What’s On

Apr
16
Sat
Painting with Terence Lambert @ Nature in Art
Apr 16 @ 10:00 am – Apr 17 @ 5:00 pm

Art Courseholeintheroof
with Terence Lambert 10am – 5pm
Maximum Participants: 12
This painting course allows people to work in their favoured medium (except oil). Terence’s vast experience of using different media and his desire to help and encourage people to use their favourite medium to best advantage, means that this will be a very personally planned course.
Using bird specimens from Terence’s own collection, participants will learn how to bring the dead specimens to life in their chosen media. Terence will talk to each participant prior to this really enjoyable and rewarding course.

Course Cost
Members: £80
Non-members: £100
Course Suitability: Beginners – Advanced
ART COURSE BOOKING FORM

 

Materials List
Before the course Terence will contact each course participant to ensure that they have all the materials they need.

Artist’s Profile
Terence is a renowned wildlife painter with work in public and private collections worldwide. His work has been reproduced in over 40 books including all the illustrations for ‘Collins British Birds’. After the inspiration of observation in the field, seeing birds as they are, Terence strives to capture not just the details but the personality of his subjects in his paintings. He also refers to his extensive collection of specimens. His work is regularly on show at Nature in Art and he has been an artist in residence and tutor many times.
www.terencelambert.com

Apr
23
Sat
Painting Wildlife in Acrylics @ Nature in Art
Apr 23 @ 10:00 am – Apr 24 @ 5:00 pm

Art Coursekim
with Kim Thompson 10am – 5pm
Maximum Participants: 12

On this 2-day course you will be able to work from start to finish on a painting under the experienced guidance of Kim Thompson.
You will tackle the fast drying time of the paint, building layers and adding details, including eyes, fur and textures found in nature to achieve a realistic finish to the painting. Everyone will be encouraged to experiment with brushes and sponges, and to try the techniques Kim uses in her paintings.
This course will appeal to those already working with acrylics who would like to learn some new tips and ways of working which they can use in their own paintings.

Course Cost
Members: £80
Non-members: £100
Course Suitability: Improvers
ART COURSE BOOKING FORM

Materials List
A large palette
Water pots
Any paints or brushes you like to use
Sketchbook
All other materials will be supplied by Kim Thompson, at the cost of £15 per participant, payable directly to her on the day.

Artist’s Profile
Kim Thompson enjoys painting the intricate textures and patterns found in nature and her vibrant artwork is characterised by these details.
Working as an illustrator, much of Kim’s work has been for magazines and books but she also exhibits at the Mall galleries and various UK art events. She has led painting safaris and wildlife conservation projects with children in Botswana where she finds much inspiration for paintings.
Kim’s work has been sold to collectors from around the world, including HRH Princess Michael of Kent and she has been commissioned by clients such as Royal Doulton and Blenheim Palace.
www.kimthompsonartist.com

Apr
30
Sat
Decorative Mosaics @ Nature in Art
Apr 30 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
student
‘Mosaic Paver’ by student

Art Course
with Joanna Dewfall 10am – 5pm
Maximum Participants: 12

On this 1-day course you will learn about the various mosaic materials and techniques of cutting and setting. You will be able to make a 30cm square mosaic slab for the garden on a concrete paver.
You will make the design in reverse during the day and then Joanna will assist you to set the design in cement adhesive on the paver. Grouting will be demonstrated but you will need to complete this at home – grout and full instructions will be provided.

Course Cost
Members: £40
Non-members: £50
Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners – Improvers
ART COURSE BOOKING FORM

 

Materials List
All materials will be supplied by Joanna Dewfall, at a cost of £20 per participant, payable directly to her on the day.

Artist’s Profile
Joanna Dewfall has been making and teaching mosaic for 25 years. Her commissions vary from exterior wall panels with school pupils across 7 counties to a recent private artwork featuring a roman design in marble as an 8 square metre pavement.
www.dewfallmosaic.co.uk

May
14
Sat
An Exploration of Monotype & Mono-print @ Nature in Art
May 14 @ 10:00 am – May 15 @ 5:00 pm

Art Coursenik3
with Nik Pollard 10am – 5pm
Maximum Participants: 10

Energy, improvisation, gesture, spontaneity and chance are all characteristics of the Monotype / Mono-print. They are the most painterly and responsive of all printmaking techniques. It is a process that can be explored at home or in the studio without great investment or need for space.
This 2-day course will give participants the opportunity to further their experience and skills in printmaking.
As well as group demonstrations each participant will receive individual tuition.
This course is aimed at artists that wish to develop and improve, however beginners can be accommodated.

Course Cost
Members: £80
Non-members: £100
Course Suitability: Improvers – Advanced
ART COURSE BOOKING FORM

 

Materials List
Please wear old clothing
You are invited to bring any sketchbooks or source material, but this is not an essential requirement.
All other materials will be supplied by Nik Pollard, at the cost of £10 per participant, payable directly to him on the day. The equipment supplied will

include quality artist materials.

