Last September saw the death of Nature in Art’s founder, David Trapnell, aged 95. His interest in art and nature was obvious as a boy and, even though he spent his working life as an eminent radiologist, it seemed inevitable that those early influences would emerge in a profound way at some point in his life. Being married to the artist Elizabeth Gray (also known as Ben Venuto), who died in 2022, was the inspiration he needed to embark on what he called ‘his second wind’ – an enthusiastic passion for discovery and learning in the arts that resulted in the establishment of Nature in Art.
David was always a collector. He said that his first collection as a boy was ‘stickers off bananas’(!), but in later life his collecting interests included fossils and stones (which he also polished) to buttons and bottles, clay pipes to bird skulls, postmarks (for which he was an acknowledged expert and published many books and papers) and eighteenth century newspapers to orchids. Even though, for a long time, he was not involved at the coal face at Nature in Art, he was a trustee until his death and was always cheering and encouraging from the sidelines and looking for new additions that might be considered for the collection.
Just a few months before he died, he saw an intriguing door finger plate (made by Spode) with a nature inspired decoration. He wondered whether there were any collections of these items anywhere and set about contacting national and local museums to find out. It seemed not. There also appeared to be no books on the subject either, so he began collecting as many nature inspired finger plates as he could, trawling the internet and finding people to drive him to antique fairs and the like. At the same time he began to undertake research for a paper or booklet on the subject. Sadly, he never got the chance to see that project to its conclusion, but the small selection of finger plates that he did acquire will soon be part of our collection. Some will be included in this display.
Most Friends of Nature in Art will know that the idea of Nature in Art was born in 1982 at a time when David had no money, no collection and no building – just what he hoped was an inspiring idea. He set up a charity to establish and then own and manage a museum. Soon he was winning over hearts and minds, and he did the difficult thing – he got the Nature in Art ball rolling from nothing, so effectively in fact, that within 6 years we had got to the point of opening our doors to the public, following the purchase of Wallsworth Hall in 1987. Then, in 1988, after a huge amount of work, HRH Princess Alexandra opened the museum, which was free of debt and had the beginnings of an unrivalled collection.
Many of the items had been generously donated by artists and private collectors, but David, a treasure hunter at heart, also spent a huge amount of time searching out items that might be added to the collection (and for which funding had to be found too).
That instinct to always be ‘on the hunt’ and looking in new places, stretching our outlook from, for example ‘wildlife’ to ‘nature’, and from just fine art to embrace decorative and applied art too, opened up huge possibilities. That broad view underpins our mission to this day.
So, this exhibition will highlight some of the items that David personally found for the Nature in Art collection, some of which we secured funding for from the likes of the Art Fund, V&A Purchase Grant Fund and others. Of course, there were other occasions when items were found and we could not secure funding or, if they were in an auction, exceeded our budget, but treasure hunting always involves disappointments too!
The stories behind some of the exhibits are recalled in David’s book, ‘Following the Dream’, published last year, priced £14.95.
In addition to some of the items he chose to include in his book, will be other items that have helped broaden the depth and diversity of our collection. As we hope is the case when any visitor comes to Nature in Art, we trust that you find amongst this selection work that you expect to see, but also others that may be unfamiliar, broadening your appreciation and passion for the arts.
An evening talk has been arranged to accompany this exhibition
Unfortunately this course is now cancelled due to Liz having an operation.
Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners – Improvers
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
In this course Liz will teach a simple, modern interpretation of Sashiko stitching. Sashiko is a traditional Japanese decorative stitching technique, originally used to reinforce clothing. As an art form, it can be used to create a beautifully textured and melodic textile.
You will create a fabric panel of appliqued shapes with Sashiko stitching, which can be a stylised landscape or a repeat pattern of your choice. After the course, it’s up to you how you use the panel; it could be a centre-piece for a special ‘memory’ textile; applied to a cushion or a bag, or framed as a piece of artwork! These are great ideas for presents for others or a keepsake for you.
Materials List:
- Photographs of landscapes or patterns to take ideas from
- Cotton fabrics which you may like to incorporate into your Sashiko stitching to create a ‘memory’ piece.
The tutor will provide the rest of the required materials for course participants. The cost per person will be £5.00 which will be paid to Liz by the participants on the day of the course.
