This bee retreat is a unique two-day watercolour painting event paying homage to the beauty and importance of bees.

ABOUT THE COURSE

A unique and magical two-day watercolour workshop paying homage to the beauty and importance of bees in the natural world. This lovely event is aimed at both lovers of painting & bees - you don’t have to be an expert in either, but you need to be fascinated by both.

On the Saturday, Cath will entrance students by introducing them to the wonderful & magical world of bees by talking about their lifestyle, lifecycle, anatomy and pollination-prowess. How the bees that we know and love like honey bees and bumblebees make up only 10% of the world’s bees. The other 90% live largely unnoticed, but are as equally fascinating, beautiful & essential to nature. To bring this alive, throughout the weekend, each student will have full access to Cath’s vast range of ethically sourced bee specimens (all natural death) along with high-powered microscopes to allow unprecedented entry into their lives. Various bee reference books will also be at hand for folks to dip into.

After Cath has shed the spotlight on bees, she will focus on the creative side of the retreat  by doing the first of two watercolour painting demonstrations, to show folks how she uses paints to  bring these mighty mini beasts to life, in all their micro glory. To follow Cath’s guidance, every student will have their own easy to follow step-by-step painting guide that will enable each individual to closely follow the creative process.

On the second day, Cath will carry out the final painting demonstration showing how she adds the final finesse to the composition. After the demo, the second day will be dedicated largely to watercolour painting, with Cath offering support and guidance to every student as and when and if they need it.    

It goes without saying that, as well as being fascinating; this retreat will be great fun and a wonderful opportunity to spend two days with likeminded, creative, nature-loving souls.

Folks who attend Cath’s lovely insect-art events will never quite see insects in the same way again – their respect and appreciation of them will deepen forever. 

MEET THE TUTOR

Cotswolds based wildlife artist, Cath Hodsman (Associate Member of the Royal Society of Biology), is one of the U.K’s foremost entomological (insect) artists, illustrators, teachers and insect conservation advocates.

Cath believes that the best way to celebrate the importance and relevance of insects in happy, healthy ecologies is to capture their micro beauty and anatomical intricacy through detailed artwork. She uses microscopes in her paintings (watercolours) and sketches in order to achieve this – as such, she has been made an Associate Member of the Royal Society of Biology.

She believes that creative connectivity is one of the best ways to appreciate and conserve the future of insects. Originating from a Higher Education background where Cath worked as a European Officer, she changed career direction when her youngest child started school.

Tutor: Cath Hodsman
Date & Time: Sat 13th & Sun 14th April, 10am - 4pm
Venue: Spindle Studio, New Brewery Arts

PRICE: 
Residential Option (including 2-night stay)
£380 (£0.00 VAT)

Non-residential Option
£220 (£0.00 VAT)

Who is this for?
This workshop is for those aged 18 and over.

What you will need:

All materials are provided.

Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or bring an apron.

You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio.

For more information: Visit our FAQ page

Accommodation

You will be staying in our stylish accommodation on site. You will have a room of your own and access to a shared kitchen.

Your booking will include 2 nights, Friday 12th April & Saturday 13th April. An additional night stay on Sunday 14th April is an optional extra.

Catering

This weekend residential course will be catered by our new on-site café Blend. Breakfast and Lunch will be served in the café Blend on Saturday and Sunday.

For your evening meal, you will have access to a fully equipped kitchen in your accommodation. Alternatively, we have a number of recommendations for eateries in Cirencester.

If you are attending the 2-day ‘Non-residential Option’ lunch on both days is included in the ticket price, as well as teas, coffees and homemade cake.