Supported by
Sri Lanka Tourism.
Ann studied in the 1960s at Manchester College of Art and Design. Pencil drawing has always been her favourite medium but it was not until 1988 that she was able to combine her interest in natural forms with her drawing skills.
She began to exhibit in 1990 and now shows her work worldwide. Exhibitions include The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in 1994 and the Hunt Institute's 8th International Exhibition in Pittsburgh USA. She exhibits regularly at the Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows and with the Society of Botanical Artists and Society of Flower Painters. Her work is represented in the Shirley Sherwood Collection and features in many prestigious private collections around the world. Her drawings of Lycastes for The National Collection of Lycastes have been awarded 4 Gold Medals by the RHS and a silver medal at the 14th World Orchid Conference.
Ann's striking pencil drawings of plant forms are intensely observed and often brilliantly enhanced with colour, exhibiting a strong sense of style and design. She has developed her own individual techniques, either building up layers of dry coloured pencil or applying conté pastel or coloured pencils with solvent.
YOUR TUTOR
'Orchids & Tropical Flowers'
1st-7th & 8th-14th December 2010
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.
Ann Swan SBA, botanical artist, experienced UK tutor and RHS Gold medalist Ann will be teaching the four-day botanical painting course in the tranquil setting of Moonhill, a luxurious beach villa near Tangalle on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
Orchids and tropical Flowers are an endless source of inspiration with their patterns, shapes and vibrant colours. You begin the course with some pencil drawings of your chosen plant, learning how to create an exciting and striking composition. 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. Ann will teach you the techniques she uses to build up layers of coloured pencil to create strong, vibrant images.
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 Anns 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)
Price does not include Flights.
Price includes:
Colombo-Tangalle return transfers in air-conditioned car/minibus.
6 nights’ accommodation in double or twin rooms 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 Mulkirilgala Rock Temple and Uda Walawe 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.
Painting Workshop:
Wlidlife Photography
with Thomas Marent
