Left: Philippa Beale. Right: Tim Craven
Following on from previous exhibitions by the Arborealists at Nature in Art, this exhibition is a collaboration between them, a group of professional artists of diverse art practise who share the subject of the tree,and Julian Hight, a celebrated authority on ancient trees and the author of Britain’s Tree Story.
This unique selection of pictures explores the extraordinary physical presence and diverse colourful histories of a varied selection of these great survivors. Some have been selected by Hight for their significance, species and geological spread and others chosen by the artists as local favourites. Some trees are variously interpreted by different artistic approaches,styles and media and these will hang together for context and insight.
Although the least forested, Britain possesses the largest number of ancient trees in northern Europe of many species for a number of reasons. Some may have stood for over a thousand years while some British Yew trees are reputed to be up to four times that age, which if true, makes them the oldest living trees in Europe. Small wonder that artists have been inspired by their beauty, presence and aura.
From a human perspective, it is their constant presence within the community,surviving through one generation to the next and carrying with them events and stories, that elevates ancient trees to a higher place in our psyche. Over the centuries people have revered and named them. They act as silent witnesses to the past. Indeed, it is amazing to think that such is their longevity that some could be only ten generations away from the end of the last ice age when they first colonised our islands.
PLUS:
September 10th: Do join us for a private view of this show to meet some of the artists and find out about the Arborealists and on September 26th: An join us for an evening talk with Julian Hight. Find details of both HERE
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Elizabeth Gray (left) and Dafila Scott
It is hard to believe that we recently celebrated the 36th anniversary of us opening our doors to the public. Over the years we have been fortunate to work with many hundreds of artists, either as exhibitors, artists in residence and/or tutors. These associations have been part of our journey developing and building up the museum, its collections and activities, and we hope a valued part of their artistic journey too.
So as we look to the future, we are presenting a unique exhibition of A5 sized original works by some of these artists. Drawings, paintings, prints, even sculpture, each a nature-inspired to raise funds for our David Trapnell Legacy Project.
The fundraising element works like this ….each card will be allocated a number although this will be kept secret. Numbered tickets will be available for you to buy for just £30 each, a sum which we hope will make participation within reach of almost everyone. Once all the tickets are sold the numbers will be revealed. Only then will‘buyers’ discover which original postcard they have acquired.
So, we do hope that you will be keen to purchase a ticket for this special project! As well as a great way to help the museum, it is a rare opportunity for you to acquire a unique original signed piece of artwork.
Buy a ticket when you visit, or if you can’t make it, give us a call on 01452 731422.
FULLY BOOKED
Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners – Improvers
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
Join us on this exciting course, exploring the artistic skills and techniques of sketching buildings with pen and wash. Over two inspiring days, you will delve into the fusion of pen techniques and watercolour washes, learning skills such as perspective, proportion, colour mixing and how to loosen up.
Led by an experienced tutor, the workshop offers hands-on guidance in capturing the essence of buildings with precision and expressive flair. From foundational drawing skills to the harmonious blending of watercolour hues, attendees will discover a versatile approach to urban sketching. Suitable for beginners and students with some knowledge of the medium.
Materials List:
The tutor will provide the required materials for course participants. The cost per person will be £30 (cash) which will be paid to Jonathan by the participants on the day of the course.
Should the students wish to use their own tools and materials rather than buying a set from the tutor then they are welcome to bring them along.
Artist’s Profile:
Jonathan Newey is an award winning artist with over 20 years of experience in teaching in adult education. He has experience in a wide variety of mediums and subjects including landscapes, wildlife and architecture in acrylic, watercolour and coloured pencil.
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
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.
Blending geology with creativity, Jackie Garner’s contemporary art is thoroughly modern, yet echoes Earth’s most ancient forces. Her acrylic paintings are inspired by, and celebrate, the rich patterns and textures of minerals, rocks and fossils. Wildly colourful to subtly intricate, sometimes fanciful and often surprising, this exhibition encourages us to look afresh at the ground beneath our feet. Rethink your perceptions of the humble rock! Instead, revel in shards of texture, light and colour.
FULLY BOOKED
Course Suitability: Beginners – Improvers
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
Join artist Jamie Boots for a two-day exploration into the nuanced world of graphite pencil art. This workshop delves beyond basic sketching, offering insights into the subtle techniques that breathe life into your creations. Participants will discover the art of manipulating pencil sharpness, pressure, and tones to convey the fine details such as fur, skin textures, and expressive eyes.
Materials Required:
All necessary materials will be provided at no additional cost by Jamie Boots, to use during the course.