Artist’s Profile:
Liz is an exhibiting textile artist and teacher. She has more than 40 years experience of teaching children and adults in all types of educational and community settings. She delivers art workshops in her studio and further afield, including at national events. Liz is delighted to have been Artist in Residence several times at Nature in Art, including in October/ November this year. She has also lead large textile projects, with local and national participants, for a regional arts festival. Liz’s passion for natural landscape is expressed in her colourful and textural textile artwork.
https://www.lizrobertsontextiles.com/
FULLY BOOKED
Course Suitability: Beginners – Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
Explore the techniques required for fur and colour mixing to create this beautiful fox portrait using assorted colour pencils on Light Grey Pastelmat Paper.
A line drawing is supplied to copy or trace so no need to worry about drawing freehand.
Materials List:
All materials supplied to use within the session.
Artist’s Profile:
Karen Coulson is a coloured pencil artist as well as a tutor specialising in wildlife and animal portraits. She enjoys incorporating unusual backgrounds behind her subject which indulges her love of colour.
Karen is a Gold Signature Member of the UKCPS (United Kingdom Coloured Pencil Society). She has won many awards for her artwork including “Best Fantasy/Abstract” picture at the UKCPS Annual International Exhibition in 2014.
Course Cost:
A £25 non-refundable deposit is required on booking. Full course price is:
Members of Nature in Art: £55
Non-members of Nature in Art: £69
FULLY BOOKED
Course Suitability: Beginners – Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
Explore the techniques required for colour mixing and blending to create this bold Magnolia flower using assorted colour pencils on Hot Pressed Watercolour Paper.
A line drawing is supplied to copy or trace so no need to worry about drawing freehand.
Materials List:
All materials supplied to use within the session.
Artist’s Profile:
Karen Coulson is a coloured pencil artist as well as a tutor specialising in wildlife and animal portraits. She enjoys incorporating unusual backgrounds behind her subject which indulges her love of colour.
Karen is a Gold Signature Member of the UKCPS (United Kingdom Coloured Pencil Society). She has won many awards for her artwork including “Best Fantasy/Abstract” picture at the UKCPS Annual International Exhibition in 2014.
Course Cost:
A £25 non-refundable deposit is required on booking. Full course price is:
Members of Nature in Art: £55
Non-members of Nature in Art: £69
If you would like to book a place on this course, please click here.
FULLY BOOKED
Course Suitability: Beginners – Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
Assorted Colour Pencils on Mount Board
Explore the techniques required for mixing and blending colours together to create layered feathers in these two beautiful birds.
A line drawing is supplied for you to copy or trace.
Materials List:
All materials supplied to use within the session.
Artist’s Profile:
Karen Coulson is a coloured pencil artist as well as a tutor specialising in wildlife and animal portraits. She enjoys incorporating unusual backgrounds behind her subject which indulges her love of colour.
Karen is a Gold Signature Member of the UKCPS (United Kingdom Coloured Pencil Society). She has won many awards for her artwork including “Best Fantasy/Abstract” picture at the UKCPS Annual International Exhibition in 2014.
Course Cost:
A £25 non-refundable deposit is required on booking. Full course price is:
Members of Nature in Art: £55
Non-members of Nature in Art: £69
To book a place on this course, please click here.
Course Suitability: Beginners – Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
This is an eco-friendly, mindful and impressionistic form of art suitable for all artists at any stage.
It will inspire you to have a go. Using only torn magazines and newsprint with glue you will make your own amazing collages. On day one you will use coloured news print and on day two you will combine this with mono print. Helen will provide sample ideas for your collage but do bring your own pictures for possible reference if you wish.
Materials List:
The course tutor will provide all course materials at a cost of £5 (cash) per person to be paid to Helen directly on the day of the course.
Artist’s Profile:
Helen’s collages are made from torn newsprint with no use of paint. This involves tearing both large and very small pieces of newsprint often overlapping them until she is happy with her final collage. Helen developed this individual style of collage over 20 years ago having previously been an impressionistic oil painter although trained in textiles.
Helen has lived and exhibited her impressionistic collages in Brittany, France for many years. Having returned to live in the UK she is now teaching and running regular workshops in Gloucestershire. During Helen’s teaching career, she has taught art in schools and in adult education, plus using art as therapy.
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.
FULLY BOOKED
Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
In this one day course, learn how the art of Gyotaku came about, how it became an established art form and also about some of the ways it is practiced across the world today. Working in pairs to prepare an actual fish for printing from in the morning session then we will experiment with printing on various papers and fabrics.
After lunch, there will be an opportunity to continue printing and Jane will demonstrate Urauchi and encourage the group to try their hand at doing this process too. Urauchi is the technique used to make the print flat so it can be hung in a frame.
Materials List:
The tutor will provide the required materials for course participants. *The cost per person will be £5 (cash) which will be paid to me by the participants on the day of the course.
