they call us masters, but to my understanding we are all colleagues” remarked Olakun.
He noted that the young artists acknowledge they started earlier before them, but remarked that they were not more endowed, adding that they built their skills over time and that the workshop motivates them to become strong artists.
“Life drawing deals with human anatomy. It is a basic requirement for any artist, bringing life into art and transitioning to other forms,” added Olakun.
Renowned painter Duke Asidere added, “For me, drawing is an everyday thing. I draw daily as a practicing artist and serious painter. I drew this morning before coming here and that’s what I do everyday.
“That is the only way to keep lines straight and maintain strokes. It is the core of my practice. Young ones here should pursue what they do with passion and persistence. In any profession, seriousness and passion yield optimal results.”
Instructor Salako Olajide emphasized continuity: “The journey of art practice is continuum. When you start, enthusiasm sustains you. I’m glad to see young, eager artists trying life drawing to awaken their talent.
“This experience could motivate them toward full-time practice. Among us today are lawyers, bankers, and others. With their enthusiasm, regular practice can make it a career.”
Dr. Kehinde Shobukonla, Head of Department, Fine and Applied Art, Mountain Top University in Ogun State and a facilitator, viewed it through a psychological lens: “For young enthusiasts, restlessness drives discovery. Their curiosity and incredible enthusiasm translate into talent development. Workshops like this provide that opportunity.”
Gemini Gallery founder Raphael Akinnire, who initiated the event, drew inspiration from his artist-filled environment.
“The idea came from growing up among artists. Conversations with Abiodun Olakun and Prof. Ebun Clark about painting intricacies and drawing’s foundational role sparked this project.
“As a gallery owner, I noticed paintings sell more than line drawings, yet drawing underpins all art. This workshop elevates its importance and I must continue to push this narrative with aim to give drawing a huge place in the art environment.
“My key takeaway in today’s workshop is the convergence of old and young artists experimenting together, and also watching masters’ strokes while youth get motivated.
“Having developed this idea as a part of art that need to be nurtured, I would urge young artists to see art as an alternative currency. There is huge economic potentials in Art.
‘”When the youth embrace the opportunity that lies in art with seriousness, practice it with persistence, greater future awaits,” Akinnire stated.
Credit: Vanguard.