Artist’s Profile
Nik Pollard is a painter, printmaker and illustrator. His work stems from a passion for the natural world and is generated from sustained, direct observation.
He has participated in national and international art projects highlighting the importance and vulnerability of specific habitats and wildlife in support of conservation.
His work has led to collaborations with schools, colleges, galleries and museums, engaging communities with the natural environment through residencies and workshops.
www.nikpollard.co.uk

May
21
Sat
Butterflies & Moths using Watercolour & Pencil @ Nature in Art
May 21 @ 10:00 am – May 22 @ 5:00 pm

Art Coursecath
with Cath Hodsman 10am – 5pm
Maximum Participants: 11

Butterflies and moths are amongst our most well-known insects. This watercolour painting and sketching art course gives those who are fascinated by these ethereal creatures, the chance to study, paint and sketch them in wonderful detail.
You will get the chance to study different types of butterflies and moths in a totally unique way. Each student will have use of a high-powered microscope and beautiful butterfly and moth specimens to study the anatomical intricacy of these delicate creatures – Cath and students will discuss how butterflies and moths taste; how they eat; how they navigate; how they protect themselves against predators and to generally, pay homage to these fascinating and iconic insects.
Then, using your new-found respect and knowledge of these gorgeous, ethereal creatures, you will pay homage to their beauty by producing a piece of unique, beautiful and intricate art.

Course Cost
Members: £80
Non-members: £100
Course Suitability: Beginners
ART COURSE BOOKING FORM

Artist’s Profile
Cath Hodsman is a skilled and widely acknowledged British wildlife and natural history artist. She is also one of the most technically accomplished and accurate entomological (insects) artists – and as such, the Natural History Museum sells her work. Cath believes that, in order to pay homage to insects using art, it is necessary to capture their anatomical intricacy and she therefore strives for 100% accuracy.
To help conserve and preserve the future of insects, she works closely with many relevant organisations, such as the RHS, the Wetlands Trusts, the Wildlife Trusts and the National Trust.
www.cathhodsmanwildlifeartist.com

May
31
Tue
May Half Term Art Activity Days @ Nature in Art
May 31 @ 10:30 am – Jun 3 @ 4:30 pm

DSCF3084(2)May Half Term Art Activity Days:

This May we are running a range of our popular art activity days for children aged 3 years and over. They include:

31st May – Clock Making
1st June – Rawww! Lions Mask
2nd June – Block Print Wrapping Paper Inspired by William Morris
3rd June – Get Dotty with Pointillism

Each workshop interprets the day’s theme using age appropriate materials and techniques. The different times are:
10.30-12.00pm: for 3 – 7 years
1.00-2.30pm: for 3 – 18 years
3.00-4.30pm: for 8 – 18 years

Each activity costs £6 per child and includes free entry to the museum for one accompanying adult. All activity must be booked in advance via our online booking system.

To see full details and to book please visit our Activity Days home page, here.

 

Jun
11
Sat
Detail in Watercolour @ Nature in Art
Jun 11 @ 10:00 am – Jun 12 @ 5:00 pm

Art Coursewatercolour
with Jackie Garner 10am – 5pm
Maximum Participants: 12

This 2-day course will focus on producing detailed paintings of natural objects such as feathers, seeds and shells, using a pure watercolour technique.
We will cover working with layers of colour, wet into wet, and lifting out colour to create texture, pattern, iridescence and form.
Course Cost
Members: £80
Non-members: £100
Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners – Improvers
ART COURSE BOOKING FORM

 

Artist’s Profile
Jackie Garner trained at Medway College of Design before becoming Nature in Art’s first education officer. She is now a professional artist who specialises in portraying wildlife, taking inspiration from encountering wildlife in its natural habitat. Jackie teaches and lectures regularly, and is a contributor to Artists & Illustrators magazine. She has exhibited with many art societies, including the National Exhibition Wildlife Art, the Society of Wildlife Artists, BirdScapes Gallery, Royal Institute of

Painters in Water Colours and has held solo exhibitions in London and Gloucestershire. Jackie is the author and illustrator of The Wildlife Artist’s Handbook.
Jackie is happy to discuss the course with students. Visit her website for contact details: www.jackiegarner.co.uk

Jun
18
Sat
Art Gecko ceramic gecko on a realistic base @ Nature in Art
Jun 18 @ 10:00 am – Jun 19 @ 5:00 pm

Art Coursegecko
with Jill Moger 10am – 5pm
Maximum Participants: 12

This 2-day course will start with a discussion about the importance of the presentation of a piece of wildlife art produced in clay. All of Jill’s ceramic animals are presented on an appropriate and realistic base and you will be constructing your very own for your piece on the first day.
On day 2, you will model a realistic gecko. Jill will teach you how to hollow out your clay sculpture and the different ways to finely model features and texture skin. She will also talk about the various glazes and how to apply these and she will bring an example to demonstrate on.

