Introduction to Nature Diaries
£270.00
Ability: All (beginners upwards).
Mediums: pencils, watercolour, pastels, gouache, inks.
Subjects: Nature, wildlife, botanical and wildlife drawing and painting, descriptive writing.
Aim: to learn how to experience the natural world as an artist and a writer. To learn how to interpret what you experience and record it in art and writing.
Objective: to reconnect with nature, calm the mind and to develop art and writing skills. To lose one’s self and take time out from the hectic world.
How does it work: A short walk on the moor, then back to the gallery/studio for lunch, then the afternoon learning how to keep a nature diary. More details will be provided when you sign up.
Cost: £270
Alternatively, you can pay over the phone or by BACs- just get in touch.
Your Tutor Cheri Hunston
Cheri Hunston is a fully qualified and experienced teacher. She has been teaching all age groups for twenty years. Consequently, she has a deep understanding of student needs and how to help individuals develop on their learning journey.
Cheri has been a professional artist for 12 years and has exhibited with the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour and the Society for Graphic Fine Art. Her work is in private collections across the world.
Cheri, also established Wildwood Art Gallery in 2017 from where she has supported West Country artists in their careers and gained a wide understanding of the art market and knowledge of art history. She is also a member of The Association of Women Art Dealers.
In a nutshell
Remember the Nature Diary of an Edwardian Lady and Nature Notes of Edith Holden? Did you know that Holden’s Nature Notes were written about and on Dartmoor? We will be retracing her footsteps, discovering what has changed and making out own nature diaries. Being fully absorbed in nature, using all of your senses and recording what you experience is the perfect antidote to our busy, stressful lives. It is true Mindfulness. It is good for the mind, body and soul. Not only that you will learn new skills at the same time! It doesn’t matter if you have never drawn or written before. A love of nature is all you need!
This workshop runs over 2 days. 10.30am-4.30pm. It is a relaxed and friendly group of up to a maximum of 5 people.
Who is it suitable for?
From complete beginners to intermediates. You need no experience. As it is a small group you will get one- to- one teaching.
What is the Aim of the workshop?
To learn how to be fully absorbed in nature, to see as a writer and artist. Learn how to identify plants and wildlife and use descriptive language and art to record your findings in your very own nature diary.
How does it work?
It starts with a chat- I need to ascertain what level you are then we go from there!
The mornings will be spent on a short walk on Dartmoor, taking photographs, sketching, writing notes and collecting specimens. We will try our very best to cater for those with mobility challenges. We have a break for lunch and then the afternoon is back at the gallery/studio to complete our nature diaries. More detailed information will follow in your introduction notes, once you have registered.
What Materials do I need?
Stout walking boots and warm clothing if it is cold. Waterproof coats. A camera or phone that takes photographs, a small sketch book. A thorough detailed list will be provided once you are registered on the course.
If have any further questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch
Register Interest or Join the Waiting List
You can let us know you are interested in this course and would like further details by e-mailing us or completing the form below
FAQs
How many people will be on the course?
Up to five people.
What do I need to bring?
You may like to bring your own packed lunch.
What do I do for lunch?
You may like to bring your own packed lunch which you can eat in the gallery, or there is a local park by the river at the end of the road.
There is a convienence store and a bakery in the village where refreshments or lunch can be purchased.
Alternatively, there are two lovely country pubs in the village, with gardens, should the weather permit and both are within walking distance of the gallery- but we would suggest you book in advance.
Is it okay to be a total beginner?
Most of the workshops and classes are suitable for ALL abilities.
Where courses are aimed for the more experienced this will be highlighted.
If you have any concerns and need reassurance just get in touch and Cheri will advise you.
How do I book?
You can book here on line at the top of the page or call us on 01822 258529 or 07718386580
We take card payments over the phone or by BACs. We accept most cards apart from American Express.
You could also send a cheque made payable to Cheri Hunston.
Can I reserve a place?
We will hold a provisional reservation for 24 hours if you give us a call or e-mail us. Otherwise please book online or by telephone..
You can reserve a place with a £100 deposit; the balance is due 12 weeks before course start date.
Where do I park?
Early birds can park directly in front of the gallery where there are up to three spaces on the road. Other parking is wherever you find it on the road.
If you are staying or eating at either of the two village pubs- just let them know and you can use their car parks.
How do I find you?
The nearest train station is Plymouth, which is 14 miles away. Wildwood is a 5 minute walk from the bus routes from Plymouth and Tavistock.
The bus stop is by Manor Garage at Horrabridge on the A386.
The buses are the no 1, 55, 56, X1 and are generally every 15 minutes.
Taxis are available from Tavistock town centre by the church and from Plymouth city centre or the Train station .
The nearest airport is Exeter Airport.
You can view maps HERE
View more about our location HERE
Where can I stay?
The Leaping Salmon have lovely rooms available with parking and is a short walk to the gallery
Copper Moor Holiday Cottage is a short stroll away
The Overcombe Hotel is a ten minute walk away
There are a number of Air B&Bs
What's the surrounding area like?
Beautiful! We are in a National Park.
From the wild Tors and Dartmoor ponies, to river walks, nature reserves, world heritage sites and local markets. There's lots to see and do here.
You can see more about our location HERE
What are the Terms and Conditions ?
Terms and Conditions can be found here
