BUDDING artists picked up pens and pencils to draw, sketch and paint at a number of events in the region. Big Draw events took place at the King’s School, Worcester and at the Commandery in Sidbury, at the weekend with hundreds of children turning out to take part in the national event.

At the Commandery, visitor services advisor Sarah Bourne said it had been an enjoyable day and they had lots of paintings that would now be going on display at the centre.

“It’s the first time we have done this and it’s gone very well,” she said.

“People have spent a long time around the building. They are drawing people from the past.

“We have costumes out and they are trying them on and drawing them from the mediaeval ages onwards, and we have some really beautiful paintings.”

The art department at the King’s School invited lots of people to join them in their day of drawing activities using the river Severn as inspiration.

Organisers will be producing a continuous line of artwork stretching from the art school to the river-bank from the work produced on the day. Head of arts Liz Hand said they needed thousands of paintings to achieve this.

“In 2007 King’s were the national winners of the Big Draw competition and we have looked forward to taking part in it again this year,” she said. Big Draw events took part across the country to get more people drawing and enjoying art.