What’s On

Jul
29
Mon
Botanical Illustration (watercolour/gouache) with Simon Williams
Jul 29 @ 10:00 am – Jul 30 @ 5:00 pm

FULLY BOOKED

Course Suitability: Beginners – Improvers

Maximum Capacity: 12

Course Description:

This course will focus on botanical drawing and painting techniques with the option of working in watercolour or gouache. Observational skills with good initial drawing are a very important part of botanical art. Students will be encouraged to work from life by making detailed studies from either plants, leaves, fruit or vegetable specimens. The course tutor will advise on a practical one-to-one basis. Guidance will be given for observations, colour mixing and how to paint the initial base coats through to more controlled dry brush painting techniques. This will include rendering textures, contour definitions and colour transitions.

This course is open to all levels but it is preferential to have some drawing/painting experience, as botanical work requires a precise rather than loose style of painting.

Materials List

An equipment and materials list will be sent out on booking a place on the course.

Artist Profile

Simon Williams SBA Fellow, is an RHS Gold Medallist and regarded as leading botanical artist and tutor in the UK and abroad.

Simon has been a member of the Society of Botanical Artists (SBA) since 2002 and received Certificates of Botanical Merit in 2001, 2003 2021. In 2013 Simon became the Course Director of the Society of Botanical Artists Distance Learning Diploma Course. Simon is the author of the book Botanical Painting with Gouache published in 2016 by Batsford. In July 2018 Simon was awarded a Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medal for a series of paintings titled ‘A Broad Selection of Tropical Pitcher Plants – Nepenthes’, painted in watercolour.

Simon originally trained as a natural history illustrator and tutors botanical and natural history painting workshops throughout the UK and abroad. Each workshop is structured and organised with specific demonstrations. Simon makes plenty of time during class to assist each students’ individual needs and abilities.

https://www.swillustrations.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

 

 

Aug
3
Sat
Intensive Pottery with Carly Byrne
Aug 3 @ 10:00 am – Aug 4 @ 5:00 pm

 

FULLY BOOKED

Course Suitability: Beginners – Improvers

Maximum Capacity: 12

Course Description:

During this intense course you will learn everything you need to know about hand building and pot throwing with clay.

Throughout the two days, you will delve into lots of different techniques to get you started on your pottery journey. From pinched forms to coiled pots to slab building sculptures and decorative surface designs. There is something for everyone.

We will also be showing you how to throw pots on the potter’s wheel and help you budding potters improve on what you already know.

Materials List:

All tools, equipment and aprons will be provided. Clay will be provided at a cost of £15 (cash) per person, to be paid directly to Carly on the day of the course.

After the course you can either take your items away to dry and have fired elsewhere or pay £2.50 per item to have them fired by  Carly in her Swindon studio. This is to avoid wastage and cover the cost of electricity.

You can also choose to have your items glazed with a couple of choices of colours or a plain gloss over some of the under-glazed items that you will pre-paint before the first firing. This will also be £2.50 per firing.

Artist Profile:

Born in Swindon, Wiltshire in 1988, Carly was taught how to draw and paint by her parents but became especially passionate about ceramics after attending an access course at Swindon College in 2010. From there on, she went on to study at Central Saint Martins in London and gained her Ba (Hons) in Ceramic Design in 2014. Since then, Carly became a teacher and opened her own pottery in 2020 called Bare Glazed Studio where she runs regular classes and workshops. Whether in paint or ceramic, her work is always bold and rich in colour. Carly loves to create pieces that are happy and uplifting, using slips and various printing methods to apply interesting surfaces to her work.

You can check out Carly’s work on Facebook and Instagram under the names: bareglazedstudio or carlysophiabyrne.

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

 

Aug
24
Sat
Experimental Drawing From Nature with Jo Beal
Aug 24 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

 

Course Suitability: Beginners – Improvers

Maximum Capacity: 12

Course Description:

Explore and capture the form, colour, textures and shapes of seasonal plants and flowers using a range of pens, pencils, inks and mark making tools in this fun and experimental workshop.

With seasonal plants and flowers as our inspiration, we’ll begin the day drawing from observation using found mark making tools to capture the main characteristics of our beautiful, natural subjects.

Gradually, we will hone-in on textures, colours and markings using coloured pencils and chalk pastels. This workshop is suitable for beginners and anyone wanting to develop their skills. Throughout the day we will explore a number of drawing techniques, for example line drawing, cross-hatching and shading.

Materials List:

The tutor will provide the required materials for course participants. *The cost per person will be £5 (cash) which will be paid to me by the participants on the day of the course.

Artist Profile:

Jo Beal is a Swindon-based artist and illustrator who trained at Chelsea School of Art, graduating in 1992. Since then, Jo has worked on an array of community arts projects based in the UK and India, helping people of all ages gain confidence and express their creativity though many visual art mediums.

Jo loves to draw from observation, and to reflect on and capture her daily life through her Drawing Diaries. In contrast, she makes carefully observed botanical studies, seeking to capture and emphasise colour, texture and shape. Alongside a successful online workshop offer, Jo teaches and delivers workshops, courses and projects across the region. https://www.jobeal.net/

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.

