With Leonie Norton

June 15 – 22

2 courses for the price of 1

Leonie’s course offers a chance to do both Botanical Art with its rigorous attention to detail, and Holiday Sketching where the student can relax and capture the landscape in a more impressionistic style. The mornings are dedicated to Botanical Art, whilst afternoons are the time for sketching, when Leonie will take you off around the island to capture the landscapes and details of your holiday.

You are welcome to bring along non-painting partners or friends, who will find plenty to do and are welcomed on all the group outings.

Botanical Art
Leonie has been leading painting and sketching tours to Fiji since 2007.  She delights in the rich variety of flora which offer her students a marvellous choice of subjects – multicoured ginger, delicate orchids, vibrant heliconia, sturdy coconuts and other exotic plants. These specimens can be gathered from the gardens of Daku Resort where we are staying, and also sourced from the surrounding countryside. Leonie combines individual tuition with group demonstrations, focusing on each participant’s particular abilities and style within the context of the demands of botanical art. Explore various techniques in both drawing and painting and learn to mix and match any botanical colour. All skill levels are welcome.

Holiday Sketching
In the afternoons, following a demonstration of colour and techniques, there will be expeditions to local locations to sketch. Holiday sketching is quick and spontaneous, and captures the impression of people and place. Learn to create a visual souvenir of your holiday in Fiji. Diarise your experiences and enhance them with colourful sketches. Explore and experiment with various materials and techniques using coloured pencils, waterproof pens and watercolour. There are daily demonstrations, individual tuition on location and daily reviews of completed sketches. No previous experience is necessary.

You will receive a list of materials for both courses.

Leonie Norton is a versatile artist who has made her name in Botanical Art, and also runs workshops on Holiday Sketching as well as taking holiday sketching tours to various destinations. She is an international tutor of Botanical Art and Sydney’s most prominent botanical art educator. She is highly qualified, holding a BA(VisArt), B.Fine Arts (Hons) Plant & Wildlife Illustration and a Grad Dip VET (Adult Ed). Her paintings can be found in private and public collections in Australia and overseas. She also illustrates for magazines, has many articles about her work published in art magazines, undertakes commission paintings, and has published a fascinating study of botanical artists ‘Women of Flowers’.

Leonie holds regular courses in community colleges and art centres and conducts specialised workshops throughout Australia and New Zealand. She instructs at Summer Schools in the UK, Canada, NZ and regional NSW, in addition to conducting an External Botanical Art Course where she educates students globally. She welcomes all levels of skills. She is past President of the Botanical Art Society of Australia. As one of Australia’s better-known botanical artists, she successfully exhibits annually with the Botanical Art Society of Australia and the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens.

Programme

The programme may change depending on the weather and the interests of the group.

Saturday 15 June
Fly to Nadi; overnight in Nadi.

Sunday 16 June
Fly to Savusavu.

Welcome ceremony.
12.00pm: Poolside lunch
2.00pm: Botanical Art Workshop
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 17 June

9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00am: Holiday Sketching Demonstration.
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu, visiting the geothermal hot springs, the local market and the shops. Sketching in town.
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 18 June

9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Visit local beach for snorkeling, diving, swimming, relaxing and sketching

4.30 pm Tapa making demonstration (traditional decorated bark cloth)
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 19 June
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Holiday Sketching Demonstration
Free Time
3.30 – 5.30pm: Boat/beach outing with sketching
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 20 June
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Relaxing. Optional outings to beach or locations along the coast with sketching
7.00pm: Dinner

Friday 21 June
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Holiday Sketching
4.00 – 6.00pm: Village visit
6.30pm: Final dinner

Saturday 22 June
Return to Nadi and on home.

Costs

$2180 twin share : includes course fees, all meals, excursions as listed and domestic flight from Nadi to  . International flight to Nadi is not included, but we are happy to make the booking if requested.

$350 single room supplement

Non-painting partners: $1050 (international flight not included)

Chris Timmins

One of my favourite photos from past retreats is of Chris in the swimming pool with glass of wine, giving instructions to a student who is bending over their quilt beside the pool (it’s shown below). Not that you should get the impression that she doesn’t take her teaching seriously – she is an exceptionally dedicated tutor – but she also believes that a retreat of this sort should be enjoyed to its utmost. So come and jump in with her, and enjoy her enthusiastic embrace of every aspect of the week. This will be the third time Chris has taught workshops in Fiji, and it’s a great workshop for all levels.

The Course

Patchwork and quilting have always been her passion and she is well known for her vibrant bargello designs. The design Twisted Bargello was the start of her journey to designing, tutoring and selling patterns. The pattern for Twisted Bargello is one of Chris’s most popular patterns, selling especially well in the USA and Canada.

Chris uses a variety of rulers and has developed quick easy methods to create exciting designs for many quilts. As an ex teacher she is well trained in teaching a number of students several different projects and so she is capable and happy to teach a variety of quilts in her workshops.

Hunters Star

During the week in Fiji, you can create one of the many designs that she has developed using a variety of rulers. Moroccan Tile and Water Wheel are made using the Jewel Gem ruler. The Civil War Stars uses the Rapid Hunter Star ruler. The X Block ruler can be used to design many different exciting quilts.

You may also like to create one of the exciting Bargello quilts or her Take 6 design. The choice of quilt you can make is endless.

To view the many designs you can select to make go to Chris’s website www.christimmins.com – and have a look at her brief descriptions of each one below.

Take Six

Chris Timmins

Chris started off her quilting as a teacher of textiles to High School students, and has influenced many quilt makers. Since retiring from school teaching, Chris’ life has taken a new direction and she now travels around Australia teaching the rich array of designs she has developed. Her greatest pleasure is that she has introduced so many people, especially teenagers, to the art of quilt making.

