Treehouse illustrator’s ground level classes

By Barry Morris

Illustrator and children’s author Terry Denton stepped out as the new patron of environment group BERG Mt Martha last week to teach youngsters aspects of the art of drawing.

On a crisp, spring day, in a marquee at the old campground at Balcombe Estuary, the illustrator of the Treehouse series of books had the children thinking about the estuary’s birds and animals before committing them to paper.

The old master conducted two 45-minute workshops – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – for children aged seven to 14.

Before and after each workshop, Denton signed copies of the children’s Treehouse books.

In the workshops, Denton showed why he was king of the kids as he had the children spellbound, teaching them the little tricks of his trade.

Sometimes it was difficult to know who was having the most fun.

Outside the marquee, parents chatted to BERG MM helpers and sipped tea or coffee provided by the environment group.

At the end of each session, the budding artists displayed their efforts to their proud parents.

And after the first session, there was time for a group photo with the artist taking centre stage.

First published in the Frankston Times – 1 October 2018