Fiji - Painting in Pardise

Just back from an incredible week at the beautiful Koro Sun Resort in Savusavu, Fiji. I had a group of 11 participants for Botanical Art in the mornings and Travel Sketching in the afternoons. Some of the group became so engrossed in their botanical paintings they also spent the afternoons in the Workshop Villa. It is actually the Seaside Restaurant and the hotel gives it over to me for the week. It is the best location I have had for my workshops - a 180 degree view and ample room.

These are some views from the workshop villa.. It is a wonder we get any work done. What a unique space to be in.

Each morning at 10.30am precisely, a delicious morning tea was provided. A chef was appointed to prepare some delicious treats for us each morning, and these arrived still warm from the oven.

Some of the group enjoying morning tea

The group consisted on both absolute beginners as well and experienced artists, and I was amazed by what was produced. Most people explored the gardens and rainforests of the resort to choose their plants. Even though Cyclone Winston hit the resort in April 2016, the staff had worked tirelessely to have it back to standard for new guests. Nature did its part for us, and the trees that were ripped bare were making up for lost time by blooming profusely. Some of the gingers were produing up to five flowers from the top of the main stem.

Here are a few of the botanical paintings done in the week.

 

The resort is set between the rainforest at the rear and the lagoon and sea at the front. It is the epitomy of 'tropical' and I love every day I am there. This was my tenth year teachng workshops at Savusavu and each year I find new places to go. or to just relax in some free time and soak up the atmosphere.

It is extremely rewarding to be with such wonderful participants and to see what they produce for the week.

The resort spa. Enjy a massage while listening to the sounds of the waterfall

The infinity pool with sunken bar - just the place to watch the sun set.

We were so spoiled with the quality and presentation of the food in Koro Sun. Every meal was an absolute adventure. The chef's creations were not only totally delicious, but the menu was so well considered, that they was always something for any palette or even food intolerance (which seems to be more common these days). What we all appreciated was the serving sizes were not huge, and we always found space for dessert or a refreshing sorbet after mains.

So now I am back home and into my routine, which is working.........

Before I go I will leave you with a few images of the some of the group sketching in the rainforest, and the beautiful Mela, who does the best massages in the Spa, and is also an expert  on the medicinal properties of the plants on the island. She takes a Herbal Walk where she explains about the plants and their uses in traditional medicine.

So perhaps I will see some of you in Koro Sun next year - May 2017, for another extraordinary week. It is certainly hard to settle down to an 'ordinary' life..

Botanical Art & Travel Sketching in Savusavu, Fiji

I have just returned from an incredible week with a group of delightful, motivated and enthusiastic participants - drawing and painting the flora and attractions of Savusavu on Vanua Levu, Fiji. We stayed at Koro Sun Resort which exceeded all my expectations. This was my first time at this resort, but I have been going to Savusavu since 2006 and have taught many courses here.

The lily pond on Koro Sun Resort

Over water villas - the view from one side of our painting room

The staff were always smiling and could not do enough to make our stay very special. What can I say - fantastic service, food, accommodation and the most amazing area to paint in. We were able to use the Seaview Restaurant which was right over the water with an almost 360 degree view and windows all around. Tons of room for me to move around and for the students to spread out.

Our painting 'room'

 Here are a few of the paintings done by the class.

Jill and Ida's paintings

Margaret and Judith's paintings

Two of Pat's paintings

Some of the other subjects were of different heliconia species, vibrant and glowing red hibiscus and orchids. After some reconnaissance around the resort, I have recorded many plant and flower species that would be perfect for next year.

Some of the group were absolute beginners and had never done botanical art before. They greatly impressed me with their finished work. Every single painting done was worthy of hanging and will be admired by family and friends alike. 

There were excursions most afternoons, to  a waterfall, a village visit, herbal walks, into the rainforest, into the town to sketch and investigate the markets and shop.

Sketching at the Copra Shed, and enjoying fantastic icecream and smoothies.

Sketching in the rainforest

This was an incredibly successful art retreat. I will be taking another group same time next year. Did I mention perfect weather? Around 28 degrees each day, beautiful breeze, no humidity. At no time was anyone ever hot. May is almost into winter, with the least rain of the year.