Artist’s Profile:
Jane Evans is the UK’s leading Gyotaku artist. With a degree in fine art painting, she discovered this art form in 2017 and has been creating Gyotaku ever since. Entirely self taught she has been accepted as a member of the European Gyotaku Society and is also a member of the Nature Printing Society.
Her Gyotkau have been exhibited at the Royal Societ yof Marine Artists annual exhibition in 2022 and 2023. Also in the Royal Cambrian Academy’s open exhibition 2023.
Jane creates Gyotaku in the Takuseikai way meaning the impression is taken directly from the surface of the fish and the only detail added after printing is the eye. https://gyotakugifts.co.uk/pages/jane-evans
FULLY BOOKED
Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners – Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 10
Course Description:
Indulge in a relaxing and creative day of painting where you will explore different mixed media painting methods and turn it into a series of expressive paintings. This class will guide you step by step through colour mixing, surface preparation, composition, layering, mark making and final details. By the end of the day class you will come away with a set of two paintings. There will be no expectations or pressure, just lots of support and enjoyment. This class will also focus on letting go of stress which can be achieved through painting.
A fun filled day allowing you to learn something new and giving you the chance to relax. Whether you’re brand new to the art form or have dabbles in it before, this class is designed to guide and support you every step of the way.
If you have taken part in any of Christina’s other classes at Nature in Art such as ‘Find the Joy in Painting by Creating Abstracts’, this will be a perfect follow on as by the end of the session you will walk away with a final set of paintings.
Materials:
All materials will be supplied at a cost of £15 per person to be paid directly to Christina on the day of the course. However, please bring along some jam jars / containers for water.
Artist Profile:
Christina is an abstract artist based in Gloucester. Inspired by the natural world she works with inks and paints to create layers of translucent colours resulting in soothing and relaxing art.
Christina has had lots of experience in the arts and running workshops and at one stage was even the Education Officer here at Nature in Art.
She has exhibited work on the London underground, Saatchi Art and is represented by Wychwold Art Gallery. She had a pop up shop in John Lewis and produced artwork for Gloucestershire Hospital to improve their mental health in Crisis room. Her website: https://www.christinasadler.com/
Course Cost:
A £25 non-refundable deposit is required on booking. Full course price is:
Members of Nature in Art: £55
Non-members of Nature in Art: £69
Course Suitability: Beginners – Improvers
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
Linoprinting is an excellent introduction to relief printing. It can easily be done at home, using the minimum of equipment. Once the basics have been learned there are many variations of the technique that can be explored. In this one day workshop Richard will cover the basic tools and techniques to get started with Linoprinting, including use of the cutting tools, transferring an image onto the block, through to the inking and printing of the Lino block using a press or burnishing by hand. There will be time to practise with the cutting tools before cutting and printing your block. It is best to start with a fairly simple subject. Richard will have a selection of images available on the day, but you are welcome to bring your own images/sketches along.Two sizes of Lino blocks will be available 4 x 6 inches and 6 x 8 inches.
Materials List:
We will be using water based black printing ink and as this can stain please wear older clothes or bring an apron. There will be a small charge of £5.00 for the Lino, but all other materials are provided. Please give £5 in cash directly to Richard on the day of the course.
Artist Profile:
Richard is a wildlife artist/printmaker based in Leicestershire with many reservoirs at which to sketch the subjects of his prints. He is a member of the Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA) and his work has been exhibited widely, and used in several books and as greeting cards. https://www.richardjarvis.me.uk/
Course Cost:
A £25 non-refundable deposit is required on booking. Full course price is:
Members of Nature in Art: £55
Non-members of Nature in Art: £69
To book a place on this course, please click here.
© Ryan Stalker
The British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) is a revered showcase of nature photography in Britain and a crucial reminder of what value our woodlands, wetlands and other ecosystems still hold.
The winners of the British Wildlife Photography Awards 2024 will be displayed at Nature in Art from 23rd July – 1st September. More than 14,000 images were submitted into this year’s competition, with amateur and professional photographers competing for the £5,000 grand prize. An image of a football covered in invasive goose barnacles, having travelled thousands of miles to reach the UK shores, has taken the top prize in this prestigious award.
Photographers competed in 10 different categories in the adult competition: Animal Behaviours, Animal Portraits, Botanical Britain, Black & White, British Seasons, Coast & Marine, Habitat, Hidden Britain, Urban Wildlife and Wild Woods. There were 3 age groups in the young competition: 11 and under, 12-14 years and 15-17 years.
Entry to this exhibition is included in the admission price to the museum.
© Max Wood
© Lucien Harris