Learn all of the foundation skills of nature photography and how to successfully photograph wildlife (from insects to mammals), landscapes and nature in general! Learn how to be technical and creative with your nature photography. Over four three-hour sessions you will learn in detail about: camera equipment, exposure, lenses, getting sharp images, light, composition, macro and close-up, flash, approaching animals and digital editing. Includes a hands-on practical session in the field to apply techniques. Please contact us if you have any further questions on requirements or details of the course. Refreshments are included for the program. Limited to 10 students.  Theory sessions: 19, 26 February, 5, 12 March (6.00pm - 9.00pm) at M16 Artspace Practical session: Sunday 10 March (8.30am - 4.00pm at ANBG) Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith  

Drawing is a foundation skill for almost all natural history art, from a quick field sketch to the most detailed illustration. This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to drawing with clear explanations of materials and techniques. Students will learn about line, value, mark making and shading and how to put these elements together in preliminary drawings. Using charcoal, graphite and pen and ink, we will look at basic shapes in nature, shadows, perspective and more. If you have always wanted to draw and not had the chance, then this class is for you! Drawing needs minimal materials, is the easiest medium to carry with you in the field, and helps you to enjoy the natural environment by looking with a purpose. Suitable for beginners and those wanting to revise their practice and build a solid foundation for their skills. Morning tea is available. 8 February - 15 March (6 weeks x 3 hour sessions).  Thursday afternoons 1.30 - 4.30pm.  Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to painting with watercolour. Through a series of exercises and projects students will learn about materials, stretching paper, different properties of pigments and basic techniques for applying paint to paper.  Suitable for beginners and those wanting to revise their practice.  4 February - 18 March (6 sessions x 3 hour sessions) Note - no class on 11 March due to public holiday Monday afternoons 1.30pm - 4.30pm Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith

This course is the second in a series of art courses and workshops focusing on threatened and vulnerable species of Australia. The long-nosed potoroo, brush-tailed rock wallaby and koala are all listed as threatened or vulnerable, with challenges including habitat destruction, urbanization, climate change and other threats. These 3 species live with the swamp wallaby in the Eucalypt Forest at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, where they are being studied to preserve their populations in future. This special workshop, led by local wildlife artist Emily Birks who is currently undertaking an artist's residency with Tidbinbilla, will explore the use of acrylic ink to illustrate one of Tidbinbilla's marsupials: the long-nosed potoroo, swamp wallaby, brush-tailed rock wallaby or koala. Emily uses acrylic ink for its vibrancy, water resistance and quick-drying properties. In the first week we will visit Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve in the south of Canberra to sketch and take reference photographs of our animal of choice.  Students will learn about the vital work that the scientists at Tidbinbilla are doing to preserve these species.In weeks 2-4, we will return to NatureArt Lab for tuition with Emily in the use of ink techniques, colour mixing and glazing to produce vibrant animal portraits. Participating artists will have the opportunity to enter final works into an exhibition at Tidbinbilla Visitors Centre gallery during August 2019. Suitable for beginners and intermediate level students. Tidbinbilla field trip suitable for all – wheelchair accessible paths. Shorter walk of approx. 700m (Koala Path) and longer loop (Peppermint Trail) approx. 1.8km return. Morning tea included for sessions at M16 Artspace. A materials list will be provided on booking. 22 March - 12 April 2019 (4 sessions) Friday mornings 9.30am - 12.30pm  Week 1: Field trip to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (students will meet at the Visitor's Centre at 9.30am).  Weeks 2-4: Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, ACT

Learn the principles and techniques of botanical art, in order to create a realistic botanical watercolour painting. You will observe and draw plants, looking at composition, tone and form, then bring the drawing to life using washes, glazes and dry brush work for fine details.  Suitable for beginners through to intermediate students. Morning tea is provided. A materials list will be provided on booking. 6 February - 13 March 2019 (6 weeks x 3 hour sessions) Wednesday mornings from 9.30am - 12.30pm Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, Canberra  

