Workshop Recap: “From Olley to Andamento”
Day 1: A visit to the Margaret Olley Centre at Tweed Regional Gallery
In November, visiting tutor Caitlin Hepworth led a workshop with a difference at Villa Rustica. Rather than spending all of our time in the mosaic studio, our four-day workshop began with a visit to the Margaret Olley Art Centre at Tweed Regional Gallery. Here, Caitlin introduced us to the compositional devices in Olley’s paintings and the artist’s distinctive use of colour.
After a delicious lunch overlooking the Tweed River and Mt Warning, we returned to Villa Rustica where a series of still-life arrangements had been set up in the gallery. An enjoyable afternoon of drawing exercises followed, allowing us to explore compositional ideas for the mosaic we would begin during the workshop.
A still life setting in the gallery.
Caitlin showed us a variety of still-life mosaics made by different artists for inspiration.
The still-life composition that was the basis for my mosaic.
Xanthe working on composition.
Deanne’s pomegranates
Preparing our colours.
Aside from the trip to Tweed Regional Gallery, my favourite part of the workshop was spending four days with like-minded, experienced mosaicists. With beautiful weather, we got to know each other over relaxed lunches in the Pavilion, and there was a really enjoyable, collaborative feeling in the group. Huge thanks to everyone who travelled from so far away, and special thanks to Caitlin for her generous teaching.
Here are some photos from the workshop and the finished works. (Please note that some of the finished mosaics are cropped).
Relaxing lunches in the Pavilion
“Thank you so much, Caitlin. I really appreciate your teaching, support and thoughtful comments. The more I learn, the more that is revealed to be learned and practiced.”
Our talented group coming from all around Australia: (from left) Tani, Lynley, Kate, Caitlin, Xanthe, Annie, Jane, Trish, Anne and Deanna
