Term 3 Author Online, graphic novelist and artist Campbell Whyte presented to separate groups of Years 3-6 and Year 9 Art students via Webex from SIDE Leederville.
During the session, which was assisted by SIDE staff Amy Rosato, Richard Wu and Narelle Carlon, students had the opportunity to practise their drawing skills, following Campbell’s instruction via close-up camera over Webex.
Students learned to draw characters from Campbell’s graphic novel series, Home Time, which is an Australian fantasy set in Perth. The characters in the first book are students on their last day of primary school. They have an argument and fall into the Swan River. When they reach the riverbank, they find themselves in a kind of enchanted forest. His second book, Home Time: Beyond the weaving is for young adults and continues the story of the characters trying to go home.
Campbell explained the process of developing the book and referred to many book and media influences including Harry Potter and Japanese manga and anime. He also described the broader influences on his work: nature, video games, comics and art history, and linked these influences to his work. He used examples from his graphic novels to talk about the various traditional tools that he uses such as inks and pens, and also the way in which he uses digital tools.
Campbell encouraged students to explore their creativity throughout their lives, commenting that
we don’t need to be the best at something in order to enjoy doing it … it’s important that we keep doing these things.
To find out more about Campbell and his work visit his website campbellwhyte.com.
