Grampians workshop an interstate success
by Caroline Tang,
Wimmera Mail Times
26 September 2011
An inaugural Grampians Brushes workshop series was so popular that artists have booked their accommodation for next year.
Founder and co-ordinator Marion Matthews, a Wimmera artist said Grampians Brushes would be at Halls Gap again in 2012. Matthews said the scheduled dates for next year were September 8 – 13.
“Our first Grampians Brushes was great; we had 176 people enrol,” she said. “They came from all over the eastern seaboard - Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT – and South Australia. “Next year we will have some of the same tutors returning, who will take classes such as oil painting, watercolours, and print drawing.”
Matthews said many people had already booked their halls Gap accommodation in anticipation of Grampians Brushes 1020. She said this year’s most popular workshop were the watercolour classes.
“They produced some fantastic work and people are already talking about coming next year; it’s what we like to hear,” Matthews said. “Artists really enjoyed getting outside and painting in Halls Gap; it’s such a beautiful place.”
“It was great to see people out there with easels set up, although it was a bit windy some days.”
Matthews said artists also did classes indoors at locations including Halls Gap Hall.
She said participants were inspired by their tutors. “We had an extensive evaluation form and people talked about how caring, generous, supportive and encouraging the tutors were,” Matthews said.
“They also talked about how good it was to meet with other artists, like at our social events, such as the exhibition opening and dinners we had.
Matthews said the 10 artist-tutors, including Paul McDonald Smith, Vida Pearson, Janet Matthews and Robert Knight, found the Grampians an inspirational place to create art.
If you would like more information on the 2012 Grampians Brushes series visit their website. |