Insects have existed for around 400 million years, making them the most successful life-forms on Earth. Australia is home to an astonishing number and variety of insects - well over 80,000 species have already been assigned scientific names but the majority remain undescribed. Insects vary enormously in size, shape and colour, providing wonderful subjects for illustrators.  This six-week series of classes with professional illustrator Peter Marsack will explore insects and the ways we can illustrate them, concentrating on a variety of Heteropteran bugs to working across a range of insect families, some familiar and some less so. Sessions will look at understanding the structure of insects as a way of building up drawings and paintings; the use of magnification in drawing, the use of references, especially specimens and photos; and the process of rendering in pencil, ink (including scraperboard), watercolour and gouache. Demonstrations will form part of all practical illustration sessions.  Peter is an award-winning artist with extensive experience; he has drawn and painted insects ranging from tiny Collembollans to wasps, dragonflies, mantids and butterflies. Suitable for all levels of experience, though it would be an advantage to have completed Drawing 1 (or equivalent). Participants will have the option of working from specimens that we provide or developing artwork from their own references with expert guidance.  Refreshments provided; Materials list available on booking. Course dates: 4 February - 18 March 2019 (6 sessions) Please note - no class on 11 March due to public holiday Date/Times: Monday evenings 6.00 - 9.00pm Venue: Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith      

Learn how to use pastels and pastel pencils over a six week course with master pastellist, Ellouise Theron. Learn about the materials and techniques required to create textures and effects with small experimental studies, then progress to create accurate and dynamic pastel paintings using these techniques.You will focus on composition, drawing, the importance of value in a painting and colour theory. Students will be able to use their own reference material or tutor-provided reference.  Suitable for all levels of experience from beginners through to anyone wishing to revise their pastel painting. If you are new to pastels, materials are available from the tutor for an additional $40.00. Other students are welcome to bring their own materials if they already have pastels - and a materials list will be available on booking. Refreshments are included.  19 February - 26 March 2019 (6 weeks x 3 hour sessions) Tuesday mornings 9.30am - 12.30pm Venue: Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, ACT

Give the gift of art inspired by nature at Canberra's only natural history art school!   

Creating feathers and fur in colour pencil is both inspiring and achievable. Janet will teach different techniques with the colour pencil to capture the vibrant colours of the birds as well as the soft and bristly fur of Australian animals. Students will also learn how to infuse their drawings with life and personality, an essential element of Janet’s own artworks. Each day will have a different subject with all the techniques needed to continue your own artworks in the future. This workshop is suitable for all levels of skill, as Janet teaches with step by step demonstration and personal instruction.  A materials list will be provided on booking; refreshments are available. Please bring your own lunch on both days.  17 - 18 November 2018 Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am - 4.30pm each day Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith.  

This course is an intensive drawing weekend where you will be working with and looking closely at insect specimens from our beautiful natural history collection, with artistic guidance from accomplished artist John Forrester Clack. Through drawing you will be rendering as accurately as possible on to cotton paper tone, shade and texture using a full range of graphite pencils. This will demand a great deal of dexterity, visual concentration in looking and creative mark-making to explore these small and beautiful creatures. Students will have access to binocular microscopes and USB microscopes for observation. This workshop will offer two approaches to drawing - Day One will focus on detailed scientific approaches; Day Two will offer a choice of tackling the subject as a continuation of a detailed scientific approach OR to present an artistic portrayal in a large and flamboyant interpretation. Suitable for all levels of experience. A materials list will be provided on booking.  16 - 17 February 2019 (two day workshop) Saturday and Sunday 9.30am - 4.30pm Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith.

