THIS EXHIBITION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JUNE 4th BY POPULAR DEMAND (previously advertised as ending on May 21st)
The very first item to be accessioned into the Nature in Art collection was by Elizabeth Gray, a watercolour entitled ‘Trouble Overhead’, depicting grouse cowering on the moors as an eagle flies above. At that time it was typical of the work she was producing, although as one tracks her artistic career from then on, it quickly becomes clear that she was a unique creative soul who, over her lifetime produced what many observers consider to be an unrivalled output, certainly in terms of its diversity.
On March 19th last year Elizabeth died, just a couple of weeks before her 94th birthday. Since then we have been given access to her studio and have discovered some remarkable and fascinating works, some of which even the family were unaware existed. It confirmed in us her reputation as a prolific, adventurous artist constantly experimenting and pushing the boundaries. Such an artistic legacy is all the more remarkable when one considers that she had no formal art training.
Inevitably, we cannot be certain where some of the pieces precisely fit into her artistic journey. Many are unsigned, untitled and very probably because of that, unfinished. Yet they are a fascinating insight into the creative process and how aspects of nature from the large to the small were a precious inspiration to her.
Secrets of the Studio then, is almost exclusively works that have never been previously shown anywhere. This is a genuinely unique collection that includes many aspects of her output in an inspiring and varied display.
Firstly, there are watercolours of wildlife, particularly birds in a landscape, for which she became especially well known in the 1970’s and 80’s, exhibiting in the UK with the likes of Peter Scott and David Shepherd and in the USA with the likes of Robert Bateman. She also regularly featured in the world renowned ‘Birds in Art’ at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum in the USA, who also commissioned a work for their permanent collection.
Proceeds from the sale of most of these works were accumulated to fund the purchase of an aeroplane for relief work in Africa. Indeed, throughout her artistic life the proceeds from her work were given away to charity, including Nature in Art.
Secondly, there are botanical illustrations. These were painted as botanically correct images, requiring real discipline and accurate observation. Looking closely at the pictures it is clear that none of them have been drawn first. She has simply painted directly onto the paper – an unusual feat. The only pencil is her name and, in some cases, the name of the plant. Complementing these are a number of floral still life compositions and works combining pencil and paint (above). These appear to have been a part of a phase in her artistic output before she began experimenting in other styles and media, and ultimately adopting another name for some of her work.
Thirdly, we have focussed on a particular area of fascination for her – rocks. Amongst the items we found were detailed paintings of pebbles to larger abstract pieces inspired by geological formations, produced in a wide variety of media (very often mixed). This gives an insight into how, once inspired by a particular theme, Elizabeth followed it with, it would seem, no clear idea of where she would end up. The idea was to enjoy the process and seek out fresh ways to express the insights she saw. It was a journey of discovery, not just of the theme, but the media too.
Fourthly there is printmaking, to which she dedicated much time later in her career. She was particularly interested in reduction printing, sometimes referred to by artists as ‘suicide printing’ because, rather than having a separate block for each colour, just one block was used. In her case some of the blocks were almost 1m in height and, having no printing press, all had to printed by rubbing with a wooden spoon on the back of the paper. No mean feat! Fascinatingly, we discovered examples of where she had poured plaster or pressed wet tissue paper into a carved block to create a relief. Some were used for the covers of some of her one-off hand-made books.
It is clear that Elizabeth displayed real discipline in all the phases of her work, particularly when learning a new media. For example, she was given a computer for her 80th birthday because the physicality of some of her work was becoming increasingly challenging and the thought of creating work digitally had quite an appeal. So the fifth area is digital work and hand made books which were partly a spin-off from that process. Digital media required a different way of thinking, but once grasped she produced, self-taught as ever, some varied work, exploiting the potential of this new way of working. She was not one for standing still.
Accompanying the main exhibits will be examples of experimentation, tests, stencils and other elements that give an idea of the processes used and her desire to always try something new. In a book of her work published in 2015, a quote from Pablo Picasso (1881 – 1973) was used, which seemed very apt for her approach to art – ‘I am always trying that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it’.
Where: Nature in Art (Garden and Education Centre)
When: Saturday 22nd April 2023 (10am – 5pm)
Cost: £5 per person (includes admission to the museum). Under 8’s free
Come and join us at Nature in Art as we celebrate Earth Day. Throughout the day, there will be many activities to get involved with, from making insect hotels to feathery bird masks (+ much more). Family activities are linked to The Wild Escape, which is an initiative led by The Art Fund to engage young people with the UK’s natural environment through art. Activities will also relate to birds and to the theme of Earth Day 2023: Invest in our Planet.
