Nature Art and Botanical Drawing Retreat
Mixed Media Retreat: 3 Days / 4 Nights
Friday 6th – Tuesday 10th Sept 2024 (enrolments close 26 July 2024)
**Earlybird registration discount for art retreat enolments and full-payment before Fri 5th July 2024**
Nature Retreat
Are you interested in flora and documenting nature through drawing? Then you will love this unique opportunity of spending three days combining art and science with botanist and artist, Dr Tanya Scharaschkin!
Everyone can draw, given a little bit of time and guidance. So, you will be guided through the process of observing and drawing plants accurately.
You will learn lots of interesting and fascinating facts about plants, Australian ecosystems and general botany. In this nature retreat, Tanya will explain fundamental botanical terminology to help you identify plants and understand their basic biology. After the retreat, your new knowledge can be applied to gardening, revegetation and plant identification.
Tanya doesn’t expect you to have any prior drawing or botanical experience. This course will suit anyone interested in observational drawing and natural history illustration even if plants are not their preferred subject matter. By the end of the workshop, you should feel comfortable drawing and will have developed close observational skills. You will appreciate the beauty and complexity of plants in nature.
Where is the nature retreat?
Tin Dragon Cottages in North East Tasmania in the heart of North East Tasmania is a beautiful natural setting for a cosy creative nature retreat. So, you will find your “inner artist” in a relaxed, safe and creative environment. We are taking just 8 participants for this nature retreat with Dr Tanya Scharaschkin (minimum four). So, you can experience personal one-on-one tuition in our purpose-built workshop space.
Who?
The art workshop is suitable for anyone 18 years or older. The only thing you need to bring is enthusiasm. You don’t need prior experience. Regardless of your art ability or botanical knowledge you will find this nature retreat both very relaxing and exciting. In fact the retreat will be as challenging as you want it to be.
Although we are only enroling eight participants, we als0 encourage partners to attend. We won’t charge non-partcipating partners for the cost of the art tuition. Your partner may be interested in mountain-biking or near-by short walks?
What is provided for the nature retreat?
- Scheduled airport shuttle to/from Launceston Airport (or Launceston Transit Centre) and accommodation – (not provided for day registrants)
- Tuition for the three-day workshop
- 4 nights accommodation with a variety of cottages to choose from
- All meals from Friday night dinner to Tuesday morning breakfast and morning and afternoon tea/coffee each day. The final night will feature a river-side BBQ (weather permitting). BYO alcohol for the entire trip.
- Breakfast and dinner meals are not provided for day registrants
Accommodation is on site at Tin Dragon Trail Cottages. Ah Moy cottage can accommodation up to four persons (shared bathroom, 2 couples); Ah Ping cottage can accommodate up to four persons (shared bathroom, 1 couple, 2 singles); three studio spa cottages are for couples, or singles and the Settlers Hut can accommodate up to four persons in single bunk beds (shared bathroom).
You can provide the materials and equipment needed for the nature retreat or you can purchase kits from Tanya and your hosts when you arrive. (The list will be included in your information sheet, when you register your interest)
What is not provided for the retreat?
- Non-scheduled Launceston shuttles. We are unable to offer more than one shuttle on the day of arrival/departure. However, you are welcome to make your own way to Tin Dragon Cottages. But please let us know your travel plans when you register.
- Guests will need to provide their own lunches or snacks during shuttle transfers on Friday and Tuesday.
- Beverages. In general, guests are responsible for purchasing their own beverages, including any alcoholic drinks.
- Airfares
- Travel insurance
- Guests may book and pay for an optional day-tour with Pepperbush Adventures on the final day of the retreat. It is the guests responsibility to book and pay for this tour and to organise their transport to their next destination after the tour.
Retreats are as much about creating good memories as great art!
Art retreat itinerary
Please note that this itinerary is a guide only and may need to be changed to accommodate the needs of the group, our Artist or weather conditions.
Friday 6th Sept: Depart from Launceston to Branxholm by 13:30
If you are a live-in registrant, our driver will pick you up either from the Launceston Airport or from your hotel or from the Launceston Transit centre. From there we may take you on the scenic route to Tin Dragon Cottages, via a vineyard or olive farm, over the mountians or via the beach. However, the exact drive will depend on your preferences, group size and other factors.
