September 2024: During a recent art retreat, Dr Tanya Scharaschkin demonstrated how botanical science could be used to improve skills in nature journaling. Despite the wild (unprecedented) weather the four-day retreat was busy and rewarding for the guests who came from Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Tasmania.
From Maggie (Google review): Our tutor Dr Tanya was a great personality, an expert in her field. It was a superb Retreat!
Put your feet up – the retreat is fully catered!
Our Tin Dragon team of Christine, Graham and James were also kept busy catering for our guests. The participants really appreciated not having to worry about cooking and cleaning–well, that’s what a retreat should be!
Participants travelled from Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Tasmania to sample our unseasonal rain and wind gusts. Despite this, we stayed cosy in the Barn!
From Maggie’s Google review: Spent 4 nights in a 2 bedroom cottage for an all inclusive Art and Botany retreat. I couldn’t fault the whole experience. Accommodation was warm, all you needed if you were catering for yourselves. Christine, Graham and James couldn’t do enough for you. The area was picturesque complete with alpacas. We had superb meals.
Some of the botanical journaling activities
The comfortable seating at the other end of the room has a large screen. This is where Tanya gave two evening talks about scientific plant names and plant groups.
Looking at plants and animals and discussing evolution and ecology
When the wind died down and the rain stopped, participants were keen to get outside. So, this was the start of the nature journaling process. However, it was too wet to be drawing outside, too! So, participants collected specimens to bring back to the workshop for closer examination.
Nature journaling inspiration
Here are examples of observations, including drawings and notes, recorded by participants. Many participants had no prior drawing experience. So for most, this was their first experience of nature journaling.
From Tanya: I didn’t get to do much drawing while running the recent botany-art retreat, other than this one. There was a bit of time at the end of one day when it wasn’t raining and I could sit outside to sketch the cabin I stayed in.
Feedback from Madeline: Thank you, Graham and James for the most amazing time at Tin Dragon for the Art retreat with Tanya. From Vicki and myself. It was awesome – you guys (and the pup), the hospitality and amenity was incredible – what a slice of paradise (weather notwithstanding! But same same in Tassie at the time!!). Wanting to come back there as soon as – anything else happening please let us know. Tanya was great and all expectations met – I’ve let her know and shall relegate to family heirlooms the daffodil it took me 3 days to draw!! Oh my poor daughter!! My only beef was not being able to get into that kitchen and help with or do some cooking – I’m a bit of a tragic in that regard. Hope the weather hasn’t been too foul for you and hope to see you soon. I’ll try to be more au fait with booking arrangements next time. Warm regards to you all, Madeline
A wonderful place to run an art retreat.
I am looking forward to being back next year…yes, we are planning another botany-art retreat.
Thank you so much for running such a terrific botany workshop! Our plans for the next botany workshop will be released soon.