Chris is also involved in the Misty Mountain Getaway held in Dorrigo each year in September. “I have taught students aged from 10 years old to 85 and I realise that, no matter how old you are, being creative and producing a finished quilt is an achievement. The excitement of my students’ faces brings me a lot of pride in their achievements.”

Some of the quilts

Bargello

Bargello: Bargello is a simple strip piecing patchwork technique that can be used to create exciting, spectacular designs from a range of colours or shades to produce a gradual colour value change of exciting patterns. Students will learn to design their own Bargello quilt or can complete the design featured. Some preparation is required prior to the workshop.

Rapid Hunter Star: This quilt s made using Deb Tuckers Rapid Hunters Star Ruler system. It is great way of using up scraps or special feature fabrics.
Each block consists of two triangles, two trapezoids and four star points.

Jewel Gem : A new workshop using rulers designed by Cheryl Phillips from USA that Chris has been given permission to teach. Using pentagons and decagon create a centre circle (115cm), which can be used to make a larger quilt. Many designs available. All participants will need to purchase the rulers.
A fun exciting quilt.

X Block: The X-block tool can be used to make dynamic quilt designs. The designs start with nine blocks or strips of fabric and can produce a variety of different designs.

Take 6: Create a strip quilt using just 6 fabrics. Many great designs can be created from

Take 6

sewing the strips into sets, and then by cutting triangles, squares or 60-degree sections. Quick fast quilt top, which could be finished in a day. Some preparation is required prior to the workshop.

Programme

The programme is structured around morning workshops with afternoon excursions or free time to relax, swim have a spa massage or simply continue quilting. We may alter the programme in response to the weather or the interest of the group.
Sat Jun 9
Arrive Fiji.
Overnight in Nadi.

Sun Jun 10
Fly to Savusavu.You will be greeted with a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony.
Morning / early afternoon workshop: an introduction to the week.
Late afternoon: free to relax.
7.30 Dinner

Mon Jun 11
Morning workshop.
12.30 Lunch
After lunch you will have some free time for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing. Or there’s an optional visit to town, visiting the geothermal hot springs, local market and shops.
7.30 Dinner

Tue Jun 12
Morning workshop.
12.30 Lunch
2.00 Tapa (decorate bark cloth) making demonstration.
7.30 Dinner

Wed Jun 13
Morning workshop.
12.30 Lunch
In the afternoon we will have a boat or beach outing.

Chris giving instruction to Jenny from the pool

7.30 Dinner

Thu Jun 14
Morning workshop.
12.30 Lunch
Afternoon free
7.30 Dinner

Fri Jun 15
Morning workshop.
12.30 Lunch
7.30 Dinner
Finish individual projects; end with show and tell. Afternoon visit to Vivili village for traditional meke (dance)
Final lovo dinner.

Sat Jun 16 Leave Savusavu and on to international flights.

Costs:

AUD $2,180.00 twin share
Single supplement: $350
Non-painting partners: $1200

Program Includes
Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities.
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
Course fees.
Lectures and excursions as indicated.

Program Excludes
International flights to Fiji.  We are happy to quote on these and book them for you if requested. Flight prices fluctuate according to demand.  Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
Optional activities not listed on the program.
Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, massages, private trips.
Meals taken in transit at the airport.

2 courses for the price of one

Leonie has been leading painting and sketching tours to Fiji since 2007. She delights in the rich variety of flora which offer her students a marvellous choice of subjects – at least 6 varieties of heliconia ranging from tiny, delicate flowers in shades of oranges and reds, soft pinks and lemons, to the larger hanging bright red and yellow species with long glossy leaves; hibiscus; the beautiful orchids, and robust coconuts in all stages of development.

Whilst the mornings are dedicated to Botanical Art, afternoons are the time for sketching, when Leonie will take you off around the island to capture the landscapes and details of your holiday.
You are welcome to bring along non-painting partners or friends, who will find plenty to do and are welcomed on all the group outings.

Botanical Art

Fiji’s rich tropical flora offers sensational subjects for the botanical artist – multicoured ginger, delicate orchids, vibrant heliconia, sturdy coconuts and other exotic plants. These specimens can be gathered from the gardens of Daku Resort where we are staying, and also sourced from the surrounding countryside. Leonie combines individual tuition with group demonstrations, focusing on each participant’s particular abilities and style within the context of the demands of botanical art. Explore various techniques in both drawing and painting and learn to mix and match any botanical colour. All skill levels are welcome.

Holiday Sketching

In the afternoons, following a demonstration of colour and techniques, there will be expeditions to local locations to sketch. Holiday sketching is quick and spontaneous, and captures the impression of people and place. Learn to create a visual souvenir of your holiday in Fiji. Diarise your experiences and enhance them with colourful sketches. Explore and experiment with various materials and techniques using coloured pencils, waterproof pens and watercolour. There are daily demonstrations, individual tuition on location and daily reviews of completed sketches. No previous experience is necessary.

You will receive a list of materials for both courses.

Read an account of Leonie’s August 2010 retreat at the Daku Resort blog.

Leonie Norton is a versatile artist who has made her name in Botanical Art, and also runs workshops on Holiday Sketching as well as taking holiday sketching tours to various destinations. She is an international tutor of Botanical Art and Sydney’s most prominent botanical art educator. She is highly qualified, holding a BA(VisArt), B.Fine Arts (Hons) Plant & Wildlife Illustration and a Grad Dip VET (Adult Ed). Her paintings can be found in private and public collections in Australia and overseas. She also illustrates for magazines, undertakes commission paintings, has a published a fascinating study of botanical artists, Women of Flowers.