Many of the ladies enjoyed relaxing spa treatments, such as the 2 hour banana wrap, scrub and massage. There was also the wonderful relaxing foot and leg scrub and massage. The spa personnel would come to the rooms to do this. Nothing was better than to enjoy this just before bed.

Some of the group enjoying morning tea. I am third from right, sitting at the table with a navy and white striped top.

The week finished with a lovo (food cooked in the ground) buffet and a very enthusiastic meke by the Fijians from a local village.

Local Fijian women at the meke, enthusiastically enjoying their national dance.

Until next year......

Fiji Holiday Sketching

This was my eight year teaching botanical art and holiday sketching workshops at Daku Resort in Savusavu, Fiji. The place is such a hidden treasure, totally uncommercial and it is a place where time has stood still.

 

On this trip I detected signs of Progress, which is not always a bad thing. Many new roads were being made, and road upgrades had also been done, making it a much easier trip from Savusavu to Labasa (the capital) which is 1-1/2 hours across the island. Previously at least half the road was dirt and rocks and  extremely rough.

 

The new roads were the first indications of developing infrastructure. Perhaps Savusavu and the island of Vanua Levu will not be hidden treasures for much longer.

 

A sketch of a few of the bures nestled amongst the tropical rainsforest

 



This is the northern end of Savusavu town. Not much has changed, but I think the future will bring many changes.
 

The weather was superb, except for the last few days when the tropical rain came down with gusto. Not cold - just wet. I get the group participants out and about as weather permits so if it does rain, we have experienced as much as we can on the fine days.

 

Global warming has even come to the tropics with unseasonal weather. Even the dry seasons can produce torrential rain and very hot days. Years ago I would go at a certain time and know it would be fine and warm for the week. Past years this has not happened, so I am prepared for all eventualities.

 

Here are a few of the students work from the week. Botanical art is done in the mornings and sketching in the afternoons. I am always thrilled with what is produced for the week, It gives myself and the students themselves a great sense of satisfaction.

 

If they only take back one or two pertinent elements of knowledge it is worth it - but I am sure they all learned a lot.

 

Not everyone who joins me on my workshops is experienced. I take all skill levels, so some of the students had never done botanical art before. You would be amazed with the standard of work.

 

Will leave you with three of the paintings, and a general overview of the rest.

 

The paintings of Helen, Carole and Annie

The group's drawings and paintings for the week



 

If you would like to read my Holiday Sketching Newsletter, subscribe by emailing leonienorton@iprimus.com.au and I will send you my latest issue.

 

Fiji in May

I will be taking a group to Fiji 11-18 May for a glorious week of botanical art and holiday sketching. The mornings are devoted to botanical art, and we paint from high on the hill in the yoga shala, with 180 degree views over Savusavu bay, Daku resort and the mountains. A soft tropical breeze wafts through the shala and it is the most incredibly relaxing experience.

 

The afternoons are spent at various locations such as beaches, visits to a Fijian village to experience traditional singing and dancing, town visits to shop, look around and sketch.

 

You can do as little or as much as you like. All skill levels are welcome and there is plenty of individual tuition and demonstrations. Non painting friends and partners are more than welcome and join in at all activities.

 

I have been doing this for 7 years now and have taught 17 courses there. The beauty and tranquility of the place is amazing. We stay at Savusavu in a family run resort. In Savusavu time has stood still in this hidden paradise. No hustle and bustle - just go with the flow. Still a few places left so would love to see you. www.botanicalart.com.au and www.holidaysketching.com.au

 

The evening sunsets are to die for
 

Some of the students paintings from last year

The view from the shala

 



Botanical Sketching

Having just finished publishing a sketchbook on Fiji, I thought I would share some of my botanical sketches with you. Again, these are quick sketches which capture the essence of the plants and other subjects.

