Botanical Illustration Workshop at Port Eliot
A house party with panache
What one will encounter if you happen to stumble upon the Port Eliot festival is quite possibly one of the most magical weekends you could dream of. A divine collaboration of aristocracy, artists, musicians, bohemians and foodies at this rather fancy literary festival. The estate is decorated like that of a fairy tale, trees in the woodlands, hung with lanterns and birds, and river swims to die for. Padding out at dawn or dusk when the tide is high, with my feet gently sinking into soft spongey grass, and diving in through sparkles of light reflecting on the water. If that doesn’t sound idyllic enough, I happened to find an outdoor shower by the boat house, so indulged, just myself, L’Occitaine en plein air.
Camping with subtle flamboyance
For those wishing to stay for a long weekend, whether it’s a yurt, teepee or a regular tent, you can be certain many will be adorned with a certain sense of style. Persian rugs, tasselled lampshades, floor cushions, floral garlands and fairy lights; That is the theme for this festival. You wouldn’t expect any less, when some of the fashion industries finest, come along to hold wonderful workshops and give talks on an alluring world from costumes to couture. It’s very hard not to wander around the estate in a complete state of contentment walking from one inspiring marquee to the next. But all somehow in a very relaxed unpretentious way.
Erudite words straight from the heart
On a meander one could settle and ponder, listen to a poet or an author speaking quite profoundly from their latest book. Sentiments so fascinating as you’re walking on by you end up staying for the entire talk utterly absorbed. Settle on a lawn, and take in the atmosphere, learn something new.
Whilst in another direction children squealing in delight, with nothing other than the simplest of joy of throwing straw into a random gust of warm wind and watching it fly high in the sky. Forget the modern devices and phones for a weekend there is no need to be glued to a screen with this many visual delights and artists around every corner.
A cornucopia of wildflowers
One of my favourite areas was in the walled garden. Seafood, Champagne, gypsy jazz, sweet melodic singers and endless beds lined with an array of wild flowers. Benjamin Ranyard from Higgeldy Garden, created a generous display with vivid pops of blue Cornflowers, Californian Poppies, Dill, Fennel, Cosmos to name a few. What an expression of natural beauty this was to any aspiring gardener and most definitely Botanical Illustrator. These were the subjects alongside some snipped flowers from home for my Botanical Illustration classes.
Art in a Yurt
As always a rich diversity from the Fashion Industry, Scientists to even a gentleman who confessed to not actually being able to draw. Incidentally that particular gentleman, left my class not only with a beautiful drawing to be proud of, but also rather enjoyed the class and very much hoped to continue with his new found practice. As in all of my workshops, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and techniques. Beyond the secrets of just how I approach a new Botanical drawing, everyone somehow leaves relaxed and inspired. It’s not just about the drawing, it’s about seeing a beautiful world through new eyes and the art of conversation.
One last thought to leave you with, in the words of William Shakespeare…