A report by Howard Riley, Head of the School of Research & Postgraduate Studies at Swansea Metropolitan University, and PhD student Amanda Roberts.

This year's conference, organised with his usual efficiency by Steve Garner, was addressed by Prof. Deanna Petherbridge, whose seminal book on drawing, The Primacy of Drawing, was published in June. Deanna took the conference theme Observation: Mapping: Dialogue and succinctly analysed each section with illustrations from her book.

A total of 16 presentations, spanning the widest range of drawing-related interests, filled the day which also included a poster session, affording several more opportunities for delegates to catch up with current research interests in the field.

Amanda gave an excellent illustrated presentation on her recent research, involving her notion of 'extended drawings' (see her comments and image below) which received some useful comment and feedback from Prof. Petherbridge and Prof. Anita Taylor, who set up the Wimbledon Drawing Research Centre in 2000, and who is currently working in Sydney.

Amanda adds: The 2010 DRN conference was a well conceived and worthwhile experience. Delivering a presentation in the early stages of my research produced invaluable feedback within a critically informed and supportive environment. The presentations I attended were thought provoking, and pertinent to my studies. A number of the concepts generated and discussed during the course of the day have already proved invaluable in the development of my research.

Look out for next year’s event, planned to be held in Lisbon.

Howard Riley September 2010