Participants will start with a Lectio Divina walk around the grounds to slowly respond to the beauty of the natural world. They will gather inspiration as they observe, collect surfaces (via a printing method) textures and found natural objects. Later they will use these and drawing skills to produce Gelli Pad prints. The prints and other papers are used to make a reflective book which they will mark make in using handmade brushes, cola pens, natural inks and charcoals. There will be plenty of opportunity to think, observe, rest and gather. Finally, after some introduction to the skills of watercolour painting they may create a visual response to what they have seen and learned.
With two teachers there is more input per person, two perspectives and two skill sets. They will leave encouraged with a collection of hand made tools and art works to develop further.
People are thankful for their art retreats and say, “That was a really relaxing time. I can see why people love Plein Air” Chris. “This is exactly what I have been looking for.” Gwen
“Oh, you have activated something inside of me. I can’t stop.” Amanda “The more I come to your retreats the more I want to come.” Ravi
Bio
Glenda Gibson and Donna Drouin have been leading Christian Art Retreats together for over 15 years. They are Professional Artists with work in Union Street Gallery Grantham. Donna is predominately a printmaker, teacher and poet; married, mother to four children and cat slave. Using Plein Air drawings and paintings she explores her rural environment then translates them into prints using linocut, drypoint, collagraph or Gelli. Glenda is an oil painter who also teaches painting in acrylics and water colour. She is developing an abstract approach to painting in her studio. Glenda is a qualified teacher of children and adults. Donna is also an experienced teacher and youth worker and has a degree in Fine Art. They love to explore the latest thinking about faith and art, which they share on their podcast Art Dust with many lovely guests.
This retreat starts with an introduction on Friday night discussing the themes of Dust to Dust and runs until after lunch on Sunday.
To book email: mail@rydalhall.org or call 015394 32050