2021 Beginner / Intermediate Class - Transylvania
This beginner/intermediate class is limited to 4 people, will take place in the heart of Transylvania, a spectacular land. Come and join!
Read my blog about our previous class in Transylvania!
To apply - james.decandole@outlook.com
This 5-day class offers the beginner and those with experience the opportunity to learn or refresh their skills on botanical illustration whilst enjoying a relaxed and instructive day in the rural heartland of Saxon Transylvania, in a class of just five students, and to stay in a peaceful farming settlement in the comfort of a large private house.
We shall explore this unspoilt landscape together and in the company of a local botanist, learning about the plants and finding samples on which to work inside. Each day, I will demonstrate basic techniques of watercolour used in botanical illustration and help you to develop a step-by-step method to complete a plant portrait. You will learn how to draw plants accurately by observing basic botanical shapes and structures and illustrating them with botanical accuracy, focusing on developing your ability to; see shapes; judge angles; draw in proportion; represent form through tonal value; use light and shade to make your drawing life-like; use watercolour washes and mix colours. You may choose your own wild specimen on which to practice and to complete under my guidance. The classes will help you to combine a scientific accuracy with an aesthetic vision to create beautiful botanical paintings.
Classes shall take place in POD, a studio classroom filled with northern light. Each student will have their own desk and slant board.
ACCOMODATION
The former Saxon village of Copsa Mare is surrounded by species rich grasslands, deep valleys and high forested ridges full of beech, oak and hornbeam. These forests are home to brown bears, honey buzzards, roe buck and wild boar.
Our hosts, Rachel and James de Candole, live all year round in the village in the former town hall, built in the 1890s under the time of the Dual Monarchy and now faithfully restored by them as their family home.
You shall stay in a peaceful farming settlement in great comfort, with plenty of good food and fresh air.
This will be a relaxing five days, with periods of concentrated study mixed with lots of fresh air, exercise (the land is full of steep valleys so you need to be reasonably fit!), and good food and wine. If any of you ride, our hosts have their own horses, all classically schooled at home.
TRANSYLVANIA FLORILEGIUM
The de Candoles own set number 19/150 of The Transylvania Florilegium and during our stay with them, we shall be able to study this remarkable compilation of botanical paintings depicting the wild flora of Transylvania.
14th April- To Sibiu Airport – transfer to Copsa Mare
15th - 19th April– Botanical illustration Class
20th April - depart
Limited to 4 participants
Price – 1700 EUR
The price of 1700 EUR includes:
• 6 nights of accommodation in your own room
• All food and wine
• Airport transfers (within dates)
• Class and botanical guide
Not included:
• International flights
• Travel/Medical Insurance
• Personal expenses
• Optional excursions including riding for the experienced
• Art materials (see below)
Recommended Material List
1. Drawing Pencil (2H, HB, 2B, 4B)
2. Divider
3. Eraser
4. Sharpener
5. Tracing Paper
6. A range of Watercolour brushes (Number 4, 3 or 2, and some small number of brushes will be useful for fine details)
7. Palette
8. Watercolour pigments (Winsor&Newton Artists’ Value is recommended but any pigment you prefer to use)
9. Watercolour Paper (Minimum 300 g/s, Hot Pressed, 50-100% Cotton watercolour paper is recommended, but don’t hesitate the one you like to use.
11. Backboard (if possible)
12. Sketching paper (Smooth surface Cartridge paper or pad, 120-160 g/s, A3 or A4 size)
Read my blog about our previous class in Transylvania!
To apply - james.decandole@outlook.com