Alex Deveney has been running drawing classes at Inverclyde Shed since the summer.
In each three-hour session, Alex leads the students in activities focused on specific technical aspects of art, and encourages them to experiment different techniques.
Alex Deveney and some of the students(Image: Duncan Bryceland)
(Image: Duncan Bryceland)
Alex, 55, said he’s very grateful to be given the opportunity to pass on his skills and experience to people of all ages in the classes held at the Shed’s East Blackhall Street base.
He added: “The classes are about encouraging people to enjoy the tactile pleasure of drawing itself.
“It’s really therapeutic for people and everyone seems to be enjoying it.
“It’s a craft like any other, and any craft can be learned.”
Alex is best-known for his intricate pencil portraits of famous, and not so famous, faces.
(Image: Duncan Bryceland)
(Image: Duncan Bryceland)
He started out as a joiner and over the last few years, he has created an amazing array of artwork.
In the first session, Alex encouraged people to draw self portraits and was very impressed by the learners’ skills.
(Image: Duncan Bryceland)
(Image: Duncan Bryceland)
Alex invites people in to sit for the class and to help students focus on particular aspects.
The topic of each session is led by what the artists want to learn about.
Alex said: “They can let me know if they’re struggling with a particular aspect, and I can go and prepare a class on that.
“Everyone can learn at home at their leisure and can work at different levels.
“I really want the class to be accessible to for people of all skillsets and fun for everyone.”
The talented artist says the students have all formed strong bonds through the sessions.
Alex added: “It’s a social gathering as well.
“People really seem to enjoy it.”
Student John Duffy(Image: Duncan Bryceland)
Student John Duffy, 71, recently suffered a stroke and said the drawing classes are really helping his recovery.
He said: “We can all work at different levels and it’s great to see what everyone is doing.
“This has definitely brought my skills up and pushed me on a bit.
“I really enjoy the detail-specific stuff.”
Student Gordon McMann, 70, added: “It’s really appreciated that Alex is sharing his knowledge with us.
“He puts a lot of effort into his presentations, shares his own examples, and really helps us.”