Maria Merian (1647-1717) was a true pioneer. As a young girl, she was passionate about two things – insects and art. Maria lived in a time when religious superstition and long-held traditions and rules about the source of all of life, reigned supreme. Maria’s fascination in insects and her skill in art meant that she was perfectly equipped to dispute the “norm” – Supported by close friends and family she was the first individual to study, record and paint the Metamorphic Lifecycle of butterflies.
Her ground-breaking discovery challenged ideas about the origins of insects, in place since the time of the Ancient Greeks. Maria’s beautiful paintings produced as a result of her research capture her discoveries for prosperity – Each painting, a beautiful, intricate and colourful homage to the Metamorphic Lifecycle. She is now widely credited as being one of the most influential entomologists of all time.
This workshop will study her life and achievements in more detail, culminating in producing a painting in her style – Full of colour, texture, beauty – and insects!
An evening of festive songs and carols to celebrate the Christmas season with the Heart of Gloucester Community Choir under the leadership of Monika Murrell. Our usual hearty finger buffet will include mince pies and mulled wine. An evening for all, partly in aid of mental health charities. Preceded by opportunity to view the galleries.
This is a course for all abilities who have an interest in learning, to paint wildflowers, plants and weeds in their natural habitat.
It could be a corner of a garden which inspires you, a field full of wildflowers, a landscape, anywhere where plants live in their natural habitat and are in their abundance. Anywhere, where their energy and beauty dominate the landscape and where the human footprint is at a minimum.
To book a place on this course please return a completed application form along with £20 deposit.
Pytel is an internationally renowned metal sculptor of birds and animalier. His works include the Jubilee Fountain beneath Big Ben and ‘Take Off’, a monumental piece at Birmingham Airport depicting egrets. Born in Poland, he has an instantly recognisable style. This display includes metal and bronze sculptures and prints.
Now in its fifty-fifth instalment, see the winning images from the very latest annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition which provides a showcase for the world’s very best nature photography selected from 48000 entries from 100 countries. The competition is owned and operated by the Natural History Museum.
See images from the show here
Founded in 1993, Gloucestershire Society for Botanical Illustration specialises in botanical illustration as distinct from flower painting. It includes a number of RHS medal winners in its ranks. This show includes works in pencil, ink and watercolour. See members at work everyday. On show in the Atrium of our Education Centre.
Inspired by the decorative works of the golden age of illustration and the Arts and Crafts movement, this course will show you how to incorporate gold-leaf into your paintings. It can be used either to highlight small areas of your paintings or bring glow to the complete background. Gold-leaf is a stunning, versatile and decorative way to bring a surprising new element and shine to your work.
This course is suitable for absolute beginners as well as advanced participants. Please be aware that working with gold leaf, which comes in thin, fragile sheets, is painstakingly fiddly: you need to bring patience!!
To book a place on this course please return a completed application form along with £20 deposit.
Please note that this evening has had to be re scheduled for Thursday April 16th due to flooding in the local area.
If you had tickets for this event, we will assume you are able to come to the rearranged date unless you contact us to the contrary. 01452 731422. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
An illustrated talk by Julian Hight
Come on a tour of Britain’s ancient forest told through its surviving ancient trees. From the wildwood, through working woodlands and royal forests, enclosed deer parks and landscaped manorial estates to modern plantation forestry and rewilding, this talk recounts the little told tale of an evolving landscape shaped by its wildlife, people and their relationship with trees – many of which survive as living links to Britain’s rich and ancient history. As well as being an ancient tree specialist and nature lover, Julian Hight is a designer, photographer and musician, so his talk will also feature original music written and recorded by him reflecting seasons in the forest, with forest sounds recorded through the year weaved in to produce a unique forest soundtrack.Copies of Julian’s latest book ‘Britain’s Ancient Forest, legacy and lore’, will be available on the night.Free access to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition 7.00pm – 7.30pm. Buffet at 7.30pm. Talk starts c8.10pm. THIS EVENING IS NOW FULL!
Enjoy a relaxing weekend creating a beautiful Goldwork Snowdrop Design. Learn about and how to use the lovely materials used in Goldwork Embroidery. The techniques used in this design are couching gold and silver threads, couching braids, cutting purls and attaching them. Padding a shape and covering it with leather.
To book a place on this course please return a completed application form along with £20 deposit.
