sapphire art retreat 2nd to 9th July

by maria paterson
(Sapphire QLD Australia)

Sapphire art retreat is a unique art camp set in the Central Queensland gemfields, where you can experience living and creating art on the working sapphire mine, ‘Windeyers Folly’.

Stay in renovated retro art caravans for a fun, glamping experience. Relax, unwind, escape, create.

There will be a mix of teacher interaction/instruction and free time to create on this camp. You are welcome to bring your mediums of choice. All levels and mediums welcomed.

A drawing/sketching journal and travel kit with watercolours, pen, pencil and brushes will be given to you on arrival.

Experienced artist and tutor, Maria Paterson (B.A.visual arts, Dip Ed), is on hand to share with you techniques, skills and knowledge to help encourage and improve your drawing and painting practice.

About Maria

Maria has a BA visual arts and Dip Education. She has taught in high schools as well as many art workshops and brings with her 35 years experience in her art practice.

She works in all mediums, including pastels, oils and watercolours. Her work is found in private and corporate collections here and overseas and she has won many art prizes. www.mariapaterson.com


Highlights

There will be field excursions exploring the surrounding environment and a chance to sketch or plein air paint, while a delicious picnic lunch will be served up.

There is a huge shed on the claim, converted into living and studio space and its cabinets of curiosities will provide us with many opportunities for still life subjects. The visiting bird life provides us with natural models and entertaining antics.

A high tea in the shed, where you can meet the local gem field miners and craftspeople, always an informative experience. There will be an opportunity to have a fossick and lunch at Pats Gems. Learn about the gem trade from miner to goldsmiths from gemmologist Patricia Windeyer( FGA) the owner of the Folly. At night we will fire up the campfire with good conversation and do some gazing at the Milkyway.

Climate

The days are warm and the nights are cool

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided in newly renovated retro art caravans. These vans have been fitted out with beds and a study area and are themed in interesting ways.

All meals will be catered for by excellent local cooks, except for one evening when we will dine out.

For more details visit:
http://mpatersonfineart.wix.com/sapphire-art-retreat

Contact details:
Maria Paterson
Ph: 0266805858. Mob 0432505746
Email: mpatersonfineart@gmail.com
Website: http://www.mariapaterson.com.