Transilvania Masterclass October 2024
Transilvania School of Botanic Art & Illustration at Copșa Mare, Sibiu, Romania
I am so excited to be teaching a masterclass in the art studio of James & Rachel de Candole's home in October 2024. Based in the village of Copșa Mare, Southern Transylvania, Copșa Mare is an area of outstanding natural beauty (AOB). Step back in time and enjoy the peaceful tranquility of this incredible place. We will collect interesting autumn subjects to paint during the masterclass.
The area around Copșa Mare
The area of Copşa Mare boasts the most incredible scenery and walks. A beautifully rustic land where time stops!
Copşa Mare is an area of species rich grasslands, deep valleys and high forested ridges full of beech, oak and hornbeam. It is rich in flora and fauna, the perfect place for botanical artists to teach and study!
It is an exceptional place to stay. Food is grown and prepared by James and Rachel. They serve good regional wines, and have comfortable rooms to stay in.
James and Rachel de Candole - owners of the school
After 26 years in Bohemia, Rachel & James de Candole settled in Copşa Mare with their children and animals in 2015.
"We wanted to live in a quiet place, in hilly, open country good for riding. We have our own horses of various breeds and ages which we school classically."
Established by Rachel & James de Candole in 2018, the Transylvania School of Botanic Art & Illustration in Romania is a private, residential school dedicated to the observation, illustration and conservation of the grassland flora.
Mihaela the resident botanist
The resident botanist Mihaela Sava is creating a grassland herbarium for the school. She leads an international team of illustrators producing a field guide. I will be one of these illustrators in 2025.
For more information please go to: https://www.podart.space/herbarium
The Transilvania Florilegium books
James & Rachel de Candole own set number 19/150 of The Transylvania Florilegium books and during your stay with them, you will be able to study the remarkable works.
The two‐volume edition commissioned by HRH The Prince of Wales (HRH King Charles) features the work of some of the finest contemporary botanical artists. It holds a collection of watercolours that were chosen to record the flora of southern Transylvania. I can't wait to see them!
For more details go to this link: https://www.botanicalartandartists.com/news/volume-1-of-the-transylvania-florilegium-published
Copșa Mare, botanical studies schedule
Our week will include journeys through the grasslands with a botanist to help us identify species. We will learn about the plants and the habitat surrounding James and Rachel's home and collect specimens to take back to the room. The choice is yours!
Each day, Jackie will demonstrate techniques for drawing with scientific accuracy, composing your subject and painting it in fine detail. Jackie's demonstrations will help you to achieve realism in your work. All through the course you will benefit from Jackie's helpful guidance.
I love nature and can't wait to visit Romania!
Join me to study 'Natures Autumn Beauties'
Tuesday 1st to Monday 7th October 2024
Limited to 5 participants
• 6 nights of accommodation
• All food and wine
• Airport transfers
• Master class 5 days with tuition by Jackie and a local botanist guide
Link to materials list here
Contact James de Candole
to book and for more information
www.podart.space/masterclass
October is an Autumnal time, with some rainfall and temperatures between 12-15°C. In the evenings it can sometimes go down to 5°C. Please pack clothing that can be layered, bring good walking shoes and a warm jacket.