Join artist and scientific illustrator Nicole Crosswell for Drawing the Bonsai at the peaceful Bonsai House at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt.Coot-tha.
This three-hour experience will be held in the quiet workshop space in The Bonsai House, which sits behind the Japanese Gardens. The small group will start with a 30-minute observation stroll, taking in the breathtaking forms, the history of care, and the delicate art of creating these trees. This is Australia's largest publicly owned bonsai collection, the oldest species being a Port Jackson Fig, established in 1941.
This walk around the Bonsai House will be followed by a 2.5-hour seated drawing session. The meditative sound of the bamboo tapping water feature can be heard in the background as we draw bonsai brought to us from the collection gardeners. We will explore fluid, loose lines and organic shapes with graphite, ink, and watercolour on various types of paper.
A deep love and reverence for trees, not theory or technique, is most important in creating bonsai. Nature is always our greatest teacher – it suggests beautiful forms and balanced shape of plants.” The quote by Masahiko Kimura, a master bonsai artist, is found at the entrance of The Bonsai House.
All art materials provided.
Bring your hat and water bottle, and please ensure you arrive 5 minutes early for a smooth start time.
See you there!