Leonie holds regular courses in community colleges and art centres and conducts specialised workshops throughout Australia and New Zealand. She instructs at Summer Schools in the UK, Canada, NZ and regional NSW, in addition to conducting an External Botanical Art Course where she educates students globally. She welcomes all levels of skills. She is past President of the Botanical Art Society of Australia. As one of Australia’s better-known botanical artists, she successfully exhibits annually with the Botanical Art Society of Australia and the Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens.

Programme

The programme may change depending on the weather and the interests of the group.

Saturday 17 March
Fly to Nadi: overnight in Nadi.

Sunday 18 March
Fly to Savusavu.
Welcome ceremony.
12.00pm: Poolside lunch
2.00pm: Botanical Art Workshop
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 19 March
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00am: Holiday Sketching Demonstration.
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu, visiting the geothermal hot springs, the local market and the shops. Sketching in town.
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 20 March
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Visit local beach for snorkeling, diving, swimming, relaxing and sketching
4.30 pm Tapa making demonstration (traditional decorated bark cloth)
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 21 March
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Holiday Sketching Demonstration
Free Time
3.30 – 5.30pm: Boat/beach outing with sketching
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 22 March
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Relaxing. Optional outings to beach or locations along the coast with sketching
7.00pm: Dinner

Friday 23 March
9.00am: Botanical Art Workshop
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00pm: Holiday Sketching
4.00 – 6.00pm: Village visit
6.30pm: Final dinner

Saturday 24 March
Return to Nadi and on home.

Costs
AUD $2,180.00 twin share
Single supplement: $350
Non-painting partners: $1200

Program Includes
Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities.
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
Course fees.
Lectures, excursions as indicated.

Program Excludes
International flights to Fiji.  We are happy to quote on these and book them for you if requested. Flight prices fluctuate according to demand.   Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
Optional activities not listed on the program
Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
Meals taken in transit at the airport

You can see some pictures from last year’s Botanical Art Workshop on our Flickr page.

» » Make a booking

Drawing is everywhere. We practice it as one of our earliest childhood activities. People draw everywhere in the world. It can be used as a universal visual language. Drawing has come to be associated with intimacy, informality memory and narrative. Drawing is feeling. It is an attitude.

The importance of drawing’s role has never been neglected in art history, but it has seen a particular surge in importance among the current generation of artists. Maybe it’s a renewed respect for the handmade and for the value of time as opposed to computer generated images and manufactured objects. As a response, the human hand is visible and almost longed for!

This course will push and redefine the boundaries of drawing in fresh directions. We will go from the super small to the enormous, from monumental to micro. We will be looking at small objects and the bigger picture; we will be producing drawings that are miniature and others that are BIG, playing with the scale of objects and taking them out of context; and we will be looking at both representational and realistic drawings.

We will working between the conceptual and the three dimensional – we might start with drawing an imagined object like a leaf, and then move onto looking at the real 3-D leaf. This also involves learning how to render drawings that look 3-D using shading to create object with form.

And we’ll be looking at drawing in both black and white to full colour.

Some formal elements will be introduced and covered to allow you a language to speak in, dealing with essential basics like perspective, proportion, line, pattern, texture, composition … all of the design elements.

We will use everything that’s around us – the wonderful scenery, found objects, personal concepts and our imagination – all enhanced by the freedom of a safe place to learn and to explore personal mark making, where you can learn that great artistic tool of confidence.

Using charcoal, pens, pencils, coloured pencils, crayon, and ink and a range of tools we will experiment, discuss, play and make a range of images from tiny and precious to large and unruly! Have a bit of fun and unlock the child that has been hiding away for so long.

At the end of the week you will have had the opportunity to try out as many different approaches as you have time for, and will have an exuberant portfolio of ideas, experiments, half finished works and perhaps even something to hang on you wall.

Jenni Doherty
Jenni Doherty is an artist working in the south west of Western Australia. Solo Exhibitions are held at least once, sometimes twice a year. Jenni exhibits regularly at Yallingup Galleries and is represented in Perth by LK Galleries, Subiaco. Themes have varied over the past exhibitions but a continuing link is the use of pattern  and a fascination with time.

Born in Perth, Western Australia in 1958, Jenni studied at WAIT, Art Education. She is a full time artist, and also teaches regularly at all levels from Primary to University, painting, printmaking, textiles and Art Education.

Jenni has participated in numerous group shows, and had solo exhibitions. She has works in numerous private collections in Australia and worldwide. Other work includes, public art commissions, design work for architectural commissions, design of wine labels, interiors and colour consulting.

Programme

The programme is structured around morning workshops with afternoons for activities and free time to enjoy a spa, massage, snorkelling on the reef, relaxing by the pool or continuing to paint.

Saturday 12 May
Travel to Nadi and on to Savusavu
6.00pm: Welcome ceremony
7.00pm: Dinner

Sunday 13 May
9.30am – 12.30pm: Workshop 1
Details: Loosening up and getting started – a number of group drawing exercises, colour drawing, learning how to see again, finding your own marks and compositional games.
- Painting sky and clouds
- Blending techniques
1.00pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Coconut demonstration
Afternoon: Free time
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 14 May
9.30am – 12.30pm: Workshop 2
Details: Using the landscape- we will look at composition for doing a landscape drawing, structure, perspective. What to put in, what to leave out. View finders can be used here!
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: trip to Savusavu Town to see local market and shops
4.00pm: Tapa making demonstration
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 15 May
9.30am – 12.30pm: Workshop 3
Details: Up close and intimate detailed drawings . Construction and deconstruction, rearranging detailed drawings to create something different. At this point the workshop would be tailored to student needs, such as design for quilting, printmaking, painting.
1.00pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Beach / boat outing
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 16 May
9.30am – 12.30pm: Workshop 4
Details: BIG Drawing day! Today we are stepping out of our comfort zone and playing BIG!
Changing the scale of tiny things, drawing life size landcapes,
Images that are big and bold and strong. Liberating…
1.00pm: Lunch
4.00pm: Walk up hill behind Daku (optional – pretty steep!)
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 17 May
9.30am – 12.30pm: Workshop 5
Details: Set of tiny drawings. Some may concentrate on three, some may do 100… miniatures. Detailed, focused on texture and line to create a set of drawings that can be individual or put together to make larger installation.
Once again tailored to students needs.
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Free time
6.00pm: Drinks at Savusavu Yacht Club and dinner in town

