OCA Big Draw 2026: Drawing Through Rubbing

Drawing Through Rubbing

This session will focus on rubbing and transfer as drawing methods. Participants will create their own textured surfaces and plates (using incised Perspex, Tetra Pak and other found materials they might have at hand). We will explore how different textures can be translated into marks on paper through rubbing, experimenting with layering, registration and composition.



What materials to prepare/bring:


Paper: thin papers like tracing paper, Yupo, layout paper, (low grammage papers are best for rubbing/frottage techniques)

Plates: Perspex sheets (from cheap frames for example), Tetra Pak, stencils, cardboard, thick card (anything that you can scratch marks into)

Found materials to create surface/plates: thread, leaves, textured papers, anything that is relatively flat but has an interesting texture/surface

Materials: graphite sticks, soft pastels, soft pencils. Scratching/cutting tools: pins, needles, etching pens, anything that you can use to make scratch marks onto the paper surface. Scissors.

Rubbing tools: a glass muller or baren, or something with a similar flat surface that you can use to rub dust on paper. Some scraps of fabric can also be used.

Protective surface: cardboard or plastic to protect your working area from getting scratched.


Everyone is welcome from inside and outside the OCA community.