John Ruskin, Mer de Glace, Chamonix, c. 1844. The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust).

Celebrating Nature: From Constable to Contemporary

The Courtauld Institute of Art – This workshop explores the pioneering approaches of artists who have gone directly to nature to capture the sensations of light, colour and the elements. From awe-inspiring glaciers to joyful cloudscapes, artworks from The Courtauld Collection will be used to investigate our changing relationships with the natural world. We will discover how John Ruskin’s writings on art, life and nature anticipate our current concerns for wellness and sustainability.

Artworks by Constable, Turner, Monet  and Chris Ofili will illustrate the pleasure to be found in the details of nature, whether rocks or reflections. Participants can also try some of the techniques involved. A highlight will be hearing from award-winning contemporary artist Alexandra Blum about her unique approach to drawing the weather. 

This workshop is run by The Courtuald’s Learning Team and is free and open to students attending UK state schools and colleges only. Suitable for ages 16-18 (Y12 or equivalent).