Williamstown Botanic Gardens 2010

Last Sunday we were part of the "Garden Party" at the Williamstown Botanic Gardens.A fantastic day with a large number of visitors. The council supplied us with a marquee in which we could demonstrate our skills to the public. Easels were displaying Artworks and there was space for interested visitors to have a try at water colours themselves.

Not expecting a rush of 20 children at the time it did not take long before the students were slowly pushed of the table and helped the children with their Botanic Art attempts. Brushes, paper and paints were used to their limits I can say.

A great day and the interest in Botanic Art under children was amazing.

Term 4 October 2010

Term 4 Botanic Art Classes will start next week from October 12th. If you are interested to enroll or would like more information, please call Stefan on 0431 828402 or email info@bigbluedesign.com.au

Term 3 last week

This week is our last class for term 3. It has been a cold winter but spring is coming our way finally. Term 4 will start from the 12th of October and if you wish to re enrol, you can do so now by filling in the form and return this week or mail before the start of next term.

Included is a selection of images by this terms students.

New Work from our Term 3 students

It has been a little while but here is some new work from our term 3 students.We are now midway our 3rd Term. I also went to the Melbourne Artfair any it was good to see that botanic Art has made it into the Fair.

Also for those that are interested, the new term will start from October the 11th. Information regarding the Term 4 will go out in September but if you would like you can put your name down right now as there is a bit of a waiting list.

State Library Visit

On The 2nd of July 10 of us met at The State Library of Victoria. Janet McDonald from the Rare Book department had selected a number original rare botanic Art books.

Some of which were to be opened only every 5 years. So it was a real privilege to be able to view them. Over 200 years old hand painted botanic illustration prints. Janet showed us the difference between Botanic Illustration and Botanic Art and was excellent in giving us a clear overview of the first explorers and the way they had to go about their work.

Anyone really can go the State Library and request to view rare books. I will organise another visit later in the year for those that have missed out.

Australian King Parrot

Australian King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis)

watercolour, 250 x 150mm

This watercolour was a challenge in terms of recreating those magnificent colours on paper.

Last Class for the Term

This week was our last week for Term 2. Term 3 will start in the week of the 12th of July.

It's great to see that some take on a great challenge with an outcome that is really beautiful and increases the students confidence. Stepping outside your comfort zone can be really rewarding!

On the other hand there are also students that go trough a rough patch. This is normal though and every artist, writer, etc will have to go trough this at some stage. The challenge is to find way's to get trough them, to recognise them. Keeping a visual diary is a great way to achieve this.