The picture above was drawn a number of years ago now and it was fun to have a look at it again, the sketch itself was completed in water-resistant pen with watercolour washes added afterwards. But what does it have to do with visiting Staunton Country Park ?
As a younger artist and when I was very involved in a previous career, one of my favourite pastimes and forms of relaxation was to visit Staunton Country Park, which is located in Havant, Hampshire. There are many areas to visit at Staunton - a walled garden, the country park, a farm and one of my favourite places a Victorian glasshouse. There were many Sundays when I came and escaped there at all times of year and sat in the glasshouse sketching away and I am sure this is where my love of Orchids originated from.
My reason for visiting Staunton today was not to soley visit the glasshouse, but to view the rooms set aside for educational activities. I met up with the lovely Kerry who is the Education and Community Manager for the park. My friend Clare and I recieved a very warm welcome and a hot cup of tea on a cold but sunny winter's day.
Next year the Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust will be holding several of my art workshops at Staunton Country Park and the rooms we decided upon are light and airy with great character, in one of the buildings around the edge of the farmyard.
I am really looking forward to teaching at Staunton. As like the HWT Nature Reserves where we normally hold workshops, there is so much to inspire artists interested in illustrating the natural world. The first workshop held there will be on Saturday 23rd March 2013 and is entitled
'A Brush with Nature'. This workshop is always a popular one as it can cover a wide range of subject matter. The places are filling up fast and it is only December ! If you are interested in coming along please book a place with the Hants & IOW Wildlife Trust by following this link:
Hopefully a further workshop will be taking place at Staunton in May 2013 on the theme of butterflies and moths - watch this space !
In the meantime, if you would like more information on Staunton Country Park why not visit their web page: http://www3.hants.gov.uk/countryside/staunton.htm or visit them on Facebook:
Back to our visit, after we finished the meeting we took the opportunity to re-explore the farm, walled garden and glasshouses. My mind is buzzing with ideas for artwork, but at the moment the following images will have to suffice and will give you a good idea of how wonderful this place is.
Piglets under a day old !
Part of the farmyard
The Fern room in the glasshouse
The Water-lilly pool
looks like a lovely place Sarah,especially to work xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Claire, yes it is great. Looking forward to spending more time there x
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