Friday 18 May
9.30am – 12.30pm: Workshop 6
Details: We will discuss  other applications for drawings and have ourown exhibition.
1.00pm: Lunch
4.00pm: Visit to village for meke (traditional dance)
7.00pm: Final lovo dinner

Saturday 19 May
8.20am: Return to Nadi and on to international fights.

The order of workshops may vary depending upon weather conditions.

Costs
AUD $2,180.00 twin share
Single supplement: $350
Non-painting partners: $1200

Program Includes

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
• Course fees.
• Lectures and excursions as indicated.

Program Excludes

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program.
• Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, massages, private trips.
• Meals taken in transit at the airport.
• International flights to Fiji.  We are happy to quote on these and book them for you if requested. Flight prices fluctuate according to demand.

The Course
Malcolm Carver teaches with extraordinary energy and enthusiasm, and his class is soon infected with the exuberance of his personality. He grabs a brush to sweep on more water, he flicks paint over a landscape, he responds to the alarmed squeals of his students with utter confidence – and they very quickly subside as they see his point and share the delight of his style. Throughout his class in Fiji the pavilion rang with chatter and laughter – and at the same time everyone produced a substantial body of work.

Malcolm invites you to imagine the transformation: you start with that familiar terror of telling yourself: ‘I can’t draw to save my life’ … or ‘I wasn’t born with this skill’ … and end with a sense of achievement, fulfillment and exhilaration when, by the end of the week, you discover that you actually can.

Drawing is fundamental to all painting skills like the skeletal frame is to the human body. Painting is drawing with a brush! Designed for all aspiring artists at whatever skill level, this course is fun … learning to see things and portray them in your own way. Using simple but proven methods of capturing the image, seeing simple shapes, creating depth and appreciating light, Malcolm will build your confidence day by day.

By the end of the week you will have produced a sketch book of drawings and paintings that capture the essence of the world around us and that you will be extremely proud of. Through his passionate belief in the inherent ability we all have, you will have nurtured and developed a skill that will bring immense pleasure to your travels. You’ll gain a lasting insight into the wonderful world of sketching and watercolour painting which you can build up from here onwards.

About the Artist
Malcolm Carver is an architect and an artist, who has over the past 30 years traveled extensively in Europe, Australia, Asia and the Americas. He has devoted these experiences to creating extensive travel sketch books, providing valuable inspiration for workshops and studio work in watercolour.

Malcolm has an enlightened and passionate approach to sketching drawing and watercolour painting. Over the past ten years, he has augmented his travel with a variety of both international and local workshops with all the leading watercolourists in the world today

He believes that we can all draw to a degree and we can learn to see, like other life skills. He seeks to reinforce the fundamental skill of seeing and sketching before painting by simplifying detail in drawing techniques and learning to see shapes.

- Member of the Australian Institute of Architects
- Member of Royal Institute of British Architects
- President of Ku-Ring-Gai Arts Society
- Member Australian Watercolour Institute
- Member Royal Art Society
- Patron Grafton Artsfest

You can see his work @ www.aquarellegallery.com.au/malcolmcarver

Read about Malcolm’s July 2011 retreat on our blog. 2012 will be Malcolm’s third painting retreat with Paradise Courses – his watercolour workshops are always very popular. » Blog: All-Weather Watercolours.

Programme
The programme may change depending on weather and group interests. Malcolm is happy to sketch and paint all afternoon wherever we are – on the beach, under a palm tree, up the mountain. You are welcome to sketch, paint, watch or just relax.
Friday 22 June
Arrive Nadi and overnight.

Saturday 23 June
Early flight to Savusavu. The resort is 10 minutes from the airstrip, and you will be there in time for breakfast.
Morning workshop: Introduction and Drawing Skills Workshop
Poolside lunch and coconut cutting demonstration, followed by a walk around resort gardens. In the late afternoon there will be a tapa making demonstration
Evening: traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony.

Sunday 24 June
Morning workshop: Light and Tone.
Lunch.
Afternoon visit to town, local market and shops

Monday 25 June
Morning workshop: Brush and Wash
Lunch.
Afternoon beach / boat outing –a chance to get into the local country and see the palm-fringed beaches of Fiji.

Tuesday 26 June
Morning workshop: Perspective
Lunch.
Afternoon: free time – have a spa massage, take a snorkelling trip, walk up the hill behind Daku, lie by the pool.

Wednesday 27 June
Morning workshop: Shapes
Lunch.
Later in the afternoon we will visit Vivili village to see a traditional Fijian meke (dance). It’s a fascinating and exciting dance that leaves you swaying to the pounding beat of the chant that accompanies it.

Thursday 28 June
Morning workshop: Summary of Week
Lunch.
Afternoon free for more relaxation or just carrying on painting.
Final dinner at Daku.

Friday 29 June
Leave Savusavu. Return to Nadi and on to international flights.

Costs
AUD $2,180.00 twin share
Single supplement: $350
Non-painting partners: $1200

You will receive a list of art materials to bring.

