Study with Jarnie Godwin at Atelier Clos Mirabel during a 5 day botanical art workshop in the French Pyrenees ~ South West France. Enjoy wonderful surroundings, delightful accommodation and delicious meals.
About this course:
Join Jarnie Godwin as she guides you into the ethereal mysteries of the fading bloom. September begins the time of mist and mellow fruitfulness with the fiery hues and late flowers that draw summer to a close. As blooms begin to fade you will learn how to capture these intimate, fragile and fleeting moments of decay. Using a range of watercolour techniques, Jarnie will show you how to create the unique acute textures and colour transitions of decay and fading colour. You will learn more about the unique form and detail of fading flowers, and will gain confidence in using and manipulating watercolour to convey an intimate moment in time.
Your week with Jarnie Godwin will begin by taking in the luscious and enchanting grounds of Clos Mirabel, where you will source the most intriguing fading blooms, petals and decaying leaves. Curiosity is the key, as you open your mindset to look for character and presence in your perfect imperfect subjects.
In the Atelier Clos Mirabel Studio, Jarnie will guide you through the techniques and processes she uses herself to help you create a composition for your painting of your chosen subjects. You will discover more about the unique structure of fading flowers and will learn how to use different brushes and paints to create a wealth of textures, contrasts and vibrant colours.
During the week, Jarnie will show you how to effectively light subjects to form beautiful contrasts and cast shadows. She will take you through her own techniques to mix a wealth of vibrant colours including pure, natural greens, rich neutral browns and soft, complex greys with just your primary hues. Using a limited palette, you will gain confidence in mixing and layering clean and vibrant watercolour mixes and will learn how to manipulate textures using wet into damp, damp and dry brush techniques. Jarnie will also demonstrate how to deal with mistakes with her techniques for troubleshooting.
During the week, there will be plenty of time for Jarnie Godwin to offer dedicated one-to-one tuition to all students, supporting you every step of the way. Her teaching style is warm, knowledgable and approachable as she aims to inspire and empower her students to develop their own style and skill with confidence. This will make for a relaxing and inspiring week away at Atelier Clos Mirabel ideal for all.
Outline Programme of your Botanical Art week with Jarnie Godwin
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 – 12.00 Introduction to the workshop by Jarnie followed by a walk in the grounds to choose your perfect imperfect subjects
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Atelier Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Getting to know your subject. Observation, planning compositions, playing with lighting your subject. Thumbnail sketching with loose colour washes
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 – 12.00 Jarnie will demonstrate watercolour painting techniques, including colour mixing, wet into damp washes, wet on dry and dry brush work. Starting your pieces with Jarnie on hand to guide you
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Atelier Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Continuing to paint your piece with Jarnie on hand to help you
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 – 12.00 Jarnie will demonstrate a range of details and textures and discuss how to introduce wider, more dynamic contrasts and cast shadows
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Atelier Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Painting your final piece with Jarnie on hand to help you
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
Wednesday – day off
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
We suggest enjoying wine tasting in local vineyard, explore Pau or beyond
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
10.00 – 12.00 Q and A session on troubleshooting. Followed by demonstration of techniques by Jarnie
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Atelier Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Painting your final piece, or starting another study if you desire. Jarnie will be on hand to help you
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 – 12.00 Looking at the finishing touches. Jarnie will guide you through the fine details, glazing and completing the painting
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Atelier Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 5.00 Finishing off your final piece, or starting another study piece if you desire. Jarnie will be on hand to help you
6.00 – Evening exhibition in the studio over apéritif
6.30 – 4 course dinner in the Manor House or on the terrace
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.
