Join Julia Trickey at Atelier Clos Mirabel for a week long botanical art workshop in the French Pyrenees ~ South West France. Enjoy wonderful surroundings, delightful accommodation and delicious meals.
About this course:
Using fruit and vegetables, flowers and leaves from the gardens and grounds of Atelier Clos Mirabel, we will explore how to make less-than-perfect botanical specimens centre stage. We will start by experimenting with wet-in-wet techniques to create initial form and merging colours, before considering other techniques used to deepen colours and add details. There will also be opportunity to work larger than life or with black backgrounds. Teaching by Julia Trickey will be delivered via live demonstrations, slide presentations and lots of individual support.
Subjects covered may include:
- Stages of producing a botanical illustration
- Collection and observation of subjects
- Making initial records
- Painting techniques for botanical art, including wet-in-wet for initial form & graduated colours
- Composition considerations
- Finishing touches etc
Botanical Art Workshop with Julia Trickey – Programme Outline:
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Atelier Clos Mirabel
6.30 – Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Studio Session: Initial presentation and discussion of expectations. Introduction to wet-in-wet techniques.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Atelier Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Studio session: Continuing with practicing wet-in-wet and deciding on project options.
4.30 – 6.30 Free time for other activities or to continue in the studio without tutor supervision.
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 – 1.00 Studio Session: Select plant material from garden and grounds. Presentation on how to plan and gather information on chosen subjects and features of fading specimens.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Atelier Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Studio session: Continue from morning drawing out selected material.
4.30 – 6.30 Free time for other activities or to continue in the studio without 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 – 1.00 Studio Session: Continue with chosen subjects, including discussion and/or demonstration of a range of suitable painting techniques.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Atelier Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Studio session: Continuing with selected subjects and projects.
4.30 – 6.30 Free time for other activities or to continue in the studio without 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 a local vineyard, exploring Pau or beyond. Alternatively, stay at Atelier Clos Mirabel and paint on your own. Please note lunch is not provided on this day.
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 – 1.00 Studio Session: Continue with project or start new project. Demonstration/Presentation about less conventional approaches eg working larger than life or with a black background.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Atelier Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Studio session: Continuing with new or extended projects.
4.30 – 6.30 Free time for other activities or to continue in the studio without tutor supervision.
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 – 1.00 Studio Session: Presentation of what makes a good botanical painting and finishing touches.
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Atelier Clos Mirabel
2.30 – 4.30 Studio session: Finish paintings. Advice from tutor for projects beyond course.
4.30 – 6.30 Free time for other activities or to continue in the studio without tutor supervision.
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Saturday
8.30 – 9.30 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.
