Join Laura Silburn to discover the botanical diversity of the Pyrénées Atlantiques.
About this course:
Join Laura Silburn to explore the botanical delights of this flora-rich part of the world. We will explore the diverse flora of the area from the twirling vines of its viniculture to the wild flowers of the Pyrenees and you will choose the subject that inspires you to immerse yourself into its botanical detail.
Laura will help you explore and understand your chosen plant through careful observation and sketchbook work, as well as by sketching your subject to capture its ‘personality’. You will then compose an image that reflects its natural character whilst observing botanical truth. You will be guided on how to take your planned drawings through to a completed botanical watercolour and then the techniques to take your picture to the ‘next level’ using dry-brush finishing.
Saturday
Guests settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
Introductory chat about the course by Laura Silburn
Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
9.30 – 12.30 Studio Session: Exploring/collecting plant material from the estate. Posing and preserving plant material
12.30 – 1.30 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
1.30 – 3.30 Siesta or free time in studio
3.30 – 5.30 Studio Session, sketching and accurate drawing of plant material. Looking at different composition styles and how we might portray our subjects
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.30 Studio Session: short talk on ‘fixed light-source’ and why we use it, completing a tonal study of our subject, transferring our line drawing to watercolour paper
12.30 – 1.30 Lunch
1.30 – 4.00 Studio Session: Colour matching and practice painting, initial washes to build form
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.30 Studio Session: Continuing with washes to build form, blending and perfecting washes
12.30 – 1.30 Lunch
1.30 – 4.00 Studio Session: continuation from morning. Starting to use dry-brush for sharpness and detail on our subjects
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Wednesday – Free day
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
Day out, exploring Pau or beyond/wine tasting in local vineyard.
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
9.30 – 12.30 Studio Session: Adding sharp detail and textures through dry-brush techniques – a more controlled use of watercolour
12.30 – 1.30 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
1.30 – 3.30 Studio Session: continuation from morning
3.30 – 5.30 Works critiqued and readied for the exhibition on Friday evening
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 12.30 Studio Session: finishing our pieces using dry-brush techniques and glazes to enhance colour
12.30 – 1.30 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
3.30 – 6.00 Get ready for evening exhibition in the double living room of Clos Mirabel
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Saturday – Buffet Breakfast and departure
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.
