Dare to Dabble
Choose from 2 sessions: 10.30am – 1.00pm or 2.00pm – 4.30pm
There is something very relaxing and peaceful about sitting quietly in the garden. It’s thought that gardens are where man and nature meet. During this workshop we will begin by creating a series of studies that help you to focus on the line and shape of nature and form. Then choose your favourite part of Nature in Art garden to create a more in-depth study using your choice of medium.
This workshop is a fabulous opportunity to try out a new medium or revisit one of your favourites.
Bookable after 4th May.
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Artist in Residence
Ann Swan works primarily in graphite and coloured pencil and is well known for her exquisitely fine detail, vibrant colours and strong contemporary style. She champions the underdog in the plant world, drawing our attention to Brussels sprouts or beetroots feeling they are just as beautiful as the iris or tulip. She is passionate about coloured pencils believing they are easy to master, forgiving and accessible so that even a complete beginner can quite quickly produce work of quality.
Clare Robertson, artist blacksmith, works under the creative name of ‘MissFire’.
Inspiration for many of her pieces comes from the beauty of the natural world. Her ability to imagine, design and manufacture pieces that satisfy the specific requirements and personal tastes of her customers has resulted in a vibrant collection of exciting, and often functional, works of art.
Meet woodcarver, sculptor and furniture maker Peter Walwin together with metal worker Clare Robertson. Peter and Clare have produced work together. Perter has work in the Nature in Art collection. www.peterwalwin.co.uk
Art Course
with Ann Swan 10am – 5pm
Maximum Participants: 12
In this 2-day course you will learn how to create deep, vivid but clean colours without compromising the form of the plant. You will be able to say ‘goodbye’ to muddy colours, as Ann will show you how to choose accurate colours for layering and shading without losing the brilliance of the colour.
You will also learn in which order to apply techniques such as resist, underpainting and embossing and the importance of planning your approach to coloured pencil work.
By the end of the course you will be able to use the techniques demonstrated, to tackle
multiple coloured and textured plant material with confidence.
Course Cost
Members: £80
Non-members: £100
Course Suitability: Beginners – Advanced
ART COURSE BOOKING FORM
Artist’s Profile
Ann is an internationally acclaimed botanical artist and teacher, passionate about drawing and the use of coloured pencils for botanical portraits.
She is also the author of ‘Botanical Painting with Coloured Pencils’. With four RHS Gold Medals, she is an accomplished teacher always evolving and incorporating new techniques into her work which she is happy to share with her students.
www.annswan.co.uk
Natalie’s paintings are intricate portraits of flowers and seeds, meticulously detailed yet often large in scale. Natalie has exhibited her paintings throughout Great Britain including the Royal Academy. www.natalietoplass.com
Art Course
with Liz Robertson 10am – 5pm
Maximum Participants: 12
The aim of this 2-day course is to produce a triptych landscape, based on a photograph or sketch of your choice. Triptych is a popular format for depicting landscapes and will add dynamism to your work.
Liz will firstly teach you several methods of printing and you will be able to make print blocks to your own design. You will then have the chance to embellish your print with different types of stitch techniques. To finish, you will then have the option to add beads and other small objects to your piece.
Course Cost
Members: £80
Non-members: £100
Course Suitability: Absolute Beginners – Improvers
ART COURSE BOOKING FORM
Materials List
Please bring a photograph or image that you wish to base your landscape on.
All materials will be supplied by Liz Robertson, at the cost of £5 per participant, payable directly to her on the day.
Artist’s Profile
Liz Robertson is an exhibiting textile artist. Her work uses a variety of textile media and techniques. The inspiration for Liz’s work comes from her love of natural landscape.
Liz is a teacher with over 35 years teaching experience in schools, colleges and adult education settings. She delivers textile and art workshops at various locations throughout the UK.
facebook.com/All-Things-Textile-by-Liz-Robertson

Alan Bennett has been inspired by landscape and trees since his formative years. His recent work deals with imagery of trees, woodland and the relationship of people and the land.
A chance to walk around the beautiful grounds of Nature in Art and sketch with tutor Stan Giles. Materials provided. Free of charge but donations to The Independence Trust welcome. Spaces are limited so please call 01452 713422 to book your place.

