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Artist in Residence Gets Back to Nature

Artist in Residence gets back to natureArtist in Residence Gets Back to Nature is the story of how Herefordshire Artist, Richard Bavin, has completed a year’s residency in the heart of an ancient woodland and he is now sharing his experience through a series of workshops.

Richard teamed up with Herefordshire Wildlife Trust at the start of last year after discovering their beautiful Lea and Paget’s Wood nature reserve near Fownhope. He then spent several days each month immersed in the woodland, sometimes making drawings and watercolours or taking photographs and at other times simply observing the movement of light and wildlife. Back in his attic studio, these experiences become a starting point for oils and watercolours, each capturing a different character of the wood.

Richard is now launching a series of workshops at the wood and at other Wildlife Trust reserves around Herefordshire beginning with a drawing workshop at Lea & Paget’s Wood on Thursday 20th April. More details here.

Richard commented: “Trees have always filled me with joy and wonder and I can be absorbed for hours in simply looking.  Every tree, great or small, has its own character and presence, and walking in woodland is a deeply restorative pleasure in any weather. At each of the workshops, we’ll be joined by one of the Wildlife Trust’s Living Landscapes team so participants will gain an insight into the ecology as well as the beauty of each site – which should inform their work and make for a truly immersive experience.”  Richard also assures us that the workshops are suitable for all – including absolute beginners. “Anyone and everyone can draw – and the locations we’ve picked are truly inspirational.”

Richard Bavin will be exhibiting the artwork created during his residency at the Inspired by Nature exhibition running as part of the Ewyas Harold Festival of Arts 27th-29th May and at the Apple Store Gallery from 26th July to 26th August. More details can be found at www.richardbavin.com