Before the age of photography, planning and keeping track of a garden required an illustrated journal to study the progress of heirloom varieties, pest control and crop rotation. These marvellous books are no longer strictly needed, but have the potential to be a beautiful form of art.

In this two-day workshop you will have the chance to experiment and create your own garden journal, by merging scrapbooking, sketch booking and mindful-journaling with botanical illustration and the ins and outs of your garden - whether that's your allotment, balcony, or back garden plot.

You will cover a wide range of skills including book-binding, creative journaling, visual elements that don't involve drawing as well as observational drawing and painting botanicals. A beginner will have the chance to test materials and learn new skills under guidance, while advanced students will have the opportunity to branch into their own creative practice, inspired by the course content.

Day 1: Book-binding, paper folds and creative, visual journaling.

Day 2: Observational drawing, painting botanicals in watercolour and creating eye-catching journal pages.

MEET THE TUTOR

Emma is an emerging artist and freelance illustrator who specialises in watercolours and portraiture and is known for her sketchbooks, which she makes through bookbinding.

Specialising in observational watercolours, Emma is passionate about traditional methods of drawing that are being lost as digital art takes the stage. This is visible in her work, which is inspired by the illustrators of the Golden age and is often referred to as nostalgic; reminding the viewer of their childhood. This impression is emphasised by the subjects she choses, which capture the wonder and curiosity of the world around her, with particular focus on British plants and wildlife.

Tutor: Emma Leyfield
Date & Time: Sat 31st May, 10am - 4:30pm & Sun 1st June, 10am - 3:30pm  
Venue: Spindle Studio, New Brewery Arts  

PRICE:   
Residential Option (including 2-night stay)  
£360 (£0.00 VAT)  
  
Non-residential Option  
£220 (£0.00 VAT)  

Who is this for?

All abilities welcome.

Please note, this workshop is for those aged 18 and over.  

What you will need:

All materials will be provided, as well as some garden specimens, however, please bring a selection of things from your garden that inspire you. Such as, cuttings, herbs, pressed flowers, seeds heads and seed packet.

You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio.

For more information:
Visit our FAQ page

Accommodation

You will be staying in our stylish accommodation on site. The Barrel Store accommodation will be reserved for students for the whole weekend and you will each have a room of your own. 2-night stay includes Friday 30th & Saturday 31st May.

An additional 1-night stay on Sunday 1st June is an optional extra.  

Catering

This weekend residential course includes breakfast and lunch as well as teas, coffees and homemade cake.

For your evening meal, you will have access to a fully equipped kitchen in your accommodation. Alternatively, we have a number of recommendations for eateries in Cirencester.

If you are attending the 2-day ‘Non-residential Option’ lunch on both days is included in the ticket price, as well as teas, coffees and homemade cake.