Botanical Drawing in Coloured Pencils with Ann Swan

Join Ann Swan – SBA Fellow, ASBA for a week of Botanical inspiration and creativity in the French Pyrenees. Using coloured pencils you will develop this technique and with Ann’s passion, help and guidance quickly produce a work of quality.

About this course:

Ann Swan is an inspirational and nurturing tutor, happy to share all the techniques she encompasses in her work. After more than 30 years teaching she has a wealth of experience of botanical art using pencils and coloured pencils and is still experimenting, discovering new ways of working with this media. The focus in her workshop is on improving drawing skills, mastering coloured pencil techniques and creating dynamic compositions.

Ann is happy to include all levels of ability in the group, so complete beginners through to more advanced improvers. Everyone will be encouraged to work at their own pace with support, advice, individual attention and demonstrations from Ann whenever needed.

Outline Programme – Botanical Drawing Course 2023

Saturday – Arrival Day

On arrival we will enjoy some light refreshment : tea & cake then we will have time to unpack and settle into our rooms.

Late afternoon we will meet in the studio to set-up and discuss our work plan, expectations, subject matter and requests for technical demonstrations during the week.

Evening – Welcome drinks and relaxed dinner

Sunday – Tuesday & Thursday – Friday

Formal teaching will take place in the mornings from 10am – 1.30pm and then after a relaxed lunch the afternoons are free for work or play – your choice, but most people work in the studio for some of the time.

There will be no formal teaching in the afternoon but Ann will be around for support and working on her own piece in the studio, this allows those with partners or needing some rest and recuperation or enjoy some free time without missing any vital instruction.

Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Breakfast
10.00 – 1.30 Studio
1.30 – 2.30 Relaxed Lunch
2.30 – Free time in studio or relax
6.30 – Aperitif before 4-course dinner

Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Breakfast
10.00 – 1.30 Studio
1.30 – 2.30 Relaxed Lunch
2.30 – Free time in studio or relax
6.30 – Aperitif before 4-course dinner

Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Breakfast
10.00 – 1.30 Studio
1.30 – 2.30 Relaxed Lunch
2.30 – Free time in studio or relax
6.30 – Aperitif before 4-course dinner

Wednesday – We will plan a trip out, possibly to a place of interest or local vineyard with lunch out (not included).

Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Breakfast
10.00 – 1.30 Studio
1.30 – 2.30 Relaxed Lunch
2.30 – Free time in studio or relax
6.30 – Aperitif before 4-course dinner

Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Breakfast
10.00 – 1.30 Studio frantic work in studio most of the day preparing for our end of holiday exhibition
1.30 – 2.30 Relaxed Lunch
2.30 – 5.30 More frantic work and finishing touches then we will clear the studio, set up the exhibition in the Manor House and finally we will review our work with Ann
6.30 – Aperitif and end of week exhibition followed by farewell dinner – 4 courses

Saturday – depart for airport after breakfast.

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, full of natural light was designed by our Italian architect and offers a spacious open plan layout of 55 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.