Annlee Butler is one of Australia’s most experienced beaders. Her first beading retreat in Fiji in 2011 was a lovely combination of daily workshops, afternoon excursions – and the bonus of a fascinating bit of community involvement. One afternoon she ran a session for a group of local women in Savusavu, all of whom sell handicrafts and beads at the local market. They were eager to learn and grateful for the opportunity – and it proved to be both fun and instructive for the beading group too. Annlee involved them all as teacher’s assistants. She spent that morning teaching them the Dutch spiral stitch, and in the afternoon they all sat round the long table and worked together. It was a great opportunity to get to know the local artists – and to get to know the stitch they were teaching. Have a look at a fuller write-up of the day on our blog.

Beading is a richly rewarding craft, easily accessible to beginners and continually fascinating and challenging to experienced beaders. There is great delight to be had in sitting together making original pieces of jewellery, sharing ideas and designs, and simply taking pleasure in the process of creation. And what’s more, it’s a fabulous holiday with one of Australia’s most experienced beaders as well.

Programme
This 6 day course is designed to take you from inspiration and ideas to finished designs in wearable beaded work. Each day will start with an elementary section. This will then be followed by hands on experiment time using the elementary notes and discussion so each of the students can work on areas that they wish to improve.

And what’s more, it’s a fabulous holiday with as well. During the week there’s time to go into town to see the local market and pick up some handicrafts; to visit the black pearl farm; to walk up the hill, or to have a spa massage. There are organised excursions to the beach and to a local village to see a traditional Fjian meke dance, as well as time to laze by the pool.

Annlee Butler introduces herself:

“Although all my formal training and degrees are in business management and marketing, I found very little satisfaction or creativity in this type of work. About 18 years ago while working long hours and looking after a family I needed to find a way to relax and decided to knot a strand of my grandmothers glass pearls. I enjoyed it so much I was soon looking for more beads. I have grown to love all aspects of seed bead work, including loom work such as Kumihimo and off loom free form techniques like peyote, herringbone, spirals and square stitch etc I have mastered most of the known techniques and a few of the more difficult techniques such as tambour beading.

In 2003 I was invited to the Masterclass at Bead and Button with master seed bead artists Viginia Blakelock and Carol Perrenoud, which took my work from just-for-fun to wearable artwork.

When I returned home it was time to do more with my beads, since then I have been teaching regular classes, designing and selling bead work through local galleries, become a member of the bead society of Victoria and enjoy entering competitions to expand my creativity.

I look forward to spending a creative week with you and experimenting to take your work in exciting new directions also.”

Click icons to see larger images of Annlee Bulter’s beadwork.
Photography by Alex Mullen 0421 187 500.

Detailed Classes Outline
This 6 day course is designed to take you from inspiration and ideas to finished designs in wearable beaded work. Each day will start with an elementary section. This will then be followed by hands on experiment time using the elementary notes and discussion so each student can work on areas that they wish to improve.

Day 1  – Saturday 16 June:
Travel day to Nadi and spend the night there.

Day 2  – Sunday 17 June:
Flights on to Savusavu. The resort is 10 minutes from the airstrip, and you will be there in time for breakfast.
Morning: workshop. Inspiration Day and where to find it, how to make it work in your design, how to focus what you want to achieve with the use of stitches and textures.
Hands on: students would be asked to bring a picture or an item such as a focal bead or finding that inspires them. This will be the start of a project which each student will design and can be continued during the week or taken home to work on.
Afternoon: Tapa (bark cloth) making demonstration.

Day 3  – Monday 18 June:
Morning workshop. Stitches techniques day and making stitches work for your design.
Hands on: Using Annlee’s Sampler book of stitches, make up small swatch samples of beading stitches to keep as a reference. Stitches include: peyote, right angle weave, in both circular and flat, even and odd count, some of the more unusual stitches such as African helix, chevron, St Petersburg chain, and other interesting variations.
Afternoon visit to Savusavu town for shopping.

Day 4  – Tuesday 19 June:
Morning workshop. Components Day. Adding shapes, flowers, and style to your design by the use of components. The different ways to capture a cabochon will also be included in this section.
Hands on: students will stitch a variety of items such as a herringbone tulips, a lilly in herringbone or peyote, small peyote flowers, leaves in Russian style or using peyote stitch, shapes such as triangles and squares. These items can be used in your own design project or taken home to use later.
Afternoon boat / beach outing.

Day 5 – Wednesday 20 June:
Morning workshop. Getting it all together day. Finishing designs with a professional look. Discussion will include how to add clasps correctly, using wire and beads together, working over structures.
Hands on: students will bead over a wooden bead using a choice of right angle weave or peyote stitch and then experiment with adding components or fringing to complete a beaded focal bead.
Afternoon: free time.

Day 6 – Thursday 21 June:
Morning workshop. All that other stuff. This discussion will cover a variety of subjects that will include: how to write good instructions, how to value your finished project, how to market and sell your designs, what judges look for in a competition piece.
Hands on: Annlee will spend time with each student working on any individual projects or subject they need more information on.
Afternoon free time.
Evening drinks at Savusavu Yacht Club and dinner in town.

Day 7 – Friday 22 June:
Morning workshop. Tying up the ends.
Afternoon visit to village for meke (traditional dance).
Evening: class show and final dinner.

Day 8 – Saturday 23 June:
Depart Savusavu at 8.30 am to get to Nadi for afternoon flights.

Cost:
AUD $2,180.00 twin share

Single supplement: $350

Non-particiating partners: $1200

Program Includes

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
• Course fees.
• Lectures and excursions as indicated.

Program Excludes

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program.
• Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, massages, private trips.
• Meals taken in transit at the airport.
• International flights to Fiji.  We are happy to quote on these and book them for you if requested. Flight prices fluctuate according to demand.