Slow down. Look at nature. Find your inspiration in the natural world. Join us for an inspiring, creative session where you'll learn how nature and art can be combined to create unique, beautiful and captivating artistic images. Whether you're a complete beginner or an accomplished artist, you will develop your skills of observation, drawing and appreciation for our natural environment.  You will be provided with your very own visual diary. Bring a pen, pencil or other sketching materials and enjoy some drawing and observation time!  Sunday 9 December 2018, 10.00am - 12.30pm Venue: Banks Building, Australian National Botanic Gardens Image: Julia Landford

This workshop is the first in a series of art workshops focusing on threatened and vulnerable species of Australia. The Grey-headed flying fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) is the largest bat in Australia, and is listed as a vulnerable species due to a significant decline in its numbers. Challenges include habitat destruction, urbanization, climate change and other threats. At the start of this workshop, we will visit the Commonwealth Park flying fox campsite for observational sketches and a briefing provided by local scientists. This special workshop, led by interstate wildlife artist Peter Wale, will explore the use of watercolour to illustrate a grey-headed flying fox. He will teach drawing skills and demonstrate the use of gestural drawing, drafting, negative space, composition and tonal values to create drawings which fully express the life and spirit of the flying fox. Peter will also provide tuition in the use of watercolour brush techniques, colour mixing and glazing to help enhance our ability to produce vibrant animal portraits. Participating artists will have the opportunity to enter final works into a NatureArt exhibition and display works for an information night on the Grey-headed flying fox to be held in early 2019.  Please note: Bookings must be confirmed by 15 February 2019.  Suitable for artists with some experience with drawing and use of watercolour. Beginners are also welcome. Refreshments will be provided; participants will need to bring their own lunch. A materials list will be provided on booking.  Dates/Times: * 5.30 - 7.30pm, Friday 22 February - Field Trip to Commonwealth Park; * 9.30am - 4.30pm, Saturday 23 - Sunday 24 February - Workshop Venue: Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith

This two-day workshop explores innovative ways to combine water-based mediums in painting. We will use watercolour, gouache, ink and gesso. Students will gain an understanding of the unique properties of each medium and how to combine them to create varied effects. We will follow different themes with step by step instruction towards a finished work.  The workshop is for intermediate students with some watercolour experience.  All materials will be provided. Refreshments are included.  Dates: TBC Day/Times: Saturday and Sunday 9.30am - 4.30pm Venue: Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 2 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith

Macro photography is the art of capturing images at high magnifications. This means making small things big in our photos, opening a whole new world of possibilities. This makes it one of the most popular and intriguing forms of photography. However, macro photography is also one the most technically difficult forms of photography. High magnifications, short working distances and shallow depths of field require very good technique and shooting habits to succeed. This workshop is a full day workshop (from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm) with theory and practical components covering how to achieve excellent quality close-up and macro photography, with a strong focus on nature subjects (insects, spiders, fungi, etc…). Among the topics that will be covered will be getting sharp, good quality images with the use of natural light, modification of natural light (diffusers and reflectors), fill flash and full flash. We will also be covering some digital techniques, like photo stacking to achieve great depths of field which is unattainable otherwise. Requirements include basic understanding of photography (at least on the use of aperture and shutter speed), having a camera (preferably DSLR) with at least one device to get macro (macro lens, extension tube, diopter) and a tripod. This is a great follow-up from the “Theory, Art and Practice of Nature Photography”. Date: Sunday 31 March Times: 8.30am - 4.30pm Venue: TBC  

NatureArt Lab offers a high quality educational art program for children, run by experienced science communicators and artists.  NatureArt Puggles provides content to support younger children aged 5-8 years. Discover and learn about nature through observation, drawing, painting, nature journaling and craft. Get to know the birds, insects, marsupials, reptiles and the unique Australian plant communities featured in the Gardens. We aim to support enquiry-based learning, outdoor activities, skills for life and an emphasis on the art-science interface! All art materials are provided and healthy refreshments are included. Dates: 29 January - 1 February 2019 Morning sessions 9.00am - 12.00noon Bookings must be received by 16 January (last minute bookings are not possible); only 15 places are offered per session. Cost - $50 per session  Discounted rate of $180.00 available for bookings of 4 sessions. Please provide the name and age of your child, and confirm which days you are booking. You will also receive a registration email with a booking form to be completed and returned to us prior to the program, setting out any special requirements for your child. Venue: Banks Building, Australian National Botanic Gardens