If students have an available kiln to fire their finished piece they may wish to take it home but if not, Jill will take the work back to her studio in York, dry it, glaze and fire it and return it to Nature in Art a few weeks later for students to collect.
Course Cost
Members: £80
Non-members: £100
Course Suitability: Beginners – Improvers
ART COURSE BOOKING FORM

 

Materials List
Please bring a full apron and any small tools that you might like to experiment with on clay.
All other materials will be supplied by Jill Moger, at a cost of £10 per participant,
payable directly to her on the day.
Please note: for those who wish Jill to use her kiln to fire their finished piece, an additional charge of £6 will apply, payable directly to Jill on the day.

Artist’s Profile
Jill is an established ceramicist of many years’ experience and her subject matter is wildlife but with a particular emphasis on reptiles. She uses stoneware and porcelain clays to create finely detailed work which is fired in an electric kiln up to five times to enhance colours and lustered glazes.
www.jillmogersculptures.co.uk

Jun
25
Sat
Bee Bonanza Family Fun Day @ Nature in Art
Jun 25 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Family Fun DayCath 72
Our latest family fun day will be taking place on Saturday 25th June and will be themed around Bees, this will coincide with celebrating Insect Week (20th-26th June).

All activities will run from 10am-4pm and will be suitable for 3+; the cost to take part will only be £1 per person, under 3s free. If you wish to view the museum galleries on this day normal admission will apply.

Full details on the day’s events will be added below as soon as they are confirmed.
Here is a taster of what to look forward to already:

  • Watch live demonstrations of real-life bees in their portable hive,
    at 11am and 2pm
  • Discover our UV light and interactive smells exhibit
  • Explore the microscopic world of beesf817ec_85e7843d6c5441ad8f27b7beff6ee7bf.jpg
  • Make a bee house and paint a bee magnet
  • Get hands-on with the master composters
  • Have a go at dissecting plants
  • Take part in a Bumble Bee quiz and related games in the gardentwifo-bimponso-13s600x248

There is no need to book for activities, please just come along anytime between 10am-4pm.
The coffee shop will also be open and serving light lunches.

Please see below for more detail about those organisations, individuals and charities who will kindly be providing many of the activities during our fun day:

The Cheltenham Science Group (10am-4pm) – Join the science group to experience the world as bees; using ultraviolet light, by dissecting a flower to see why pollinators are so important and by surveying the Nature in Art garden to find about the different pollinators at work. Plus, learn to communicate like a honey bee.cheltscience

 

Bees Abroad (11am and 2pm) – The aim of Bees Abroad is to provide education and technical advice in Beekeeping. As part of the family day, see live hive demonstrations from the team as they educate you about bees and their importance! Find out more about them, here.

The Stroud-based Buzz Club for Young People (10am-4pm) – “Our aim is to ensure that all young people are aware of the importance of all bees and insects in the food chain and to care for the environment through bee centered education and play.”buzzclub

 

The Bumblebee Conservation Trust (10am-4pm) – one aim of the Trust is to “support the conservation of all bumblebees, rare or abundant” and to educate people on the importance of bees in all shapes and forms. Have a go at completing their Bumblebee quiz and other games during the fun day. Find out more about them, here.

The Master Composters (10am-4pm) – Master Composters are volunteers who encourage people in their local community to start composting at home. During our fun day learn more about composing and the sorts of plants you can grow to help bees in your garden. Find out more about them, here.
Plus, meet insect artist Cath Hodsman who loves to explore the world of bees using a microscope. See some of her bee related artworks on show.

Jul
2
Sat
Painting for the Petrified
Jul 2 @ 10:00 am – Jul 3 @ 5:00 pm

Art Coursepainting
with Richard Box 10am – 5pm
Maximum Participants: 12

This course is for all of you who long to paint in watercolours but have been deterred by the erroneous myth that they are supposed to be ‘difficult’. Richard will dispel that myth and teach you, step by step, how to paint a simple still life and achieve marvelous effects with numerous layers of translucent colours without ‘getting mud’!
Most problems about painting are concerned about mixing colours. So the course will start with exploring the nature of colour with coloured pencils.

This will give you the confidence to transfer your newly discovered knowledge to watercolours. If you follow Richard’s ‘recipes’, you will be thrilled at what you can achieve.
Course Cost
Members: £80
Non-members: £100
Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners
ART COURSE BOOKING FORM

 

Artist’s Profile
Richard is an artist who paints and draws, but who is also known for his textile work. He has been teaching for 51 years and has a missionary zeal to convert students’ terrors of drawing and painting to an enthusiastic desire to continue practicing these disciplines because of their discovery that they are calming, rewarding and therapeutic.
www.richardbox.co.uk