During this Botanical Art Retreat Úrsula Romero will guide you through the process of how to create a large, supersized painting of your chosen flower, petal or leaf. You will learn more about the structure of flowers and how to use different paper types, brushes and paints and how to take risks with your art.
About this course:
The Botanical Art course will begin with a walk around the enchanting grounds of Clos Mirabel, where you will source your fragrant roses and lushious leaves. Back in the studio, Úrsula will guide you through the process of how to create a large, supersized painting of your chosen flower, petal or leaf. You will learn more about the structure of flowers and how to use different paper types, brushes and paints and how to take risks with your art. As the week unfolds, Úrsula will show you how to paint black backgrounds in watercolour, how to light subjects and how to mix natural greens, browns and greys. How to create textures using dry brushes and how to layer watercolours without them turning muddy.
You’ll be left to develop your own work under Úrsula’s supervision over the course and will be guided through the technique of burnishing once finished. This course is suitable for all levels because Úrsula gives each student individual attention, guidence and instruction, which means this relaxing week away at Atelier Clos Mirabel is ideal for anyone – from beginners to masters. Úrsula also supports you while you work in your own time and encourages a sense of curiosity in trying out new techniques, so that you feel confident in finding methods that you might prefer to use when back at home. You will finish the course more relaxed, with one or two large paintings underway, a wealth of knowledge on painting, information on how to sell your art and develop your own ideas and have an enormous a sense of empowerment.
Botanical Art Workshop – outline programme:
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
6.30 – Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Short presentation of the workshop by the tutor followed by a walk in the grounds to choose your specimens.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Drawing your roses and/or leaves which were picked in the gardens of Clos Mirabel. Planning compositions, playing with lighting set ups.
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 11.00 A short demonstration of watercolour painting techniques, including colour mixes, dry and wet brush work.
11.00 – 12.00 Supersizing your works and transfering your drawings onto watercolour paper and starting your piece.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Painting your final piece with tutor supervision
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Demonstration of painting techniques by the tutor, including how to burnish works. A discussion on paper types. Followed by more of your own painting.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Painting your final piece with tutor supervision
6.30 – 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
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Painting your final piece with tutor supervision or starting another piece if you desire.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Painting your final piece with tutor supervision or starting another piece if you desire.
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.00 Painting your final piece with tutor supervision or starting another piece if you desire.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Painting your final piece with tutor supervision or starting another piece if you desire.
6.00 – Evening exhibition in the studio over apéritif
6.30 – 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.