Artist’s Profile:
Originally from New Zealand, Jamie Boots is a self-taught graphite pencil artist with a career spanning since 2004. Recognized for his exceptional work, Jamie has earned several awards, turning his hobby into a profession. With a limited number of originals available annually, Jamie’s drawings have become prized collectables.
Explore Jamie’s portfolio at www.jamieboots.com
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
Course Suitability: Beginners – Improvers
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
A one day workshop aimed at introducing and exploring the subject of sketching birds. Suitable for anyone with an urge to draw!
The day will include:
- A look at simple avian anatomy, focussing on the movement of the skeleton and feathers and their effects upon form and structure.
- Simple sketching techniques for capturing an image.
- A brief discussion on suitable materials for use in the field.
- A brief look at foreshortening effects.
- Adding colour to a sketch.
- Putting it all into practice using reference material.
Materials List:
Participants will need to provide the following materials:
- A good quality pad or book of cartridge paper, or loose sheets.
- A selection of B grade pencils, charcoal, or graphite drawing pencils.
- An eraser.
- A colour medium; for example: Watercolour, coloured pencils, pastels etc, for applying colour to sketches if desired. (one medium is enough)
While colour can be applied onto cartridge paper with good results, watercolour, or pastel paper or board may be preferred by some participants.
NB – Reference material will be supplied on the day, but participants are advised to bring photographic reference of desired subjects, if the intention is to draw a particular species.
Artist’s Profile:
Trevor is a wildlife artist whose inspiration comes from British wildlife; working from life wherever possible.
Sketching in pencil and watercolour, his sketchbooks provide a unique connection to a living subject that is of great value to him; they provide a record of his encounters with wildlife and, acting as aide memoirs, allow recall of past events with clarity.
Trevor is self employed and has spent much of his career working in wildlife conservation.
Trevor has taught fellow artists and novices alike to sketch birds, for many years now, specialising in passing on his experience of sketching from life, in the field.
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.
An illustrated talk by Jacq Garner
What do birds, ancient Egypt, model making, calligraphy, and Nature in Art have to do with rocks and fossils? They all played essential roles on the path to Jacq Garner’s latest exhibition, GeOdyssey. In this presentation, Jacq gives a glimpse behind the scenes at the inspirations and processes she uses, and discusses how these seemingly random themes wove together, culminating in a radical change of artistic style. An inspiring evening for all.
(Jacq also works under the name Jackie Garner)
Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners – Improvers
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
This is a two day course that will show you how to sketch the colours and textures of autumn landscapes with waterproof black ink pen and watercolour wash.
Using photos supplied by the tutor you will be shown how to use the pen with watercolour paint both before and after painting. Techniques taught will include colour mixing, brush technique, light and dark, drawing with a pen and how to loosen up to achieve expressive sketches. By the end of the course you will have produced a few sketches to take home with you. Suitable for beginners and students with some knowledge of the medium.
Materials List:
Should the students wish to use their own tools and materials rather than buying a set from the tutor then they are welcome to bring them along.
A full list of what is needed can be obtained from the tutor jnewey210@gmail.com
Artist’s Profile:
Jonathan Newey is an award winning artist with over 25 years of experience in teaching in adult education. He has experience in a wide variety of mediums and subjects including landscapes, wildlife and architecture in acrylic, watercolour and coloured pencil. www.jonathannewey.com
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.
Course Suitability: Beginners – Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
Drawing with charcoal on gesso is a delightfully tactile activity because of the extra brush texture on the surface which adds a lovely patina effect. It’s easy to smudge and scrape to make black and white marks and with smooth graduations in between. We will create a black and white animal image ready for tinting in acrylics before the end of the course.
Materials List:
Gesso boards prepared by Ian. 2@12x10in boards (£10) These are cut, sanded, prepared with 3 coats of Liquitex white gesso and sanded in between coats for a toothy smooth but slightly ridged texture.
Please bring the following:
- Fine willow charcoal sticks.
- Kitchen towel.
- Scalpel blade with handle, or sharp cutting knife or Stanley window scraper blade.
- Charcoal fixative spray.
- Half inch soft flat brush and any yellow/red/brown acrylic paints.
Please bring £10 in cash for the board to be paid directly to Ian on the day of the course.
Artist’s Profile:
Ian has been using traditional media skills in illustration and fine art over the last 20 years, mostly depicting animal art with a passion for marine-life painting. He has been creating large oil and acrylic paintings for hotels, palaces and government buildings often using pencil and charcoal compositions as part of the composition process. Here on this day course Ian will share his methods and tips he’s discovered in his professional career.
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.