'Orchids & Temples' Botanical Painting Course

Marianne McPhie has a university degree in Art History as well as diplomas in teaching and adult learning. She has studied under some of Britain’s most respected botanical artists, such as Gillian Barlow and Anne-Marie Evans, former director of botanical illustration at London’s Chelsea Physic Garden.

Marianne is a full time artist and tutor of botanical illustration, running her own courses in the UK.

Her passion is observational drawing from the natural world, and she enjoys working in graphite and coloured pencils, pastels and watercolour.Her flower prints sell worldwide and she also writes on botanical art for magazines.

www.mariannemcphie.co.uk

YOUR TUTOR

7th-13th & 14th-20th February 2010

Spend 6 nights in the tranquil setting of Moonhill, a luxurious beach villa on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, drawing and painting orchids with experienced UK tutor and botanical painter Marianne McPhie.

Sri Lanka is orchid heaven! More than 188 orchid species grow here, with a stunning 55 that are unique to the island and provide the source of inspiration for this course.

Under Marianne’s encouraging step-by-step guidance you will find yourself drawing and painting these exquisite flowering plants with increasing confidence and skill. All-ability levels and beginners are welcome on the 4-day painting course, with the small group size (maximum no. 8) guaranteeing you individual tuition and guidance.

Orchids are an endless source of inspiration with their patterns, shapes and vibrant colours. You’ll begin the course with some pencil drawings of your chosen orchid, learning how to observe and measure accurately, and how to create depth and perspective through scale and tonal range.

These initial observational drawings will provide you with a valuable understanding of your subject as you progress, step-by-step with practical demonstrations, towards your finished painting. The more experienced amongst you have the opportunity to work at your own pace, perhaps completing more than one painting as well as refining and refreshing your technique, whilst beginners, gaining confidence and new skills under Marianne’s encouraging approach, make rapid progress.

In the middle of the week we take a break for a day’s excursion to the famous Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you may have the rare privilege of seeing in the wild some of the orchids you are painting at Moonhill. During course time

two exciting non-painters excursions to nearby ancient temples and a wildlife game reserve are organized.

Cost £945 for Painters (£645 for Non-Painters)

Flights not inlcuded.

Orchid Paphiopedilum Watercolour painting by Marianne McPhie

Price includes:

Transfers in air-conditioned car/minibus, including airport pick-up and drop-off.

6 nights’ accommodation in double/twin room with en suite bathroom.

All meals freshly prepared by our resident Sri Lankan chef.

4 days’ botanical painting course

Day excursion to Sinharaja rain forest.

For Non Painters: Excursion to Mulkirligala Rock Temple and Yala National Park.

Price does not include Flights.

For a list of the basic materials and equipment you’ll need to bring for the painting course please click here.

Supported by

Sri Lanka Tourism.

Our recommendation is that you take out insurance for your trip – for travel cover try Travel-Quest's insurance section which provides links were you'll find a good selection of holiday insurance providers offering single trip, multi-trip and annual cover; as well as specialist travel insurance for older travellers, families and adventure activities.