 

Aug
31
Sat
Tiger in Graphite with Jamie Boots
Aug 31 @ 10:00 am – Sep 1 @ 5:00 pm

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 List:

All necessary materials will be provided at no additional cost by Jamie Boots, to use during the course.

Artist 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 collectibles.

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


 

Sep
7
Sat
Paint like a Wild Beast! With Richard Box
Sep 7 @ 10:00 am – Sep 8 @ 5:00 pm

Course Suitability: Beginners – Improvers

Maximum Capacity: 12

Course Description:

Les Fauves ( the Wild Beasts ) is the name given to a group of early 20th. century artists because their paintings were surprisingly colourful. This course is for all of you who would like to paint expressively with bright and bold colours.

We will start exploring the exciting nature of colours with coloured pencils. then, using acrylic paints, we shall copy one of the original Fauve paintings of a landscape ( possibly Henri Matisse, Andre Derain or Maurice Vlaminck ) in order to understand the purpose and enthusiasm of this movement. Thus inspired, the course continues by applying our newfound knowledge in this way by painting a photograph of an actual landscape.

Materials List:

Please bring an overall, apron or some kind of protective clothing, two water pots and some tissues.

Richard , your tutor will supply all other materials and equipment: coloured pencils, acrylic paper, acrylic paints, brushes etc. at a small cost of no more than £5.00 (cash) per person…. probably less.

Artist’s Profile:

Richard is a practising artist and has been teaching and lecturing for over fifty years and has been artist in residence at Nature in Art many times. He is very keen to convince everyone that learning to draw is not only for the ‘gifted’ few but is possible for all those who are willing to follow simple instructions. www.richardbox.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.

Sep
28
Sat
Serval Portrait with Karen Coulson
Sep 28 @ 10:00 am – Sep 29 @ 5:00 pm

FULLY BOOKED

Course Suitability: Beginners – Advanced

Maximum Capacity: 12

Course Description:

Assorted Colour Pencils on Pastelmat paper.

Explore the techniques required to create the fur colour and texture of this beautiful cat on Pastelmat paper.

A line drawing is supplied to trace so no need to worry about drawing freehand.

Materials List:

All materials supplied to use within the session.

Artist’s Profile

Karen Coulson is a coloured pencil artist as well as a tutor specialising in wildlife and animal portraits. She enjoys incorporating unusual backgrounds behind her subject which indulges her love of colour.

Karen is a Gold Signature Member of the UKCPS (United Kingdom Coloured Pencil Society). She has won many awards for her artwork including “Best Fantasy/Abstract” picture at the UKCPS Annual International Exhibition in 2014.

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

 

Sep
30
Mon
Red Squirrel (colour pencil on mount board) with Karen Coulson
Sep 30 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

FULLY BOOKED

Course Suitability: Beginners – Advanced

Maximum Capacity: 12

Course Description:

Explore the techniques required for fur and colour mixing to create this bright fluffy red squirrel using assorted colour pencils on Mount Board.

A line drawing is supplied to copy or trace so no need to worry about drawing freehand.

Materials List:

All materials supplied to use within the session.

Artist’s Profile:

Karen Coulson is a coloured pencil artist as well as a tutor specialising in wildlife and animal portraits. She enjoys incorporating unusual backgrounds behind her subject which indulges her love of colour.

Karen is a Gold Signature Member of the UKCPS (United Kingdom Coloured Pencil Society). She has won many awards for her artwork including “Best Fantasy/Abstract” picture at the UKCPS Annual International Exhibition in 2014.

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

 

Oct
1
Tue
Siberian Eagle Owl Portrait with Karen Coulson
Oct 1 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

SPACE AVAILABLE

Course Suitability: Beginners – Advanced

Maximum Capacity: 12

Course Description

Assorted Colour Pencils on Mount Board

Explore the techniques required to draw this stunning  bright eye and to create the feather textures to complete this stunning portrait.

A line drawing is supplied to copy or trace so no need to worry about drawing free hand.

Materials List:

All materials will be provided free of charge for use within the session.

Artist’s Profile:

Karen Coulson is a coloured pencil artist as well as a tutor specialising in wildlife and animal portraits. She enjoys incorporating unusual backgrounds behind her subject which indulges her love of colour.

Karen is a Gold Signature Member of the UKCPS (United Kingdom Coloured Pencil Society). She has won many awards for her artwork including “Best Fantasy/Abstract” picture at the UKCPS Annual International Exhibition in 2014.

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 PLEASE CALL 01452 731422 (ask for Simon) OR TEXT 07774 803177 and we will get back to you.

Oct
12
Sat
Sketching Buildings with Pen & Wash with Jonathan Newey
Oct 12 @ 10:00 am – Oct 13 @ 5:00 pm

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.

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

 

Oct
19
Sat
Studying & Painting Humble Bumblebees with Cath Hodsman
Oct 19 @ 10:00 am – Oct 20 @ 5:00 pm

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.

https://linktr.ee/cathhodsman

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.