 

Torch lily, hibiscus, leaves and coral

 

Butu seeds, an iridescent insect, crucifix orchid, a shell and coral



These studies are not all done at the one time. When I have some spare time I just sketch another one or two and add it to the page. There are so many exotic and colourful flowers around Daku Resort, or shells and coral found on the beach opposite the family owned resort, where I have spent a week and more every year since 2007 teaching both botanical art and holiday sketching. I am so fortunate to be able to travel and experience so many wonderful places and to share my knowledge with others.

Some hibiscus flowers and croton leaves, which all grown in abundance



I never tire of the beauty of the area around Savusavu on Vanua Levu, the second largest island of the Fiji group. It is definately a hidden paradise, with no commercialism, where the Fijians live as they always have and life plods along at a very relaxed pace. Visiting the small town of Savusavu is like stepping back in time.

 

More hibiscus flowers

 

Incredibly colourful heliconias and rare species of orchid are sourced from the resort and I bring in special plants from others gardens nearby and sometimes from the local villages. My painting groups produce some magnificent paintings.

Why not think about coming along on my next trip in June 2013. Perfect weather, perfect location. See www.holidaysketching.com.au and www.botanicalart.com.au and view some photos from previous trips and learn a little more about Savusavu.



Sketchbooks & India Art Tour

I have been working on various projects lately, but it has taken a little longer as I have been unwell - pleased to report I am now back in my stride. Was up this morning at 5.30am finalising my India itinerary for next year and also editing my new sketchbook 'Fiji Sketches 2007-2012', which I am self publishing, but only for personal use at this stage. It is not a particularly cheap exercise.



Yaukolo Beach on Vanua Levu

I have taken 15 art tours to Daku Resort on the island of Vanua Levu, which is the second largest island in the Fijian group, and an absolute uncommerical hidden paradise. I consider my annual trips a pilgrimage and I look forward to each trip, where I not only take the group around to various locations to sketch, but I teach botanical art as well. There are so many amazing tropical plants around Savusavu and I source some extra rare plants from the gardens of a local ex-pat, as well as from the resort.





Above is the sketch of a bure at Daku, which is the family owned resort accommodation, and it is nestled beside the calm waters of Savusavu Bay. Just a walk across to the beach to enjoy kayaking, a swim or snorkelling. Add to that the incredible Fijian meals, the relaxing ambience and the perfect climate. Who wouldn't want to spend time here?

In between all that, I have completed a sketchbook on 'Bali Sketches 2009-2012'. Bali is another destination I never tire of. There is always something new to see and sketch, but I love the temples and in particular the Gunung Kawi 11th century temple, with its moss covered bricks, its colourful painted wooden decorations and sculptures.



A protector at Gunung Kawi Temple. Sketch on handmade paper



INDIA SKETCHING ART TOUR 2013

I am very excited about my holiday sketching art tour to India in November 2013 which is 'Sketching the Highlights of India'. This comprises 13 days travelling from Delhi in the north to Cochin in the south and experiencing and exploring the culture, the people and the country. Details of this trip and an itinerary can be found on my website www.holidaysketching.com.au



Luxury houseboat at Alleppey where the group spends a night aboard



A traditional Kathakali Dance performance

What can be better than to create a visual souvenir of your wonderful experiences?

BOTANICAL ART

I have finished the last painting in a series on botanical art commissions on Australian native plants, and it is now time for me to begin work of my own. I have an incredibly intricate and beautiful Dryandra that is begging to be painted. Not being well does not inspire motivation. So now I have my mojo back I am itching to begin this new work.

DE-CLUTTERING

Yes, I have had to spend a few hours a day moving everything out of my office/studio, in anticipation of my new built-in office. I will be unstoppable then. I have two more weeks to prepare the room, or rather to have moved out my paperwork and art materials, computers etc and have all the current office furniture and desks removed and clean up before the installation. I can do it! For a while it seemed such an insurmountable task, but I kept picturing the finish result. At present everything I have moved out is now in the loungeroom.

I will post some pictures of this at a later date. You would think I was a hoarder if you saw how much I have kept in the office, but it is all necessary and all things I use on an almost daily basis. I have been very disciplined and thrown out things I havent used in years and not likely to use again. Isn't that when you are looking for that particular item that you no longer have?

More later.......