13 – 20 March, 2010

This art retreat will be an inspiring introduction to the art of capturing a likeness as well as the importance of realising a great painting. Jo will focus on the study of the individual, particularly the influence of environmental elements such as light and situation on the subject and their subsequent depiction. You will gain an understanding of how to record accurate and detailed observation, in their own particular style, from the beginning of engaging with the human figure with drawing and painting studies, to the nature of resolving a depiction of an individual in context. All students, from beginners to more experienced artists, will learn strategies useful to their ongoing portrait practice, enabling them to discover what the genre has to offer their own artistic education.

Jo Bertini is an Australian artist living and practicing in Sydney. Her work is represented by Tim Olsen Galleries in Sydney and Melbourne Art Rooms (MARS Gallery) in Melbourne, and her portrait work is part of the 2008 Inaugural Opening Exhibition of the Permanent Collection of the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. For ten years she worked and travelled throughout Asia, South America, Africa, USA, the Middle East and Europe before returning to Australia in 1991. She published ‘A Man and his Camel’ (UQP), resumed exhibiting and art studies at the National Art School (ESTC) and wrote a weekly art review for the Sydney Morning Herald Newspaper in 1995. She has been guest lecturer / teacher at many public and Regional Art Galleries, Colleges and Tertiary Institutions. She has had more than a dozen solo exhibitions of her work, since returning to live in Australia, including solo painting shows at Regional Art Galleries.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Saturday 13 March
Arrive Nadi and fly to Savusavu. The resort is 10 minutes from the airstrip, and you will be welcomed into it with a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony.

Day 2: Sunday 14 March
Morning workshop: introduction to the week.
Poolside lunch and coconut cutting demonstration, followed by a walk around resort gardens.
In the late afternoon there will be a tapa making demonstration

Day 3: Monday 15 March
Morning workshop; lunch. Afternoon visit to town, visiting the geothermal hot springs, local market and shops.

Day 4: Tuesday 16 March
Morning workshop; lunch. Afternoon beach / boat outing.

Day 5: Wednesday 17 March
Morning workshop; lunch. Free afternoon for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing.

Day 6: Thursday 18 March
Morning workshop; lunch. Later on we will have a beach outing and a sunset drink at Yaukolo, returning to Savusavu for drinks at the Yacht Club and dinner in town.

Day 7: Friday 19 March
Morning workshop; lunch. Later in the afternoon we will visit Vivili village to see a traditional Fijian meke (dance) and then have a final dinner at Daku.

Day 8: Saturday 20 March
Leave Savusavu. Return to Nadi.