Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners – Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
This watercolour painting workshop is aimed at all ability levels and for those who want to learn more about the hidden insect worlds that are all around us.
In Darwin’s Day, Bumblebees, these flying, buzzing, pollination power-houses were called “Humblebees”, simply because they hummed as they flew. Bumblebees are familiar sights in our wild spaces, but just how much do we really know about their private lives?
This workshop will shed light on some of the mysteries and surprises of the lifecycles and lifestyles of these well-known & well-loved charismatic insects. Cath will take students on a magical journey into their secret world to show that these large fluffy bees are anything, but “Humble”…
Cath will then guide each student how to take all of their new-found love, knowledge and enthusiasm for these large balls of buzzing fluff to produce a unique and detailed watercolour painting, using microscopes, magnifying glasses and macro photographs, as well as Cath’s own huge bee (ethically sourced) specimen collection.
Materials List:
- Watercolours: I use Schmincke mainly, but any similar good quality w/c’s will be fine. Not a hard & fast list. Any similar colours will be fine: – Titanium White; Payne’s Grey; Helio Cerulean; Cadmium Red Hue; Cadmium Yellow; Madder Lake; Cadmium Violet Deep Hue (Sennelier), Ultra Marine, Brilliant Blue Violet, Orange, Indigo, Cadmium Red Hue,
- Brushes: – Small ones: Brushes with short round bristles. Synthetic bristles are best: Sizes such as- 00, 000, 0000. Large ones: 2, 5, 6 Rosemary SER 307 and 301 are both good.
- Pencils: – 0.5mm HB Pentel propelling pencil. HB graphite pencil.
- Pens: – 0.05 “Black” UniPin Fine Line. Water and Fade proof (Mitsubishi).
- Paper –, 100% cotton Saunders Waterford StbCuthbert’s Mill or equivalent paper. 14” x 10” 140lb. Hot pressed. White.
- Ceramic Palette
- Masking Tape
Artist’s Profile:
Cath Hodsman AMRSB, is one of the U.K’s foremost entomological artists, illustrators and teachers. Based in the Cotswolds, she has exhibited; showcased her art; or taught at many relevant esteemed venues throughout her career, including the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, R.H.S Wisley and the Natural History Museum, London. Cath believes that the best way to celebrate the importance and relevance of insects in a happy, healthy ecology, is to capture their micro beauty and anatomical intricacy. She uses microscopes in her work in order to capture beauty that is invisible to us.
Course Cost:
A £25 non-refundable deposit is required on booking. Full course price is:
Members of Nature in Art: £110
Non-members of Nature in Art: £138
To book a place on this course, please click here.