One of the workshops that I love to teach is set in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, specifically, Nottingham Road. The landscape could not be more different from the Namibian Desert, with its lush acid green hills, cool mountain streams reminiscent of the English countryside.
This one started as a Plein-air workshop and is still loved for that but when it rains or when the winter chill sets in there is plenty of room to do life drawing indoors with a crackling fire. Necessity started this aspect of the workshop one very wet weekend and now it’s a much loved part of the program. Gesture drawing on the lawn after breakfast if the weather is good, before heading out for some Plein Air painting on the hills or river bank is also a great way to warm up. Plein Air feels like a kind of sport for painters these days, old French easels are being dusted off and carried outdoors once again and new state of the art Plein Air easels are being reimagined, crafted or manufactured.
Group critiques are held in the evening before relaxing by the fire brings exchanges, victory and defeat, tales of wind, dust, flying easels, snake spotting, falling in the mud, taking a dip in the river... You know the usual stuff of Plein Air painting? It’s not for everyone but those who love it, love it fiercely.
I try to do these three or four times a year, usually for a 5 day getaway and unlike Namibia, the Midlands are a few hours drive from my home town. I have another one booked for September, which I’m greatly looking forward to after many, long studio months recently.
You may view Dee Donaldon's work at Otomys between 10am-5pm Tuesday to Friday, or by appointment on Saturdays and Mondays.
