A Synergy of Music and Paintings

I am excited to be writing while interpreting the wonderful music of great composers such as Debussy, Ravel, Liszt and Chopin in paint. A challenging project, given that I have no formal musical education, yet as I listen, my spirit soars! Each piece evokes an element - earth, air, fire or water and my mind fills with images and experiences of nature.

This project came about because of a serendipitous meeting with Melbourne concert pianist, Elyane Laussade, in 2015. I happened to be standing amidst my work at Art2Muse gallery in Double Bay in Sydney, when she walked in, exclaiming her delight at my skies. She then related how that morning she had watched a beautiful array of clouds over the harbour and had wished she knew someone who could capture the moment on canvas. We instantly struck up an understanding, each recognising in the other a love of nature and the creative process. When she then suggested that we work together, I readily agreed.

So here I am now, preparing for our second collaboration - a concert series in which Elyane will play a program of Romantic, Impressionistic and Early Modern compositions accompanied by projections and an installation of my paintings.

As part of my preparation I have studied the composers’ intent for each piece, sought to understand the historical context within which they worked and listened to multiple versions with distinct tempos and stylistic interpretations. It has been a little head work and a lot of heart work. Mostly I have deepened my awareness to notice what each composition stirs in me and respond to that.

You can view the completed paintings here and if you are inclined to attend one of the three concerts in Melbourne in October, you can purchase tickets here. In true Elyane-form, a sumptuous meal compliments each concert and is included in the ticket price ($67-$85). The venue is the Laussade Studio in Doncaster East, an intimate space that seats only 50 guests, so we anticipate the concert will sell out.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, or glass of bubbly, I encourage you not to hesitate, and book today.

In addition to this work, I am preparing to teach several workshops, each designed to equip participants with skills to make the most of the Capertee Plein air Painting Retreat on the October long weekend.

The first, The Art of Composition, on 30 June, is a full-day workshop, suitable for beginners to advanced in any medium. I will teach, step by step, how to put together the essential elements of a picture so that its structure is both invisible and essential to the overall aesthetic and conceptual appeal of the picture. You can book in here. If you are a returning workshop participant, please apply the discount code IAMHOOKED!

Featured
Capertee Painting Retreat 2025
sale
Capertee Painting Retreat 2025
from A$260.00

Friday 21 - Monday 24 MARCH 2025

In the Capertee Valley, NSW

$730

$700 (Early bird before 1 Jan)

Capertee is an ancient valley west of the Blue Mountains and 70 km north of Lithgow. A dramatic mountain range surrounds the floodplain valley, affording wonderful views of the sandstone rockfaces and ridges.

In 2024 Corinne led a hugely successful retreat in the valley, with 8 participants, both new to painting and experienced. Everyone loved it so much that we’re doing it again! Be quick to book as spots will fill up.

The Capertee Painting Retreat is a 4-day plein air (outdoor) painting retreat in which you will develop your skills and confidence painting the landscape, in a relaxed and encouraging environment. We will also take time out to enjoy new friendships, our surroundings and the experience of disconnecting from everyday life. There will be time to rest, meditate, journal, bushwalk or just curl up with a great book.

As well as the tuition in painting, to develop your technique and assurance painting plein air, Corinne will introduce you to practices she uses to reliably connect with creative flow. The retreat will be based at Oska’s Cottage in Glen Davis. The property has excellent views and easy access to walks and painting locations. Once you arrive, you will have plenty of time for reflection, grounded movement and restoration to ensure you feel re-energised and grounded after the 4 days.

What’s included from 1.00 pm Friday to 2.30 pm Monday?

  • Catered lunches from Saturday to Monday

  • 7 Painting tutorials on aspects of painting plein air

  • Comfortable facilities and a beautiful aspect at base camp.

  • 2 Painting boards or canvases

  • Private feedback sessions

  • 2 Guided bushwalks near Glen Davis

  • 2 Guided meditation sessions

  • 2 Yoga sessions

  • Delicious morning & afternoon teas each day

Art Materials

BYO or Hire equipment (email for a comprehensive list)

Corinne has several easels available for loan.

