Natural History Watercolour Workshop at Chesil

Join us for this two-day natural history art workshop based at the Wild Chesil Centre. This friendly course is suitable for all levels from beginners to burgeoning artists, in fact anyone who would like to improve their watercolour illustrating technique. Lead by two local artists there will plenty of time to ask questions, learn as you paint and improve your knowledge of the wildlife of the area.

In October bird migration on Chesil Beach will be in full swing and its the perfect time to capture the spectacle on canvas. There is often a variety of wildfowl and waders out on the mudflats including brent geese, oystercatchers, dunlin and maybe even a patrolling peregrine falcon. The course is divided between time in the classroom and time outside on the Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve looking for subjects to illustrate. We will explore the strandline for driftwood, mermaids purses, feathers, seaweed, shells and other interesting natural flotsam.

The workshop will be led by Sally Pinhey (former Art Tutor at Kingston Maurward College, the Eden Project and The Springhead Trust, holder of numerous RHS Exhibition medals and a widely published illustrator) and Margaret Tebbs (member of the Institute of Analytical Plant Illustrators, free-lance botanical artist formerly working for the RBG, Kew, Natural History Museum). Both artists have worked together for many years, leading art classes. There will also be a short guided walk led by a Dorset Wildlife Trust Warden.

Booking essential via Eventbrite.

Participants will need to bring the following

KIT LIST FOR BOTANICAL ART WORKSHOP
One sheet hot press watercolour paper (smooth). Weight not less than 300 gsm. Arches or Fabriano 5 are good makes.
One sketch book
2B, B, F and H pencils
One fine line drawing pen
One soft new eraser
One small sharp penknife
Artists quality watercolour paints, either pans or tubes.

COLOURS

LEMON YELLOW, CADMIUM YELLOW, RAW SIENNA (OR YELLOW OCHRE),
COBLT BLUE, FRENCH ULTRAMARINE BLUE, WINDSO VIOLET, INDIGO, CADMIUM RED, ALIZARIN CRIMSON, OPERA ROSE, LIGHT RED, SEPIA, VERIDIAN GREEN, SAP GREEN. Any additional favourite colours.

BRUSHES
Sizes 8,6 and 3 (may be artificial hair)
Sable brushes sizes 1, 0, and 3/0

ALSO
Paper towel,
Water pot
Plastic palette
Hand lens not less than x 2.5 magnification.

During the workshop you will be spending some time outside on uneven ground so please wear walking boots, outdoor clothing and waterproofs if wet. There isn't a lot of walking involved but the terrain is uneven and on pebbles.

Workshop cost: £ 150 per person

Time: 10am to 4pm Sat and Sun

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. You will need to bring your own packed lunch or you will be able to purchase something from the onsite cafe.

There is a large pay and display car park on site. Participants will be entitled to a free parking permit for the duration of the course. Please collect this from the Wild Chesil Centre as soon as you arrive.

For further enquiries, please contact the Wild Chesil Centre on 01305 206191 or email: chesilbeach@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Terms and Conditions for Participants

• DWT reserves the right to cancel the course at any time. In the event of DWT cancelling an event, a full refund will be issued.
• DWT reserves the right to reschedule events in the event of unfavourable conditions and offer alternative dates or issue a full refund.
• Courses will only take place if the minimum number is achieved. If the minimum number is not achieved, an alternative date will be offered, or a full refund will be issued.

Cancelling your booking

• You may request a cancellation up to 14 days before the date of the course or workshop. You may be charged an administration fee.
• Cancellations are accepted at the discretion of Dorset Wildlife Trust.

Photos © Angela Thomas