But we should reach Tin Dragon Cottages in time for you to settle in to your cottage and be ready for a short tour. Your host–Graham–will take you for a short walking tour of our farm, including our renewable energy systems, Chinese tin-mining history and forest-bathing experience.
In the evening we will be serving Tasmanian wines and cheeses on the deck. Here, Dr Tanya Scharaschkin will provide a full overview of the art retreat workshops. Then during dinner you will have time to get to know Tanya better as well as your other art participants.
Workshop: Saturday 7th to Monday 9th September 2024
Each tutorial day begins at 9:00 and concludes at 17:00. Day registrants may like to arrive just before the start of the day’s activities.
NOTE: the art program is still being designed – so this is a prleiminary guide, only.
Saturday Day 1 What is a leaf?
Everyone can draw, given a little bit of time and guidance. We will start with basic drawing techniques using gum leaves as our subject matter.
Today, we will look at a variety of specimens to gain a comprehensive understanding of plant structure. You will gain an understanding of botanical terminology commonly used for plant identification.
Then we will go for a walk through a rainforest area and along the river with our sketch books to document different growth forms.
Sunday Day 2 What is a flower?
Flowers are beautiful and hard to ignore, but do you what the different parts are and what their function might be? We will dissect and examine a wide variety of flowers. We will learn how to dissect and observe flowers. Individual floral parts will be drawn separately and labelled with botanical terms. You will learn essential facts about plant life cycles.
We will continue building on our drawing techniques through the day. A major focus will be on shading and perspective. You will learn to draw more complex shapes and how to render a 3-dimensional appearance to your drawing.
During an easy bushwalk we will learn how to differentiate the major groups of plants (e.g., mosses, ferns, gymnosperms and flowering plants).
Monday Day 3 Drawing nature in nature
We will have a relaxing morning applying our drawing skills to a subject matter of your choosing. Drawing in nature involves sitting quietly and concentrating on something that has caught your imagination. And when sitting still, invariably nature comes to you (birds, insects, mammals, reptiles).
Your hosts will provide you with a yoga mat or chair, however you may prefer to bring your own outdoor chair or picnic blanket.
Optional evening activities
Depending on your level of interest – and if you aren’t too tired! – Tanya is happy to share the following with you:
Scientific names made easy
A slide show presentation will provide the audience with an understanding of scientific naming conventions and why names changes.
The right name? Understanding & verifying scientific names
A step-by-step process for checking the validity of plant names, using the Atlas of Living Australia website, will be discussed. The information can be applied to other groups of organisms (fungi, animals).
Botanical Art in the Digital Age: History and Relevance
Come share your thoughts about whether botanical art and illustration are relevant in this age of digital images. Learn about the differences between botanical art and other art forms.
Please email Tanya Scharaschkin at scharasc@gmail.com if you have any questions about her nature retreat. You can also learn more about Tanya on facebook, and on Redbubble.
Tuesday 10th Sept Depart Branxholm to Launceston. Today some guests will enjoy the optional tour with our partners, Pepper Bush Adventures Wilderness Tours– Best Waterfalls in Tasmania, leaving at 10:00. (Guests need to book any pay for this tour, separately).It is the guests responsibility to book and pay for this tour and to organise their transport to their next destination after the tour.
For our other live-in guests it will be a day of relaxing and exploring. Then at 16:00 our driver will return everyone to Launceston by about 17:30. (Departure times will be according to guests’ movements on the day)
Tanya Scharaschkin
Dr Tanya Scharaschkin is a botanist, artist and teacher. Tanya is intrigued by patterns in nature and is keen to share the beauty of plants that she sees at different scales as a botanist. Her artwork combines traditional botanical art with photography and digital art using a variety of media. She hopes her art will inspire others to not only admire plants but also develop an understanding and appreciation for the biology of plants.
Tanya is an enthusiastic and well-organised instructor. Her lectures, talks and workshops enable the general public to understand scientific concepts. Tanya conducts a variety of workshops as a way of sharing her enthusiasm for plants and bringing art and science together.
Academic background
Tanya was born and brought up in Pakistan. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and Zoology and a Master’s in Science degree in Zoology from Pakistan, followed by a Master’s degree in Vertebrate Paleontology and a PhD in Plant Systematics from the US. Much of her academic career was spent at Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane. She is now a free-lance botanist and artist, living and working in Collinsvale, Tasmania. Most of Tanya’s projects incorporate a botanical theme, although she has designed, made and exhibited mathematically-motivated quilts. Her artwork is held in private collections, in Australia and overseas.