Art kits, including acrylic or oil paints, can be hired for $140, book no later than 2 weeks before the retreat.

Kit contains: oil or acrylic paints, brushes, palette knives, a palette, solvent, jar, paper towel/rags, coloured/graphite pencil, clips, apron, baby wipes, viewfinder

Payment Options

Pay in full before 1 Jan 2025 for the Early Bird rate of $700, option of an initial deposit of $260

After 1 Jan, the one-off payment is $730 or pay in 3 instalments of $260

Accommodation On-site

You can choose to stay on-site at Oska’s Cottage or elsewhere, join in with the group meals or do your own thing. The house and decks, paddock and gardens overlook the stunning escarpment and afford shady painting spots. There is a fully equipped kitchen for meal preparation, a laundry and two shared bathrooms.

(Prices are for the duration of the retreat)

2 QB Room $290 - BOOKED OUT

Bunk Room $270 with 2 SB - BOOKED OUT

2 Paddock Tent Rooms each $110 - these are on-site stand-up tents, with single mattresses and power. Bring your linen, pillow and sleeping bag. They can comfortably be shared between 2 people.

Paddock Camping is $80 with your own tent or van setup. Power and water are available.

Please email or call Corinne on 0432 922 653 to book and arrange payment for the accommodation above as it is not included with your retreat fees.

Meals

All morning and afternoon teas and lunch from Saturday to Monday are included. Please bring your own breakfast food. Corinne will set up a private FB group for everyone to communicate about sharing the preparation of dinners…. who’s bringing which wine, etc.

Alternate Accommodation

Royal Hotel Capertee

Single, Twin Single, Double and Queen rooms are available from $90 per night.

Luxury Hosted Getaway - belle bois

Cooroongooba NP Campground or Glen Davis Campground

Cancellation

I reserve the right to cancel the workshop if minimum enrolments are not reached two weeks before the workshop date or for circumstances beyond my control. You will be offered placements in an alternative workshop or a refund of all fees.

As I rely on group numbers for this workshop, the following cancellation fees will be charged if you choose to cancel or do not attend:

·      On or before 6 weeks prior  - FULL REFUND

·      On or before 4 weeks prior - 50% of the workshop fee

·      Less than 4 weeks prior - 100% of the workshop fee

By purchasing this workshop you agree that you have read and agree to the above conditions.

Drawing or Painting Workshop - The Art of Composition
Sold
Drawing or Painting Workshop - The Art of Composition
A$165.00

During this workshop, I will lead you through practical exercises to understand composition and how to put together the essential elements of a picture. A poorly composed artwork will have little impact whereas a strong composition is both invisible and crucial to the overall aesthetic and conceptual appeal of the picture.

You will gain confidence to create beautiful drawings and paintings that evoke the meanings you intend.

Sunday 30 June 2024

At Corinne’s Workshop in the lower Blue Mountains, Jamison St, Blaxland, NSW 2774

9.30 pm - 4.30 pm

What’s included?

Art materials are supplied, however, you can bring your own sketchbook, drawing materials, favourite brushes or colours if you wish.

Lunch and refreshments throughout the day are provided, please email me if you have dietary requirements.

Mastering the Dynamics of Colour
Sold
Mastering the Dynamics of Colour
A$165.00

Have you ever wondered why certain colour combinations seem to vibrate or ‘sing’ together? Or why others just jarr, or look lifeless and dull?

This day-long workshop will unveil the mysteries of colour relationships. You will learn how to identify, mix and use different hues, colours, tints and shades with greater confidence. Corinne will guide you to arrange your palette effectively, to embrace colour schemes and understand the role of intensity.

Sunday 28 July 2024

At Corinne’s Workshop in the lower Blue Mountains, Jamison St, Blaxland, NSW 2774

9.30 am - 4.30 pm

What’s included?

Art materials are supplied, however you can bring your own favourite brushes or colours if you wish.

Lunch, drinks and snacks are provided.