» » Make a booking

Gloria Loughman teaches Light up your Landscape : a class that is easy to master and of interest to quilters of all abilities. Light is one of the most powerful tools that an artist can use in a composition. Fusing small squares, rectangles or diamonds of fabric, students can build up a landscape background that is full of light, contrasts and drama.

Over the week, Gloria will show you how to choose the subject, what aspect to focus on, how to make it come alive, and where to begin. She will then guide you through the process, looking at how to translate what you see into an image in textiles.

Design principles including perspective and focal point will be outlined and a variety of ways of choosing colour schemes will be discussed.  Techniques including fusing, invisible machine appliqué, free motion stitching and quilting techniques will be included.

You will need to bring basic sewing supplies and a sewing machine, and she will supply hand dyed fabrics, fabrics to paint and the paint.

Gloria Loughman lives by the sea, on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, in Victoria.

She has been teaching patchwork classes for many years and enjoys sharing her knowledge and skills with others. She likes to challenge students to design their own quilts but is also happy to provide patterns for those less confident. Her classes are very popular with lots of students coming back.. She has also travelled extensively overseas teaching classes in New Zealand, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, South Africa, and Japan.

Over the years she has dabbled in many areas including strip piecing, bargello, colourwash, fabric dyeing and painting, and machine embroidery After completing some studies in design and colour as part of a Diploma of Art in 1996, she began to make her large vivid landscape quilts depicting the Australian bush. Most of the textiles used have been hand dyed or painted and feature extensive machine embroidery. These quilts have won many major awards in Australia, Europe, Japan and the United States. Her quilt ‘Kimberley Mystique’ was the winner of Australia’s most prestigious national quilting award in 2003.

She has also curated eight exhibitions of Australian quilts to the United States and have had the privilege of judging at many major shows. She has had a number of solo exhibitions, including an invitation to exhibit at the prestigious NEC Show in Birmingham, UK. Her book, Luminous Landscapes, was released by C&T in January 2007, and her second book, Quilted Symphony, came out in January 2010.

Programme
The programme is structured around morning workshops with afternoon excursions or free time to relax, swim have a spa massage or simply continue quilting. We may alter the programme in response to the weather or the interest of the group.
Saturday 11 August
Arrive Fiji.
Overnight in Nadi.

Sunday 12 August
Fly to Savusavu. You will be greeted with a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony.
Morning / early afternoon workshop: an introduction to the week.
Late afternoon: free to relax.
7.30pm: Dinner

Monday 13 August
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
After lunch you will have some free time for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing. Or there’s an optional visit to town, visiting the geothermal hot springs, local market and shops.
7.30pm: Dinner

Tuesday 14 August
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Tapa (decorate bark cloth) making demonstration.
7.30pm: Dinner

Wednesday 15 August
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
In the afternoon we will have a boat or beach outing.
7.30pm: Dinner

Thursday 16 August
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
Afternoon free
7.30pm: Dinner

Friday 17 August
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
7.30pm: Dinner
Finish individual projects; end with show and tell.
Afternoon visit to Vivili village for traditional meke (dance)
Final lovo dinner.

Saturday 18 August
Leave Savusavu and on to international flights.

Cost: $2180 twin share.
Includes domestic flight Nadi – Savusavu, airport transfers from Savusavu airport, 7 nights’ accommodation, all meals, course fees and excursions as listed.
$350 single supplement.

Partners welcome: $1200

Program Excludes

Comprehensive Travel Insurance.

Optional activities not listed on the program.

Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, massages, private trips.

Meals taken in transit at the airport.

International flights to Fiji.  We are happy to quote on these and book them for you if requested. Flight prices fluctuate according to demand.

» Make a Booking

Read more about Gloria’s last quilt retreat at Daku Resort, plus pictures of work created by some quilters, at our blog. Daku Resort Blog »

More of Gloria’s work
Click on the picture to see a larger image.

 

Detail from Mosman Art Prize winner "Out on a limb"

Kerrie Lester

In September 2011 I spent a week at Daku Resort with Kerrie Lester. My week was filled with painting, new experiences, laughter and relaxation. Kerrie is passionate about painting and passionate about Fiji. She is an enthusiastic teacher constantly encouraging and pushing each of her students to observe and interpret what they see. As a result my painting is vastly improved and I am now confident to plan a good composition, tackle figures in the landscape, and to use colour and texture more freely.
Christine Leaming

When I stayed at Daku resort I was able to relax and paint in a serene and stunning landscape guided by a professional artist who shared her knowledge with humour and patience, the friendliness of the management and the local people at the resort and in the town of Savu Savu enabled me to paint amongst them without intimidation or criticism  adding a wonderful new experience to my work which I will always remember with gratitude and a smile.
Robyn Dowell

Daku Resort was such a fabulous venue to paint and learn in a truly relaxing, and peaceful environment.  We were spoilt with a choice of beautiful locations within and outside of the resort.  Kerrie, our Art Teacher, was great, really helping me to find my own style and many new artistic skills.  I’ll definitely be back next year.
Karen McAllister

Loved the art course.  The fact that the setting was an authentic Fijian resort all added to the fun.  Delia went out of her way to arrange interesting and engaging things to do in our down time and there was never any time for boredom.  Will definitely look at doing more at Daku.
Carol Brenner

Kerrie Lester was born in 1953 in Sydney and has lived and worked from her Mosman studio since 1989. She is renowned for her distinctive stitched canvas paintings, and instantly recognised by her witty, colourful style. Her whimsical figures with sharp outlines range from virtual stick men to fully rounded portraits, all of them about to burst out of the canvas and join in with everyday life.

