Artist in Focus: Rachel Ruysch
Tutor: Rachel Moore, print artist
Welcome to Artist in Focus! A series of relaxed monthly art sessions with VVH print maker and artist, Rachel Moore. Rachel introduces a mix of well-known and lesser-known artists working in painting, printmaking, textiles and sculpture.
In each session, Rachel explores a different artist’s story and work before leading three short, creative exercises inspired by the artist’s style. These sessions are all about loosening up, building on your knowledge, experimenting with new techniques and filling your sketch book with fresh ideas. Rachel finishes each session with a focused activity to explore on your own, helping you develop your skills, and spark new ways of thinking about art.
Perfect for all levels, Artist Spotlight is for anyone looking to give art a go, explore new techniques, expand their skills and knowledge, and fill their sketch book with fresh ideas.
In this session, Rachel explores the exquisite work of Dutch still-life painter, Rachel Ruysch, one of the great female painters of the 17th and 18th Century. Ruysch’s detailed paintings of plants and insects are absolute masterpieces, but look closer and she reveals nature’s imperfections, highlighting damaged petals and decaying leaves. Few of us can paint with the realism of Ruysch, but we can learn so much from her use of texture, contrast and light.
Ready to get inspired? Grab your materials and let’s create!
Preparation
Prepare your materials and find a sturdy table or floor to work on.
Video time
30 minutes
- Drawing materials - this could be charcoal, coloured pencils, coloured pens, pencils, paints or pastels.
- Collage materials - paper, magazines etc.
- Glue
- Sketch book or loose paper. You can even use lining wallpaper.
- The idea isn’t to buy lots of new equipment but to use what you have!
Artist in Focus: Arthur Dove
Don't worry if you missed the first session of the Artist in Focus series, you can catch up here and explore the incredible work of Arthur Dove, a pioneer of American abstract art!
