Prior to printing, vellum was the primary medium for manuscripts, religious texts, or works of art. Translucent, delicate and versatile, vellum is still loved by artists for its excellent archiving properties, but also for the light effects, and the intensity and vitality it renders to the subject. In botanical illustration, all these characteristics of vellum highlight the detail and elegance of plants at a level incomparable to other mediums.
Inspired by the history of vellum, literature and poetry of nature, we will celebrate femininity accordingly: with flowers, through art. Over the course of three days, we will slide back in time to discover the experience of vellum painting, at Cincșor Transylvania Guest House. This art retreat invites you to explore the definitions of femininity in relation to floral symbols and will propose, as a way of expression, the botanical illustration in watercolor, on vellum.
Irina Neacșu, designer and ASBA botanical artist, will introduce you, step by step, in the realm of botanical art. Starting with the conceptualization of an idea, you will gradually learn how to render complexity and depth to your subject. The workshops include sketching exercises, drawing and painting.
The retreat is suitable for beginners and intermediate students.
Monday, March 7: You will be welcomed by our guest with the traditional Saxon Cincșor pie. After lunch, the workshop starts at 14:00 with the introductory part: sketches, compositions, chromatic studies. You will learn how to translate a given concept into illustration, how to arrange the composition and choose the right colors. Before dinner we will have a Zoom conference with a special guest – an artist specialized in vellum botanical art.
Tuesday, March 8: After breakfast, until 13:00 hours, you will refine the details of your work and exercise shading drawing techniques. After lunch, starting from 14:00 hours, you will take your first steps in practicing watercolor techniques on vellum. The day ends with a gourmet dinner on the veranda of the former Saxon school.
Wednesday, March 9: After breakfast, you will finish your watercolor painting on vellum. The retreat ends after lunch.
* Registrations and payment for this course are made directly at our guest, Cincșor Transylvania Guest House, here.
Our workshops and courses focus on the study and research of natural subjects through various disciplines, such as botanical art and flower design, landscape design, cyanotype, linocut, ink and textile dye. In forms of short workshops, distance learning, summer schools, art retreats and long term courses, our tutors aim to investigate creative explorations and authentic approaches of urban and wild nature.