• Course fees
• Accommodation for 7 nights
• All meals at Daku Resort
• Domestic flight Nadi – Savusavu return
• Airport transfers
• Excursions as listed in the programme

Read more about Kerrie Lester‘s previous retreats at Daku – The Joy of Painting 2011
More – Figures in the Landscape.

Lessa has been entranced by the symmetry and balance of traditional quilts since she began making them. She plays with different blends of colours and experiments with background space within the boundaries of the mariners compass design, and her fractured circles are a fabulous mixture of whirling colours.

Her workshops are lively mixtures of technique, creative discussion and of course the sheer joy of sharing stories over a quilt. She will help you grasp the intricacies of each design with ease. Her many years of experience as a teacher has led her to develop a multitude of tips to achieve accuracy when piecing leading to easier assembly of pieced blocks in the final quilt. Students are invariably encouraged to achieve higher than their expectations through her patient and trusting approach. Her aim is for a stress free workshop which is fun while learning something new.

The course:
Lessa will teach traditional machine piecing for Fractured Circles and paper foundation piecing for the Mariner’s Compass. Students have a choice of one of these classes. Notes will be provided to both help during the course and when home to complete anything not finished. You will need to bring basic sewing supplies, fabric and a sewing machine (a very basic one is all that is needed – maybe even consider finding a second hand one). You will receive a list of materials to bring along with you.

Lessa Siegele is from Adelaide SA and has been actively involved in the Quilters Guild of South Australia since its inception in 1984 and is a Life Member. Her desire to spread the joy of quilting as widely as possible led her to establish Quilt Encounter an annual 6 day live in conference, which has been fully booked each year. In a voluntary capacity she has successfully managed this conference which features up to14 tutors from differing quilting disciplines for the past 19 years since its inception. As a well known quilt maker, teacher and judge she regularly travels throughout Australia teaching machine-piecing and traditional quilting. She has also taught in the USA and New Zealand.

Lessa was awarded an OAM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2002 for services to the art of quilt making as a teacher and to the community through fund-raising. This award recognizes her enthusiasm to organize and involve as many people as possible in furthering the art and craft of quiltmaking and her long involvement in coordinating highly successful fundraising activities for various charitable institutions in South Australia. Lessa was also presented with the Rajah Award at the Australian Quilt Convention in Melbourne in February 2007 for her Outstanding Contribution to Australian Quilting.

Programme
The programme is structured around morning workshops with afternoon excursions or free time to relax, swim have a spa massage or simply continue quilting. We may alter the programme in response to the weather or the interest of the group.

Saturday 2 June
Arrive Fiji – overnight in Nadi

Sunday 3  June
Fly to Savusavu.
You will be greeted with a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony.
Morning / early afternoon workshop: an introduction to the week.
Late afternoon: free to relax.
7.30pm: Dinner

Monday 4 June
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
After lunch you will have some free time for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing. Or there’s an optional visit to town, visiting the geothermal hot springs, local market and shops.
7.30pm: Dinner

Tuesday 5 June
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Tapa (decorate bark cloth) making demonstration.
7.30pm: Dinner

Wednesday 6 June
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
In the afternoon we will have a boat or beach outing.
7.30pm: Dinner

Thursday 7 June
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
Afternoon free
7.30pm: Dinner

Friday 8 June
Morning workshop.
12.30pm: Lunch
7.30pm: Dinner
Finish individual projects; end with show and tell. Afternoon visit to Vivili village for traditional meke (dance).
Final lovo dinner.

Saturday 9 June
Leave Savusavu and on to international flights.

Cost: $2180 twin share.
Includes domestic flight Nadi – Savusavu, airport transfers fro Savusavu airport, 7 nights’ accommodation, all meals, course fees and excursions as listed.
$350 single supplement.

Partners welcome: $1200

Make a Booking

Capturing the elements of nature requires a blend of technical skill and artistic insight – skill to capture the sky, the sea, the waves, the mountains and artistic insight to decide on the best approach. Do you want to portray the lazy heat of summer or the ominous threat of an approaching storm? Is your beach an inviting playground for children or would you rather capture an empty windswept ocean? Should you include the whole panorama that is in front of you or just the tiny detail of a snail leaving its trail in the sand?

In Elena’s course you will learn how to paint the basic elements of any seascape and landscape in a realistic style. She teaches you how to paint sky and clouds, and beach scenes with sand, rocks and a foam wash. This course gives you skills to capture the movement of waves with ripple effects as well as mountain landscapes with coconut trees and other vegetation. As a trained teacher with over 20 years experience, Elena is committed to bringing every student a greater awareness of their own abilities: “Teaching is not just about passing on a skill, it also involves building a student’s self esteem and confidence and overcoming any barriers caused by previous bad experience. It’s exciting when a student finally accomplishes something they have previously struggled with and it’s rewarding for me to know I have made a positive difference in someone’s life.”

Elena is familiar with the wonderful landscape and seascape opportunities in Fiji as she has taught a highly successful course there before. She took the group out to nearby beaches, into the gardens of Daku Resort and down to the town harbour. She will be using acrylic paint in Fiji but the techniques learned can be successfully applied to oil paints when you return home.

Each workshop is structured around a group demonstration of a particular subject followed by individual tuition. She will be covering aspects of art theory such as designing balanced compositions, blending techniques, aerial perspective and linear perspective, colour mixing, creating the illusion of texture, tone as well as the use of light and shadow. As well as these actual painting techniques, the course will also cover how to paint “en plein air”. That means painting outdoors on location and dealing with the elements. All painting locations are a short drive from Daku Resort, with shade trees to paint under and picturesque views. In the event of rain, painting will be done from the yoga shala at Daku Resort which has gorgeous views looking out onto Savusavu Bay.

