Leigh Hobbs, a legend of Australian children’s literature, has brought joy to generations of readers through iconic characters like Old Tom, Mr Chicken and Horrible Harriet. Now, young creatives can learn directly from the maestro illustrator himself at the NGV. In this dynamic studio session, Leigh will guide students through pencil and ink drawing activities, sharing expert tips and hands-on techniques to bring their own unique characters to life. Celebrating individual artistic expression, this workshop empowers every student to discover their creative voice and design an unforgettable character of their own.
Students will:
- Gain confidence to embrace a characteristic personal style
- Experiment with creative techniques to develop and expand imaginative ideas
- Analyse how artists develop the elements of storytelling, including character development, narrative structure and setting
NGV Creativity Club is funded by the Department of Education as part of the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series. The masterclasses are offered exclusively to Victorian Government School students who are achieving at least one year above their expected level in the relevant subject area.
Leigh Hobbs is an artist and author best known for the twenty-three children’s books he has written and illustrated featuring his characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Fiona the Pig, The FREAKS in 4F and Mr Chicken. Leigh’s ceramic work, Flinders Street Station, Teapot (1984), is in the Collection of the National Gallery of Victoria and Lizzy Luna and Larry Luna, the caricature sculptures he created in the 1970s for Sydney Luna Park, are now in the Powerhouse Museum Collection in Sydney.
A popular French/ Australian animated television series was made based on Leigh’s Old Tom Books. In addition, his book ‘Mr Chicken Goes to Paris’ was shortlisted for the 2010 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and adapted for the stage by NIDA (National Institute for the Dramatic Arts) and has been a constant seller for years at the Louvre Museum in Paris. A production of Horrible Harriet was on stage at The Sydney Opera House. Leigh was the Australian Children’s Laureate 2016 – 2017.
Leigh was a secondary school art teacher for twenty-five years. He has also run art and drawing workshops for students and adults in the USA, UK and all over Australia in schools and at Literary Festivals.
Information for parents and guardians
- Once booked, a parent or guardian will be required to complete an additional registration form. This form will be sent by email.
- NGV Creativity Club programs are supervised by NGV Learn staff so parents are not required to attend the session, unless acting as a companion with a valid government issued Companion Card.
- Please ensure students bring a packed lunch, snacks, and water bottle.
- Parents and carers may be eligible to receive assistance with transport costs if they will be travelling from outside the Metropolitan Melbourne train network..
