A busy and enjoyable Summer at WWT, Slimbridge.

Phew, just over a month to go on my posting as Artist in Residence at WWT Slimbridge  http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/slimbridge/news/2013/04/wwt-slimbridge-news/our-new-artist-in-residence-will-create-a-real-buzz/

I have had so much fun. I have met some lovely people.......those who work at Slimbridge, and visit Slimbridge - everyone has been fab.

                                                      ART FINISHED AT SLIMBRIDGE

Despite my many, many animated chats about all things arty and insecty with those who have popped by to visit. I have still managed to get some work done.......Microscopy art is my new thing and I have finished 2 pieces at Slimbridge.......

The first one is a study of the female worker honey bee (Apis mellifera) and the second, a study of insect proboscises. Really chuffed because the honey bee study is going in the Autumn British Beekeepers Association Magazine, as part of a feature on bee anatomy.

I have also completed a painting of a White Tailed Bumble Bee with a Papaver Orientalis

So I have finished some pieces that I am really pleased with........What else have I got up to????......


                                          PAINTING COURSES AT SLIMBRIDGE

Still have one to go, but the July painting course, " Butterflies, Beetles and Bees" was such great fun. The students were all lovely. We all spent a very relaxing day sharing insect and art experiences and stories and just being a little bit self indulgent. This is the photo of those hard working folks at their easels....

......and "wow" did they do some amazing work!!! I think I need to be worried about their worthy competition. Have a look at some of these great paintings.....

Cant wait 'til the next course, "Painting Pollinators" on the 30th August at Slimbridge, but not before I do my "Why are Insects Fab?" arts and crafts sessions with children at Slimbridge on the 5,6,7 and and 27, 28, and 29th August. Children will have lots of fun making their own bugs. We will be looking at my exotic insect specimens and also using magnification equipment to produce some fab insecty creations.....cant wait!!

                      ARTS DAY AT MUSUEM IN THE PARK, STRATFORD PARK-
                                    "Incredible Insects and Butterflies and Bees"

For those who can't make the dates at Slimbridge, there is a chance to come along and enter the secret and fascinating world of insects at The Musuem in the Park at Stratford Park. On Sunday 25th August, I will be based at the lovely Musuem in the Park. The morning will be dedicated to the children and kiddy insect art and the afternoon will be dedicated to adults and to producing something a little bit more scientific........   http://www.museuminthepark.org.uk/timetable.asp?qmonth=8&pid=24&pgid=527&menu=0 .......look forward to seeing you there!!....... 

How my Microscope will enhance my One Day Insect Painting Courses at WWT Slimbridge

After my Microscopy day organised by Cirencester Beekeepers, I have so much renewed enthusiasm and new ideas for my art!!

I found the day so interesting and, for the first time ever, I was able to see, with ease, what I always struggle to see with my own eyes when I am painting.

The clarity and detail that my microscope picks up is amazing and I cant wait to use my new found equipment on my one-day insect painting courses at WWT Slimbridge. It will also be fab to use with the children on their activities' too. For more info of my Slimbridge work as Artist in Residence this Summer, click here http://www.cathhodsmanwildlifeartist.com/recent-exhibitions/

These is one image that I took with my normal camera.....still have to buy the special camera attachment that allows you to take much clearer images and keep them for prosperity, but this still gives an idea of the excellent detail and magnification so far..... This is a honey bee head. You can see one of the secondary eyes on the right hand side of the shot. Its antennae are in the centre.  To the left of the shot is the start of the bee's proboscis....it's a lovely honey- yellow colour!!

Honey Bee - Apis mellifera head through a microscope.




The world of Microscopy

Cant wait!! Have just signed up to go on a Microscopy Course, run by Cirencester Bee Keepers Assoc
http://www.cirencesterbeekeepers.org.uk/

As my style of art work concentrates on macro, this is going to be perfect for me. Since starting a beginners' beekeping course in February, I know so much more about bees, but that leaves me still hungry for more....So much so, in fact, that my husband is getting me a microscope for my birthday!!

Bees are such intelligent, organised, strong and beautiful creatures, that it will be great to see them in more spectacular detail. These are the type of images I am hoping to see.....

 

All images taken from the internet

 

 

This extra knowledge and understanding of, not just bees, but all insects, that I will gain from using microscopy in my work, will hopefully improve the accuracy of my painting.