“My trip to Fiji was amazing. I really enjoyed the togetherness of the painting group, the beautiful scenery, the staff at the resort, the laid back lifestyle as well as the opportunity to paint on location with Elena. She is a marvellous tutor, so patient and articulate, as she gave us the benefit of her experience. I never felt comfortable painting outdoors before and relied on my photos. But Elena has given me the incentive to give plein air painting a go with her easy techniques that would suit all levels of experience.”
Jenny Thomas
Queensland, Australia

“Thanks for your contribution in what was a fantastic experience. I have gained many more painting skills because of it and have a hoard of wonderful memories.”
Karen McAllister
Sydney, Australia

“My wife and I had a wonderful time at Daku and absolutely loved the warm weather and warm atmosphere of being part of “the Daku family”. I really enjoyed your workshop. There were many aspects of technique and composition that I learned from you that will put me in good stead as I continue my quest for self improvement. In particular, I now have a far better understanding on the choices of colour and how background, midtones and highlights evolve from the basic colour groups and must be harmonised within a painting. Whilst I understand now that I went to Fiji with inadequate tools as far as paints and brushes were concerned, I appreciate your understanding in that the issue was somewhat irrelevant as it didn’t prevent me from learning key elements of which I am now conscious I was lacking in. Considering I am self taught some of my directions in educating myself have been misguided so I really appreciated your sharing of knowledge and the patience you showed to the various levels of skill within our group. I know I can speak on everyone’s behalf in that we are all far better artists now than we were prior to your workshop. I feel really excited about further exploring the many techniques you taught me during the course of the week as I now have renewed confidence in my own ability. In some ways your tuition and guidance has been like finding missing pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. In the past this has caused me great frustration in trying to create simple shapes such as clouds, water and foliage. Consequently thanks to you, my painting technique no longer feels like I’m contributing to a confusing puzzle!”
Peter Edge
Melbourne, Australia

All skill levels are welcome from beginners through to experienced painters. Participants will be creating a new painting each day.

Elena Parashko is an award winning artist, teacher and writer from Sydney, Australia. Elena has received a number of corporate and government commissions with her artwork held in private and corporate collections throughout the world. She has been a finalist in the ANL Maritime Art Prize in Melbourne from 2006 – 2011 and in 2006 she was a finalist in Sydney Business Review’s “Business Woman of the Year”.

Elena’s artwork has been featured in Australian Artist magazine, Artist’s Palette, Australian Decorative Painting, Ocean, Fine Art and Decorative Painting, Honestly Woman, Finally at 40, Modern Home, Home Ideas and My Home magazines. Elena regularly contributes step by step painting demonstrations to the English magazine Leisure Painter. She is also the writer of a monthly series on learning to draw for Fine Art and Decorative Painting magazine in Australia. Elena is a contributing writer for the American magazine, Professional Artist, with a monthly motivational article for artists.

Elena is a trained teacher with a Certificate in Visual Arts, Bachelor of Education and Masters in Adult Education and over 20 years teaching experience. She also acts as an art therapist to intellectually and physically disabled adults. She sees her challenge as to inspire others, no matter their circumstances, through sharing her passion for artistic creation – the process as well as the product.

Elena’s artwork can be viewed on her online gallery at: www.elenaparashko.com

Programme

The programme is structured around morning workshops with afternoons for activities and free time to enjoy a spa, massage, snorkelling on the reef, relaxing by the pool or continuing to paint.

Saturday 1 September
Travel to Nadi and on to Savusavu
6.00pm: Welcome ceremony
7.00pm: Dinner

Sunday 2 September
9.30am – 12.30pm Workshop 1:
- How to use a viewfinder to select a composition
- Painting sky and clouds
- Blending techniques
1.00pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Coconut demonstration
Afternoon: Free time
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 3 September
9.30am – 12.30pm Workshop 2:
- Painting the view down a beach
- Perspective lines of waves
- Reflections in water
- Colour mixing
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: trip to Savusavu Town to see local market and shops
4.00pm: Tapa making demonstration
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 4 September
9.30am – 12.30pm Workshop 3
- Painting the view out to sea
- Ocean ripples and waves washing onto sand and rocks
- Creating the illusion of texture
1.00pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Beach / boat outing
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 5 September
9.30am – 12.30pm Workshop 4
- Painting a landscape with mountains, vegetation and/or flowers
- Tone
- Aerial perspective
1.00pm: Lunch
4.00pm: Walk up hill behind Daku (optional – pretty steep!)
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 6 September
9.30am – 12.30pm Workshop 5
- Adding figures and/or boats to a scene
- Light and shadow
- Completing previous paintings
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Free time
6.00pm: Drinks at Savusavu Yacht Club and dinner in town

Friday 7 September
9.30am – 12.30pm Workshop 6
- Use a viewfinder to choose and paint your own subject using elements learned in previous workshops
1.00pm: Lunch
4.00pm: Visit to village for meke (traditional dance)
7.00pm: Final lovo dinner

Saturday 8 September
8.20am: Return to Nadi and on to international fights.

The order of workshops may vary depending upon weather conditions.

Read a lovely account of Elena’s 2010 retreat written by attendee Karen McAllister at the Daku Resort blog.

Costs
AUD $2,180.00 twin share

Single supplement: $350
Non-painting partners: $1200

Program Includes

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures with private facilities.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
• Course fees.
• Lectures and excursions as indicated.

Program Excludes

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program.
• Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, massages, private trips.
• Meals taken in transit at the airport.
• International flights to Fiji.  We are happy to quote on these and book them for you if requested. Flight prices fluctuate according to demand.

View photos from Elena’s 2010 art retreat at Daku Resort. This is a small collection of photos taken by Elena and some of the course participants of the group painting on the beach, in the gardens, in the yoga shala etc.You’ll find more pictures from last year’s retreat at Flickr.