Patterns in Nature with Lesley Wallington — SPIRALS (NEW!)

The living, natural world is incredibly diverse, yet animals, plants and minerals often share similar, underlying geometric structure. As well as defining shape, geometry also plays an important role in growth patterns and evolution. This workshop looks at the geometry that underlies some of nature’s simple and complex forms.  

About the workshop:

Day 1 will focus on bilateral and radial symmetry with butterflies and flowers as our subjects. We will look at how the geometric construction of forms such as snowflakes and sea stars is based on hexagons and pentagons.

Day 2 we will look at spiral patterns found in plants, shells and cones and will use simple geometry to draw logarithmic spirals with reference to the Golden ratio and Fibonacci series.

All processes will be demonstrated with easy to follow, step by step instruction. Over the weekend we will complete a beautiful series of drawings in graphite and the joyful medium of colour pencil.

Learning Outcomes

An appreciation for the complexities of natures’ designs and an understanding of the importance of symmetry and geometry in an organisms’ survival and evolution.

Basic geometry skills in constructing hexagons, pentagons and simple spirals.

Drawing skills with both graphite and colour pencil.

Experience/Pre-requisites: 

Suitable for ages 16+; beginners and all levels of experience. No special drawing, geometry or mathematics skills are necessary.

Materials List: A materials list will be sent to you shortly before the class begins.

About the tutor:

Lesley Wallington is a professional award-winning artist and tutor with more than 30 years’ teaching experience.  Through studies at the ANU with Noel Ford, her journey in water-based media has resulted in innovative approaches to her painting with competency across a range of mediums. 

With a background in Biology, Ecology and Mathematics Lesley brings together, in her work, a love of art, science and nature. As a teacher Lesley combines theory and technical advice with straightforward practical instruction in working with watercolour, gouache, pencil, ink and collage.

With in-depth knowledge of her mediums and extensive experience teaching all age groups and levels Lesley has the ability to inspire and direct a class while encouraging the unique style of individual students.

Artwork images: Lesley Wallington

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