Join artist Debbie Mackinnon for a 4-day Artist’s Retreat in beautiful, secluded Currawong on the shores of Pittwater (December 4 - 8, 2023)

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Debbie Mackinnon is a contemporary artist based in Sydney and the Central Coast of NSW. Debbie trained as an illustrator and followed a profession as an art director for London publishers Dorling Kindersley and Frances Lincoln and then as an author/designer of a series of award winning children’s books. Moving to Australia 28 years ago, she was inspired by the light, texture and colour of our rugged coastlines to take up her easel and paints once more.

Debbie lectured at Billy Blue College of Design for 15 years and now paints full time. Her work is in private collections around the world.

THE LANGUAGE OF LIGHT| TEXTURE | SPACE & COLOUR                                                            

Artist and teacher, Debbie Mackinnon will help you switch on your observational eye to find unexpected glimpses of colour, the effects of rapidly changing light and weather on land, sky and sea.

“Walking and drawing in remote places is a great way to connect with nature. Currawong has so many options for drawing outside - bush, coast, creek, all of which is flanked by a dramatic escarpment.”

THE WORKSHOP

The emphasis here will be on playfulness and experimentation including foraging along the shore line for natural materials with which to create “Nature’s Brushes” and a whole new kit of mark making tools. Debbie will show you how to prepare your sketchbook pages with mono prints and collage before making your marks. You will go home with a lot of experimental drawing tips and an understanding of how to expand your mark making repertoire with mixed media to create exciting artworks and sketchbook pages. This workshop is not suitable for beginners, but will help and inspire participants at all levels of experience, and encourage returning guests to push their craft further. 

ACCOMMODATION AT CURRAWONG

Enjoy this absolute waterfront setting in the stunningly beautiful Ku-ring-gai National Park, about an hour and a half from central Sydney. The accommodation includes the heritage homestead built by Dr Bernard Stiles in 1916. Originally called "Africa," it was later renamed "Midholme." You can also stay in newly renovated beachside cottages (built in the early 1950s), all with spectacular views of Pittwater. The price of the workshop varies, depending on your choice of accommodation. Midholme and the renovated cottages are more comfortable and upmarket, than the more rustic cottages, which have an internal shower and outdoor toilet. Currawong is unique and very private, as it is accessible only by ferry from Palm Beach.

Non painting partners are very welcome. There is plenty to do and see in the area from bush walking, tennis, reading or even kayaking.

4 DAY ART WORKSHOP RETREAT IN CURRAWONG BEACH ON PITTWATER DECEMBER 4 - 8, 2023)

DAY 1 - ARRIVE CURRAWONG BEACH (MONDAY DECEMBER 4)

Workshop guests will catch the 12pm ferry from Palm Beach, arriving for lunch at Currawong at 12.25pm. After lunch artist Debbie Mackinnon will outline what the next few days will involve, followed by a walk around the site looking at suitable painting and sketching locations. At 6pm we will all meet at the homestead for a Welcome Drink, followed by dinner at 7pm.

DAY 2 - CURRAWONG BEACH (TUESDAY DECEMBER 5)

After a leisurely breakfast, Debbie will spend the morning demonstrating how to to start a plein air painting using a limited colour palette. Debbie will assist workshop members individually throughout the day. At 6pm we will meet for sunset drinks and an informal discussion with the artist, followed by dinner.

DAY 3 - CURRAWONG BEACH (WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 6)

Today, after breakfast Debbie will demonstrate how to include collage into your work. The emphasis will be on experimentation and guests will continue to explore in their sketchbooks boards or canvases, inspired by the stunning local landscape. Debbie will assist workshop members individually throughout the day. Lunch will be provided on location. Relax in the evenings over sunset drinks and dinner.

 DAY 4 - CURRAWONG BEACH (THURSDAY DECEMBER 7)

Today, guests will continue to explore and experiment with their painting, drawing and mark-making, inspired by the island landscape. This afternoon will be spent finishing your work in preparation for a group review later in the afternoon. This is a chance to get together and see each others work for a group discussion.Tonight will be our last dinner together celebrating a shared creative experience and new friendships.

DAY 5 – CURRAWONG BEACH (FRIDAY DECEMBER 8)

On our last day, the guests will continue to develop and finish their drawings on location. The workshop finishes at approx. 3.30pm. There are ferries back to Palm Beach at 3.25pm, 4.15pm and 5.15pm.

Cost based on a minimum of 10 participants and a maximum of 12. Fully supported workshop, with one-on-one tuition. Non painting partners are very welcome. There is plenty to do and see in the area from bush walking, reading or even kayaking.

INCLUSIONS:

· 3.5 DAYS TUITION BY RENOWNED ARTIST/EDUCATOR DEBBIE MACKINNON

· 4 X NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION & 3 DAYS TUITION AT CURRAWONG (PITTWATER)

· WELCOME DRINKS

· ALL MEALS INCLUDED (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER, MORNING TEA)

· EN PLEIN AIR PAINTING & SKETCHING EACH DAY WITH ARTIST’S GUIDANCE

· PAINTING DEMONSTRATIONS                      

· INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS IN THE EVENINGS OVER DRINKS

· WORKSHOP HOSTED BY KERRI AINSWORTH (ART TRAVEL ADVENTURES FOUNDER)

EXCLUSIONS:

· TRANSPORT TO THE RETREAT

· ALCOHOLIC & SOFT DRINKS

· ART MATERIALS

· ITEMS NOT MENTIONED IN THE INCLUSIONS

A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT  OF $350 IS REQUIRED TO CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING

Art Travel Adventures Pty Ltd

Phone: +61 (0) 417 033233
info@arttraveladventures.com.au