EMBARK UPON AN UNFORGETTABLE CREATIVE JOURNEY, AND BE INSPIRED BY THE BREATHTAKING SPACE WHERE ART MEETS NATURE.
BOTANICAL ART MASTERCLASS
Spend 5 unforgettable days in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, experiencing its magnificent flora and capturing its beauty through art. In this special masterclass, two renowned international artists will guide you through a journey of exploration and creative expression through the wonders of botanical art.
A BOTANICAL HERITAGE CELEBRATED THROUGH ART
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has been a custodian of the Cape Floral Kingdom for over 25 years, preserving and promoting one of the most biodiverse biomes on the planet. The culmination of our commitment to the region’s natural splendour, is the Grootbos Florilegium, a collection of botanical illustrations by local and international artists. The Florilegium is testament to our botanical heritage, and the Grootbos reserve is the perfect environment to host a masterclass dedicated to botanical art.
AN IMMERSIVE ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE
Botanical art practitioners and enthusiasts are invited to spend 5 days at Grootbos for an unforgettable artistic experience. Surrounded by the spectacular display of the fynbos in full spring bloom, participants will join renowned international artists Carol Woodin and Deborah Shaw for an advanced masterclass. Through drawing, watercolour studies and photography, participants will enjoy the rare experience of seeing and capturing the magnificent specimens in their stunning natural habitat.
ACCLAIMED INSTRUCTORS
Carol Woodin and Deborah Shaw are both internationally acclaimed botanical artists. Their work has been exhibited publicly and held in private collections, and they both hold proud associations with esteemed art institutes and publications within the United States. As instructors, they are thrilled to share their knowledge and expertise during this very special masterclass hosted by the Grootbos Florilegium.
CAPTURE THE COLOURS, TONES AND TEXTURES OF THE MAJESTIC FYNBOS FLORA
From research expeditions in the field to sessions in the studio, this unique botanical masterclass celebrates botanical accuracy and artistic excellence, every step of the way.
With over 900 species of fynbos, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and the Cape Floral Kingdom are globally renowned for their biodiversity. The region and its flora have inspired artists, conservationists and eco-tourists for decades.
Two renowned international artists will share their skills and expertise in a hands-on practical course, focused towards the completion of an artwork. The course also includes stimulating lectures on botanical art and conservation.
Studying and capturing the fynbos flora in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Participants will also have access to our specialised team of conservation experts, who have dedicated themselves to these natural treasures.
Grootbos is a world leader in sustainable tourism, committed to research and innovation. The team’s philosophy extends beyond conservation, constantly pioneering new paths for progressive eco-tourism.
ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTORS
The first of its kind in Africa, the Grootbos Florilegium is honoured to welcome two international artists, who will share their expertise and inspire fellow botanical art enthusiasts. Their masterclass will be a journey of exploration and appreciation, capturing natural wonders through the precision and beauty of botanical art.
Carol Woodin
has over 30 years’ experience as a botanical artist, with a special interest in painting orchids. She is the director of exhibitions for the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) and the co-editor of its publication, Botanical Art Techniques. Her award-winning illustrations have been exhibited and collected around the world. Her work has appeared in Curtis's Botanical Magazine, and in three monographs published by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and NHBS.
Deborah Shaw
has a degree in fine art from Pomona College in California. She has taught botanical art at American and international institutions including the J. Paul Getty Museum in LA and Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills. Her work has been displayed internationally, and forms part of the permanent collection at the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation in Pittsburgh, and botanical collections at the Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens in California.
Reserve your place for the opportunity to capture the splendour of the fynbos under the guidance of renowned botanical artists, and enhance your botanical art skills.
Enquire NowCourse information:
- Course Date: 26-30 October 2023
- Venue: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
- Cost: R6500pp includes tuition and a daily lunch, accommodation excluded
- Bookings: shana@grootbos.co.za
Inclusions:
- A 5-day masterclass led by renowned international artists
- Daily lunch provided
- Engaging lectures covering various aspects of botanical art and conservation
- Guided nature excursions aimed at collecting field information from observing specimens
Exclusions:
- Accommodation during the masterclass
Course Summary:
- In this masterclass artists will choose their subject from plants provided and then visit the plants in situ to observe and sketch them in their natural habitat.
- Field information will be collected accurately and quickly through drawing, watercolor studies, and photography.
- Returning to the studio, compositions will be designed while paying attention to botanical accuracy and aesthetics. Compositional drawings will be transferred to either paper or vellum.
- Through lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice, artists will learn to manage multiple layers of watercolor drybrush, capturing rich color, shaded form and surface textures of Fynbos flora, while retaining botanical accuracy of their subject.
- By the end of the five day course, artists will have a painting completed or nearly so. Carol and Deborah will also provide lectures on contemporary botanical art and conservation.
CONNECT WITH US FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Details
Phone
General: +27 (0)28 *** Show number
Physical Address
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, R43, Gansbaai, South Africa, 7220
Explore the legacy of the Grootbos Florilegium
Where the natural splendour captured in every artwork is an expression of the Grootbos purpose.
