Drawing the Invisible

Explore how thought and emotion might take visible shape in this livestream workshop, inspired by Annie Besant and Charles W. Leadbeater's pioneering 1901 book Thought-Forms.

This workshop takes Annie Besant and Charles W. Leadbeater's Thought-Forms (1901) as a starting point for exploring the possibility of visualising thought and other invisible phenomena through feedback loops. Together we will examine the theoretical principles proposed in the book, asking what conditions determine the forms that our thoughts and emotions take. Rather than approaching this purely as theory, the workshop translates these ideas into direct, embodied practice – using movement, sensory observation and drawing exercises focused on the body and the visual apparatus, you will experiment with translating mental and bodily states into visual processes.

What to expect

Across the workshop, you'll move between theory and practice – starting with the ideas at the heart of Thought-Forms, then working through sensory and movement-based exercises designed to help you notice and translate bodily and mental states as they arise. The format is hands-on and experimental throughout, with drawing exercises building progressively toward the day's culmination: an attempt to create your own individual system for "thought-forms," and space to reflect together on drawing as a visual language for the invisible. Expect a session that is intimate, exploratory, and genuinely experiential rather than lecture-based.

This online workshop includes:

• An introduction to the theoretical principles of Besant and Leadbeater's Thought-Forms
• Guided discussion on what shapes the form of thoughts and emotions
• Sensory observation and movement-based exercises
• Progressive drawing exercises focused on the body and the visual apparatus
• Development of an individual system for visualising your own "thought-forms"
• Group reflection on drawing as a language for invisible phenomena

Who is this workshop for?

• Artists and creatives curious about visualising internal or invisible experience
• Anyone interested in the history and ideas behind Thought-Forms and early theosophical art
• Those drawn to drawing, mark-making, or visual practice as a form of self-inquiry
• People interested in the connections between art, perception, and spirituality
• Anyone open to an experimental, body-based approach to a workshop – no prior drawing experience required

Please bring coloured pencils, pens and paper to work with.

Come and discover what your own thoughts might look like – book your place now.

Meet your tutor, Mila Nowacka

Mila Nowacka is an artist, art history graduate and mother whose practice explores the relationship between the body, perception and environment. Her recent work includes a series of drawings visualising her own body from within, exploring the sensations tied to individual organs and internal processes – work that is part of The Etheric Field at The College of Psychic Studies in 2026. With a background spanning fine art, illustration and published artist's books, and a practice built on investigating the intersections of contemporary art, spirituality and media theory, Mila brings a rare combination of theoretical depth and hands-on drawing expertise to this exploration of thought made visible.

Exclusively live online

We will not be recording this workshop. One of the unique aspects of the College's online events is that they are highly interactive. Participants are encouraged to discuss and share with the tutor and the group. These sharings can be very personal, and some may not feel comfortable with them being recorded.