Open Online Microcourse

About
In 2026, The Big Draw invites everyone to Make a Mark, a celebration of drawing as a process, not a product. This year we ask participants to explore the expressive power of mark-making through gestures and movements that shape how we see, think and connect. Make a Mark champions drawing as a vital learning process that is open and accessible to all.


So what is "Mark Making"?
Mark making describes the dynamic, expressive ways we apply lines, dots, textures, drips, and gestures onto a surface. It is the purest language of drawing - a direct bridge between movement, sensation, and paper.


What we're doing at OCA
In this short course we invite you to explore mark making in literal and more abstract ways. We'll explore themes of temporariness, intervention, disruption and legacy introducing you to artists and practitioners from around the globe. We'll champion play and togetherness through activities and live events and invite you to share your creative outputs with us in our bespoke gallery space.


How to access our micro-course
Participants will need to visit learn.oca.ac.uk and then scroll down to click on the featured Big Draw 2026 course. You will then create a new account to access.