Landscape Painting in Tasmania with Ross Laurie 2027

LANDSCAPE PAINTING WITH ROSS LAURIE IN RURAL HISTORIC TASMANIA

Join contemporary Abstract Landscape Painter Ross Laurie for a 5-Day Workshop in beautiful rural Tasmania (February 14 - 20, 2027)

A 7-DAY/6-NIGHT ART EXPERIENCE IN HISTORIC TASMANIA

Spend five days at an Art Workshop retreat with contemporary artist and educator Ross Laurie on beautiful Ratho Farm, a scenic hour’s drive north of Hobart, on the edge of historic Bothwell village in Tasmania’s central highlands. Tasmania, a land that has turned remoteness into an asset, is the second oldest European settlement in Australia after Sydney, and many historic buildings survive from the early 19th century. This creative adventure starts with an evening at Hadley’s Orient Hotel a heritage-listed hotel with two centuries of stories and includes a five day painting and sketching workshop in beautiful rural countryside.

ABOUT THE ARTIST - ROSS LAURIE

Outback Australia and it’s rugged landscape have inspired Ross’s large, chromatically warm and dynamic landscapes. Ross produces an impressive variety of images, from small charcoal sketches to densely worked studies in oil stick, to large oils on canvas.

Ross has been exhibiting in solo and selected group shows since 1981 in commercial and regional galleries around Australia. He was part of the group of 13 high profile Australian Artists who went to Fowlers Gap Research Station in 2012 with Artist Profile Magazine.

Primarily a painter, he has been teaching painting and drawing for 35 years. His work is a response to the country on and around his farm at Walcha, in northern NSW. Ross Laurie is represented by King Street Gallery, Sydney and Edwina Corlette Gallery in Brisbane.

YOUR HOST KERRI AINSWORTH

Kerri Ainsworth (set designer, installation artist and traveller), was inspired by her passion for art and travel to design creative adventures for people, like herself, looking for a more authentic and immersive travel experience. Her background is in film, television and events as a Production Designer, Artist and Creative Director. The scope of her practice included designing and project managing the fabrication and installation of large-scale artworks and environments for Special Events and Public Spaces. Kerri has a Masters Degree in Design from the University of NSW, specialising in Public Art Installation, Event Design and Sustainable Practice.

PAINTING & SKETCHING WORKSHOP

For five days, under the guidance of artist Ross Laurie, you will be painting and sketching directly from nature, on beautiful Ratho Farm. With its sweeping countryside, gardens and historic buildings, it’s the perfect setting for painting. During the workshop, Ross will show you how to capture the beauty of nature, while exposing you to a variety of ideas and approaches, with a mix of teaching, demonstrations and informal discussions on art over meals in the evening. Learn a new skill or develop new ones while immersed in the beautiful surroundings. All levels of experience welcome.

RATHO FARM - BOTHWELL

A rich tapestry of early Tasmanian history is encapsulated at Ratho Farm, one of Tasmania's oldest farming properties. Established in 1822 in the Clyde River Valley by a boatload of Scottish pioneers, Ratho Farm has played host to colourful characters from all walks of life from well known artists to bushrangers. The homestead is in a picturesque setting of English trees and hawthorn avenues, sloping lawns and graceful willows. The farm is on the edge of Bothwell, a small historic, rural village situated in the beautiful Clyde River Valley. In 1938 famous English artist John Glover painted Ratho Farm complex of buildings.

ACCOMMODATION AT RATHO FARM

The accommodation at Ratho Farm consists of several old farm buildings lovingly restored into stylish boutique rooms. Equipped with modern features but still retaining elements of the original masonry and carpentry, the result is a beautiful fusion of old and new. Each room has an en suite, a fridge, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. There are two Convict Cottages, the Bakery and the Verandah Cottage and the Stables featuring four one-bedroom suites downstairs in the Cookhouse (the Lounge, the Office, the Tack Room and the Master Bedroom), and two two-bedroom suites upstairs in the Granary Loft (the Attic Loft and the Chimney Loft). The Cookhouse kitchen is a common-area, and great area for guests to gather. On the banks of the Clyde River, dusk and dawn regularly reveal the resident platypus, or prancing peacocks and grazing deer along the riverbank.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14- HOBART (1 NIGHT)

Welcome to Hobart. Check into Hadley’s Orient Hotel from 2pm. Later that afternoon, guests will meet up with Kerri, your host, for a briefing, followed by a welcome dinner with Ross Laurie (included).

DAY 2 - MONDAY FEBRUARY 15 - RATHO FARM (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS)

After breakfast our driver will take us to the historic town of Richmond, famous for it’s beautiful bridge and on to Ratho Farm for lunch. In the afternoon, Ross will give a painting demonstration, walk everyone around the property to identify suitable painting locations and talk to you about the workshop, followed by an afternoon of drawing. (all meals included)

DAY 3 - 5 (FEBRUARY 16 - 19) - DRAWING/PAINTING (RATHO FARM)

After breakfast for the next three days, we will spend the day painting and drawing in the gardens, by the Clyde River and the surrounding countryside under Ross’s guidance. The workshop will consist of individual mentoring, focusing on your particular needs, throughout the day. Meals will be served in the Atrium and are all included. Drinks can be purchased on-site. (all meals included)

DAY 6 - FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19 - HOBART (1 NIGHT)

Guests will spend the morning finishing their paintings, followed by lunch, after which our driver will take us back to Hobart (90mins), where we will check into our hotel (Hadley’s). The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. At 6pm we will meet up and walk to Pearl & Co on the harbour for drinks and our farewell dinner (all meals included).

DAY 7 - SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20 - HOBART

Saturday morning is at your leisure where you are free to explore Hobart. We suggest wandering around the famous Salamanca markets or visiting MONA before you make your onward journey. (breakfast included)

NOTE: This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience.