Natural History Art Course

13 September 2024
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Natural History Art Course

Description

Duration: 4 hours
Cost: £100
All materials provided
A maximum of 3 people allowing
for an immersive and interactive experience

About the course

This course is tailored for adults only and will include a 2 hour guided walk, allowing the opportunity to capture ideas by taking photographs, sketching elements of nature which captures your eye and sparks your interest, and using either watercolours or pencils. This will then be followed by 2 hours in the studio where we will explore and learn various techniques to create a realistic scientific representation of a selected plant or animal.

What to Expect

This course will be broken down into two sections. You may wish to do this over one day or across two days. Firstly, a 2 hour guided walk in which you will have the opportunity to discover various natural sights and learn about the wildlife that you see. You will be able to immerse yourself in the sights, smells, sounds and feel of your natural surroundings, gaining a deeper understanding and inspiration from the experience. You will learn some sketching techniques, and create annotated drawings or paintings out in the field. I will encourage you to take photos too for reference later on in the studio. The second half of the course will be 2 hours at the beautiful garden studio, nestled in a quiet and peaceful location in Galloway. The studio is a shepherds hut converted for studio work, and offers a peaceful and cosy space in which to develop your artistic skills. There is a deck in which to sit out, if you wish. Here in the studio, all materials you need will be at hand, and I will guide you in the process of creating a more scientific illustration of your chosen subject. Coffees and teas, and home baking will be provided.

What you may see

Depending on the season, you will be treated with a range of plants and animals, and the transition between seasons will provide you with spectacular colours and light. In the late summer months, you may be treated with the sight of a kestrel hunting over areas of rough grass, arachnids are generally at their peak during these months, and you may have an opportunity to study a harvestman as it goes about its business. The elder trees will be abundant with their dark berries which will attract various birds. Red kites and buzzards will be sure to make an appearance too. In October and November you may be lucky enough to spot winter thrushes that arrive in the UK to take advantage of the berries on offer. It is also the time for migrating geese. You will get to study the diverse species of trees that provide food and shelter for a wealth of animals, including red squirrels, blackbirds and maybe even a sleeping tawny owl. The trees themselves, incredible to draw and study. Winter will offer its own bounty of natural treasures, including magnificent lichens and frost covered trees. The garden studio bird feeders will offer a place to watch and draw the resident birds including blackbirds and robins. The months wavering between winter and spring will have its own splendour as the trees begin to produce catkins and snowdrops pierce through the frosty ground. Frogs and toads will be more active too. April and May will all be about the bluebells and the birds, and the early summer will hold a treasure trove of wild flowers to discover various insects from bees to beetles.

Where

The guided walk sections of this course will take place in various locations of the Fleet and Kirkcudbrightshire region of Galloway. We may head to the coast, and dive into the world of rocky shores and rock pools, or head to beautiful areas of the Galloway Forest or explore the beautiful Cairnsmore National Nature Reserve. The weather will be a deciding factor on where each course will be, although as it is Scotland, don’t let the rain hinder you. Sometimes, the most surprising wildlife reveals itself in the rain. The garden studio, sits in a quiet place near Twynholm of the Kirkcudbrightshire region of Dumfries and Galloway. With good road connections it is easily accessed.

Inclusion and Diversity

I believe that art and creativity has no boundaries or limits, and should be a force that brings people and communities together, from all backgrounds, beliefs and abilities. Here at Art With Beata all are welcome. I put great pride in creating a safe space in which individuals can be themselves, where they can develop and grow and nurture their creativity and self expression. Kindness, Acceptance , Respect.

If you have any concerns though, please do get in touch, my courses are not set in stone and can be adapted to fit various needs.