Love of teaching
I conduct a variety of workshops for scientists, non-scientists and artists as a way of sharing my enthusiasm for plants. I especially enjoy communicating with the general public about scientific topics and exposing people to the sheer beauty of plants. I hope my art will inspire others to not only admire plants but also develop an understanding and appreciation for the biology of plants.
I learn a lot through teaching. I see it as a two-way process and I benefit greatly by the questions I get asked or from the information shared by others.
The most rewarding comments I get are along the lines of “I’ll never look at plants again the same way”. I really enjoy being able to answer people’s questions about plants and exposing them to subtle details. I find it so relaxing to sit and work on one thing and examine details. It is just lovely to share this style of drawing and observing and seeing others appreciate the beauty in nature.
Love for the Tasmanian Landscape
The natural beauty of Tasmania is just a constant source of inspiration for me. Even before I “became an artist” and well before I moved to Tasmania, I designed and created a quilt inspired by the colours of the sky, mountains and sea in Tasmania.
Book the Art Retreat & Workshop Holiday
Price: $1750 PP Twin/Share (Includes cost of workshop).
**Earlybird registration 10% discount before 5 July 2024**
Solo guests (entire cottage to yourself, 5 cottages): $2000 (per person)
Couple (in a studio spa cottage, 3 cottages): $3500 (per couple)
Twin/share (in Ah Moy or Ah Ping cottages): $3400 (per two persons, same room)
Twin/share (in Ah Moy or Ah Ping cottages): $1750 (per person)
Budget solo or share (Settlers Hut, 4 bunk beds): $1600 (per person)
Day registration (Incs lunch, mid-meals): $650 (per person)
**Non-participating partners save $400
**10% discount for registration paid in full on/before Friday 5th July 2024
Guests who are not taking part in the art workshop may like to view these suggested activities.
How to Book Your Place
When you have your group organised (or if you are coming on your own), you can book and pay for your place/s in the the workshop and your accommodation by clicking on making an enquiry (button below). Please note that a $200 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.
Of course, you are also most welcome to contact us to make a booking for you (stay@tindragontrailcottages.com.au; 040 750 1137). You can then pay on invoice.
If you are not ready to book, you may like to send us your contact details, so that you can stay informed about available places in the workshop.
Terms and Conditions
Payment
Deposit and payment conditions apply as follows:
- To secure your place you need to complete our reservation form. Then upon return email receipt of our invoice, you need to pay a $200 non-refundable deposit.
- 10% discount is applied to registrations paid in full on/before 5 July 2024
- The balance of the booking price is due on or before the 26th July 2024.
- Failure to complete the payment on time means your reservation will be cancelled and your $200 deposit (administration fee) will not be returned.
- Payment can be made by EFT (only). Details provided on the invoice.
Cancellations/Refunds
Cancellation by Guest
If you wish to cancel your booking you must notify Tin Dragon Cottages in writing as soon as possible. Once Tin Dragon Cottages receives your notice, cancellation will take effect subject to the following:
- Cancellation before 26th July 2024 – All payments less the $200 administration fee will be refunded or used as credit (less the administration fee) towards the cost of another retreat;
- Cancellation from 27th July to 16th Aug 2024 – 50% of payments less the $200 administration fee will be refunded; or 50% credit (less the administration fee) towards the cost of another retreat;
- Cancellation after 16th Aug 2024 – no refund and no credit.
No refund will be paid if you:
- voluntarily leave your retreat after it has commenced, including (without limitation) for reasons of bereavement, injury or illness; or
- are directed to leave by the retreat organisers due to antisocial behaviour.
Cancellation by Tin Dragon Cottages
If Tin Dragon Cottages must cancel a retreat for any reason you may receive a 100% refund, or transfer your booking to a future retreat. Tin Dragon Cottages will not be liable for any other participant expenses such as airline tickets, loss of work, and/or other costs associated with preparing for the retreat. Tin Dragon Cottages reserves the right to modify or adapt the retreat without notice in the interests of participant safety, because of adverse weather, changing government and health requirements, or other reasons.
