Take time to relax and indulge yourself in nature, by creating your own botanical sketchbook in this week-long course with Dianne Sutherland.
About this course:
Whether you want a sketchbook to be part of your regular practice as an artist, or as an occasional activity for relaxation and to engage with nature, this course is an ideal starting point.
During the week Dianne Sutherland will provide demonstrations and instruction on how to get started with your botanical sketchbook. On day one you will be provided with materials to make your own small sketchbook, after which you will be guided through the process of filling the pages with beautiful drawings and paintings of plant material from within the grounds at the beautiful Clos Mirabel. Working both indoors, with collected plant material and some outdoor work in the surrounding area.
You will learn about the drawing and watercolour painting techniques that Dianne uses in her own work, which is applicable to both sketchbooks and other artwork. This will include the necessary sketching and watercolour techniques, such as the wet and dry painting techniques, whichshe specialises in teaching. Subjects, such as leaves, flowers, dissections and all of the relevant plant parts as well as surrounding plant habitat will be demonstrated.
You will also learn how to compose a page in your book, by identifying the important parts of the plant to record, as well as how to annotate the pages with written texts and plant stories, whilst at the same time being encouraged to develop your own interests and individual style as an artist. By the end of the week you will have made the first steps in your botanical sketchbook journey, and if you are like Dianne, you will always be looking for your next sketchbook subject.
Botanical Art Workshop – Programme Outline:
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
6.00 – Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Introduction to the course
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Studio work with individual instruction throughout the day
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Studio work with individual instruction throughout the day
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Studio work with individual tuition throughout the day
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Studio work with individual instruction throughout the day
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Studio work with individual instruction throughout the day
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Wednesday – day off
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
We suggest wine tasting in local vineyard, explore Pau or beyond. Alternatively, stay at Clos Mirabel and paint on your own. Please note lunch is not provided on this day.
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Studio work with individual instruction throughout the day
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Studio work with individual instruction throughout the day
6.00 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Studio work with individual instruction throughout the day
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Studio work with individual instruction throughout the day
5.00 – Prepare for exhibition
6.00 – Aperitifs and evening exhibition in the Studio
7.00 – Farewell 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Saturday – Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)
Non-painting guests: we are more than happy to welcome non-painting guests, accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable Click here for more information.
The Art Studio offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
