About this course:
Throughout this workshop we will keep a sketchbook using the ink pen and watercolour technique. We will collect and sketch specimens of the local flora en plein air (as much as possible) testifying and recording our experience.
Morning sessions will be devoted to selecting specimens and drawing them in our sketchbooks. We will be in the park or in the studio. In the afternoon classes we will paint the same subjects as they have been approached in our sketchbooks, developing our personal choices and style and using the botanical watercolour technique. The lessons will be in Italian and English.
During the course of the week we will explore the following concepts to inform our illustrations and practice.
Botanical Art as a tale of Nature – Exploring how Nature becomes the vehicle to transmit a feeling, a memory, an emotion, a bond.
Portraying plants – Examining the shape and posture of a plant looking at distinctive elements and common characteristics.
Colour as a vehicle of emotion – Considering colour not only as an element of recognition of the plant and of the season, but also as a distinctive and emotional note in the context of the portrayal of a plant.
Associations and isomorphisms that cultivate amazement – Observing the digressions around the form as a means for discovery of the “underlying design” the project common to all natural forms.
Nature as an artist herself – Supreme creator, inspiration for a theoretical study of man as simulator of the art of Nature.
Botanical Art – Workshop Schedule
Saturday
Guests settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
Late afternoon we will meet in the studio for the course presentation
Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
10:00 – 1:00 Outdoor selection of specimens; drawing selected subjects, in the field and/or in the studio
1:00 – 2:00 Relaxed Lunch
2:30 – 4:30 Studio, discussing the topics and addressing the watercolour technique by starting a watercolour plate
6:30 – Aperitifs before 4-course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
10:00 – 1:00 Outdoors selection of specimens; drawing selected subjects, ‘en plein air’ in the field and/or in the studio
1:00 – 2:00 Relaxed Lunch
2:30 – 4:30 Studio, discussing the topics and addressing the watercolour technique
6:30 – Aperitifs before 4-course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Tuesday
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
10:00 – 1:00 Outdoors selection of specimens; drawing selected subjects, ‘en plein air’ in the field and/or in the studio
1:00 – 2:00 Relaxed Lunch
2:30 – 4:30 Studio, discussing the topics and addressing the watercolour technique
6:30 – Aperitifs before 4-course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Wednesday
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
Free day to explore the locality – we suggest wine tasting in local vineyard, explore Pau or beyond.
Lunch is not included on the free day.
6:30 – Aperitifs before 4-course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Thursday
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
10:00 – 1:00 Outdoors selection of specimens; drawing selected subjects, ‘en plein air’ in the field and/or in the studio
1:00 – 2:00 Relaxed Lunch
2:30 – 4:30 Studio, discussing the topics and addressing the watercolour technique
6:30 – Aperitifs before 4-course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Friday
8:30 – 9:30 Breakfast
10:00 – 1:00 Outdoors selection of specimens; drawing selected subjects, ‘en plein air’ in the field and/or in the studio
1:00 – 2:00 Relaxed Lunch
2:30 – 5:30 Studio for last lesson and exhibition of sketchbooks and watercolour works
6:30 – Aperitifs before 4-course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
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.