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Learn how to capture the unique character, behaviour and idiosyncrasies of birds with your photography. Muneer Al Shanti, from Western Australia, is renowned for his bird photography and the artistic and charismatic results he achieves. During this special four day workshop Muneer will take you through key concepts to help you improve your bird photography. Topics include lighting and time of day, exposure and getting to know your camera. The workshop will also cover how to choose ideal locations, composition of your images and understanding bird behaviour - all elements which contribute to stunning bird photography. The workshop will include in-class theory and practical field trips to Jerrabomberra Wetlands and the ANBG. The final session for the program will focus on editing software, principles and the basics of personal safety and protection of the environment when in the field. Muneer's approach emphasizes that bird photography is much more than just learning about techniques; bird photography requires personal effort and vision to transfer the experience of the captured moment to the viewer. Suitable for photographers with DSLR cameras with some photography experience. Refreshments available for morning and afternoon tea. Program includes four days 11 - 14 January 2019: Friday 11 January, 9.30am - 4.30pm (Studio session) Saturday 12 January, 8.30am - 3.30pm (Field work- ANBG) Sunday 13 January, 8.30am - 3.30pm (Field work- Jerrabomberra Wetlands) Monday 14 January, 9.30am - 4.30pm (Studio session) Studio sessions at Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT $490.00 APPLIES FOR BOOKINGS RECEIVED BY 16 DECEMBER: please use the following code when booking: MUN2019 Enquiries: info@natureartlab.com.au

Learn to see with purpose and enhance your enjoyment of nature! NatureArt Lab is organising this four-day workshop as an intensive class in illustrating birds for identification. The workshop will look at understanding the structure of birds as a way of building up drawings and paintings; the use of references ranging from field sketches to specimens and photos; and the process of rendering in pencil, watercolour and gouache. Sessions will include field observation and sketching at the nearby Jerrabomberra Wetlands. Demonstrations using gouache will be part of all practical painting classes. Participants will have the option of working from drawings of familiar local bird species that we provide, or developing their own drawings and paintings with expert guidance. The course will begin with the basics of illustration and move towards the more challenging task of showing birds in the natural environment. Peter is an award-winning wildlife artist with extensive experience; after decades of illustrating birds for identification he is now interested in showing birds in their natural habitats under a range of lighting conditions. Suitable for artists with basic drawing skills and experience with use of watercolour washes. Refreshments available for morning and afternoon tea. Program includes four days 7 - 10 January 2019: Monday 7 January, 9.30am - 4.30pm (Studio session) Tuesday 8 January, 9.30am - 4.30pm (Field work Jerrabomberra Wetlands and studio session) Wednesday 9 January, 9.30am - 4.30pm (Studio session) Thursday 10 January, 9.30am - 4.30pm (Studio session) All studio sessions at Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT $490.00 APPLIES FOR BOOKINGS RECEIVED BY 16 DECEMBER: please use the following code when booking: MAR2019 Enquiries: info@natureartlab.com.au

This four day intensive workshop with Melbourne-based botanical artist Mali Moir will provide an introduction to field collecting for herbaria and illustration purposes, and a detailed instruction on the process from collection to a finished piece of botanical art. Students will use plant specimens collected as the basis for detailed observations and artistic notes. Students can apply this information to the development of their final piece of artwork in their chosen medium - graphite, ink, coloured pencil or water colour. Learn how to make a quality herbarium collection in the field and how to progress from plant collection to finished artwork.  Mali Moir's 20 year botanical illustration career began at the National Herbarium of Victoria. She has exhibited widely in Australia and internationally and is the recipient of numerous highly acclaimed awards including the inaugural Celia Rosser Medal. Suitable for students with some drawing and observation experience with an interest in herbaria and fine art. A materials list will be available on booking. Refreshments will be provided for morning and afternoon tea.  Tuesday 15 - Friday 18 January 2019 (four days with a field excursion included) 9.30am - 4.30pm Venue: Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT $490.00 APPLIES FOR BOOKINGS RECEIVED BY 16 DECEMBER: please use the following code when booking: MOI2019 Enquiries: info@natureartlab.com.au