Landscape Painting in Tasmania with David Keeling 2025

LANDSCAPE PAINTING WITH DAVID KEELING IN RURAL HISTORIC TASMANIA (MARCH 17-23, 2025)

Join contemporary Tasmanian Landscape Painter David Keeling for a 4-Day Artist’s Retreat & Workshop in beautiful rural Tasmania

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

Spend four days at an Art Workshop retreat with contemporary artist and educator David Keeling 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 a visit to the artist’s studio in North Hobart and includes a four day painting and sketching workshop in beautiful rural countryside.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

David Keeling is one of Tasmania's most renowned artists, known for his innovative portrayal and unique usage of figuration and narrative in the Tasmanian landscape. As an artist, he made history by winning Australia’s most lucrative award for landscape painting, the Glover Prize, for the second time in 2016. Keeling, who lives and works in Hobart, said his winning painting is about slowing down and appreciating the beauty of place. “What has particularly fascinated me is looking deeper into the way the foliage and everything is put together. I want to go right in and understand the way the whole thing is put together.” He uses the artistic language of painting to describe the beautiful and surreal poetry of its unique environment.

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 four days, under the guidance of artist David Keeling, 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, David 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 - MONDAY MARCH 17 - 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 (included).

DAY 2 - TUESDAY MARCH 18 - RATHO FARM (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS)

After breakfast our driver will take us to David Keeling’s studio in North Hobart where you’ll meet the artist and get an insight into how he works. We will then head off to Ratho Farm for lunch, stopping briefly to photograph the famous Richmond . In the afternoon, David 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 and painting. (all meals included)

DAY 3 - 5 (MARCH 19, 20 & 21) - 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 David’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 - SATURDAY MARCH 22 - 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 - SUNDAY MARCH 23 - 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.