JRCS Falconry will be joining us to show a magnificent selection of Birds of Prey. There will be short talks throughout the day and the opportunity to get close to these impressive birds. (Please note that this will be a static display). 11am – 4pm.
Also happening during the day: Take part in a scavenger hunt in the garden and enter the raffle. Artist, Trevor Smith, will be sketching the Birds of Prey and there will be a chance to learn how to draw a bird yourself. Don’t forget to bring your sketchbook!
Your entry to the family day also includes admission to the rest of the museum. Whilst you’re here, take the chance to visit ‘Secrets of the Studio’, an exhibition of the work of Elizabeth Gray who had a long association with Nature in Art. Also on show are select works (relating to predominantly British wildlife) from the Nature in Art Collection. There is also the opportunity to see a second artist at work: this week’s Artist in Residence, Philip Nelson, who specialises in decorative decoys. He will be working in the Artist’s Studio.
The coffee shop and gift shop will be open as usual.
No need to book, tickets can be bought on the day.
Free Parking
FULLY BOOKED
Please email us to go on the waiting list. If there is enough interest, we may repeat the talk on another date.
19:00 Doors
19:30pm Finger Buffet
Talk starts around 20:10
Artist Elizabeth Gray, who had a long association with Nature in Art, and who also used the name Ben Venuto, died in 2022. We have been given access to her studio and will be assembling an exhibition highlighting the unique diversity of her output from April 18th – May 21st. Come and hear some extra insights into her work and inspirations that led to her enthusiasm for so many different styles and media, from painting, printmaking and decoupage to books, ceramics, drawings and more.
A really fascinating and uplifting evening.
FULLY BOOKED
If you would like to be put on a reserve list for this course then please email us. If we get enough interest we may put on another course later in the year.
Course Suitability: Beginners – Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
Make original and individual prints of your favourite landscape, in black and white or colour. You will learn how to edit your design to make it suitable for a lino print and will learn the basics on how to show trees, water and sky in a dynamic way. This workshop is suitable for absolute beginners through to those who have experience. You will learn registration, successful handprinting, the best materials to use and more. You will be guided throughout the whole process and will work at your own pace. At the end of the weekend, you should have a number of prints to take home and at least one block to carry on printing from at home.
Materials List:
The tutor will provide the required materials for course participants. The cost per person will be £12, to be paid (in cash) directly to Beth on the day of the course. Please bring something to take your prints home in.
Artist’s Profile:
Beth is an artist and printmaker, based in Stroud, Gloucestershire. She specialises in relief printing in lino and wood as well as working with monotype and drypoint. She is most interested in lonely and wild places, atmospheric effects and pattern.
http://www.bethjenkins.co.uk/
Course Costs:
Members: £96
Non- members: £118
(cost does not include lunch (available to order and purchase on the day from the Coffee Shop))
(Rescheduled from 6th & 7th May)
Course Suitability: Absolute beginners – Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
Brusho’ is a powder which mixes with water to produce vibrant, jewel-like colours particularly suitable for flower/ plant subjects. The effects it produces are not achievable with standard watercolours. The tutor will show you how this type of painting can be achieved.
During this 2 day course, using various leaf shapes as inspiration and considering the rich and varied colours of Autumn, students will experiment with layering and sprinkling Brusho paints to produce attractive images which can be enhanced further with pen & ink drawing.
If time allows there will be the opportunity to use the techniques learnt to make a greetings card.
Materials List:
All Brusho paint will be provided by the tutor.
6 small screw-top jars ( individual jam/marmalade pots are ideal)
Box to put them in
Apron – Brusho stains!
Water pot
Scissors
Glue stick
Mixing palette
Masking tape
A3 watercolour paper 140lbs weight (several sheets).
Board to stick it on
Black or brown drawing pens ( thin/medium nib)
Selection of brushes (not too big)
Pictures of leaves, teasels, seed heads and any other autumn reference material. The tutor will have spares.
Artist’s Profile:
Since qualifying in Design at the University of bath Spa, Jean has taught people of all ages and abilities in schools, colleges and art holiday establishments. She has also worked for cruise lines teaching portrait drawing on board ships. She has been successfully running Brusho courses for several years in the South of England and she aims to create a relaxing atmosphere where people can enjoy experimenting with the medium.
Course Costs:
Members: £96
Non-members: £118
(cost does not include lunch (available to order and purchase on the day from the Coffee Shop))
Booking a place:
Places will be offered on a first come first basis.
To secure your place on this course a £20 non-refundable deposit is required. If you would like to book a place, please CLICK HERE
Here at Nature in Art we are extremely passionate about supporting local artists and craftspeople, helping to highlight the array of crafts available and the creativity of the people in the local area. Each month we host a two-day Mini Craft Market in the Education Centre, where five to ten crafters sell their unique handmade crafts.
Including but not limited to – nature crafts – paper crafts – woodwork – paintings-crochet/knitting – weaving – decoupage – cards – glass – silk painting – textile bags
- 10am – 4pm
- Education Centre
- Free to enter
The Wallsworth Art Group will be restarting its programmes on Wednesday 17th May. We will be joined by Chris Sinden and Jackie cox, two artists who work together. Chris is a printmaker and Jackie works in a variety of media from pastel and watercolour to scraperboard. They will talk about their latest projects.
The Wallsworth Art Group meets throughout the year to enjoy a programme of evening demonstrations, films, talks, practical art workshops and other events. It is open to all. There is no selection procedure to join the group or to take part in its annual exhibition. Some members are very new to art and others have enjoyed art practice for many years. The group aims to be all-inclusive and to provide a stimulating, encouraging and non-judgemental environment where people can learn about and explore different aspects of art and art techniques.
Meetings are held on the first Monday (excluding bank holidays) and third Wednesday of each month in the evening. Each evening starts at 7pm and lasts for an hour or so.
Guests pay £3 per evening, otherwise meetings are free to members who pay an annual fee to join. To become a member in 2023 it will be £15 until the end of the calendar year. Some evenings may incur a small extra charge for, for example, special materials or a model. Non-members are welcome to come to any meeting without booking.
If you are not a member and would like information, please send us a message.
This talk is a REPEAT of the talk on the 27th April. This date has been added due to demand.
7pm start followed by a look around the exhibition and a cup of tea/coffee. The talk will then be in the Education Centre. (Please note that there will be no food buffet)
Artist Elizabeth Gray, who had a long association with Nature in Art, and who also used the name Ben Venuto, died in 2022. We have been given access to her studio and will be assembling an exhibition highlighting the unique diversity of her output from April 18th – May 21st. Come and hear some extra insights into her work and inspirations that led to her enthusiasm for so many different styles and media, from painting, printmaking and decoupage to books, ceramics, drawings and more.
A really fascinating and uplifting evening.
FULLY BOOKED
If you would like to be put on a reserve list for this course then please email us. If we get enough interest we may put on another course later in the year.
Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners – Advanced
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
On this two day course learn all about working with graphite pencil from experienced artist Jamie Boots. Graphite pencil can be used to produce so much more than just a sketch. Jamie will show participants that whether or not you are using a pencil that is blunt or sharp, pressing lightly or hard, or using a variety of tones, that the effect of fur, the texture of skin and the glassy look of an eye can be achieved.
Materials List:
All materials will be supplied free of charge to use during the course by Jamie Boots.
Artist’s Profile:
Originally from New Zealand, Jamie is a self taught artist whose work is produced in graphite pencil. Jamie first exhibited his work in 2004 and has won a number of awards for his artwork. In a very short period of time a hobby became a profession and with a limited number of originals being available each year his drawings have become highly collectable.
www.jamieboots.com
Course Costs:
Members: £96
Non-members: £118
(cost does not include lunch (available to order and purchase on the day from the Coffee Shop))
FULLY BOOKED
Course Suitability: Beginners – Improvers
Maximum Capacity: 12
Course Description:
On this one-day course, you will make plant climbers, plant supports, trellises and decorative Garden Hurdles, all out of willow and hazel grown in Somerset and Gloucestershire.
Helen will guide you through each stage of the process, whilst introducing you to the different varieties of willow/hazel which you can use to make your creations unique.
By the end of the day you should have been able to make 3-4 items to take home to put in the garden.
Materials:
The tutor will provide the required materials for course participants. The cost per person will be £12, to be paid to the tutor on the day of the course. (Please try and bring the exact change)
Artist’s Profile:
Helen Lomberg has been making Baskets and using Willow and other Hedgerow materials for many years now. Twelve years ago she set up The Gloucestershire Arts and Crafts Centre in Westgate Street, Gloucester.
Course Costs:
Member: £48
Non-member: £59
(cost does not include lunch (available to order and purchase on the day from the Coffee Shop))