Summer Art Safari: A Wildlife Art Workshop in Norfolk

Written by local wildlife artist, Martin Gibbons.

Hi, my name is Martin. I’m a wildlife artist based in Northwold, West Norfolk and I will be hosting a Summer Art Safari at Watatunga on the 16th July.

I’ve loved birds and wildlife for as long as I can remember, ever since my parents gave me a Spotting Birds book when I was nine years old. I am incredibly lucky to have a Job that I love, and even more lucky to work with like-minded people in the UK and other Countries. Over the years, I have exhibited at quite a few major art exhibitions, including the Royal Society of Marine Artists, the Society of Wildlife Artists, Explorers Against Extinction, Southern Nature, and The National Exhibition of Wildlife Art. I’ve also been honoured to be a finalist in Wildlife Artist of the Year.

Studying Wildlife in Its Natural Setting

My Art and workshops involve studying the animals, looking at anatomy and how they move, and trying to capture the essence and character of each individual.

At my wildlife art workshop in Norfolk, we will start with a brief introduction on the beginnings of wildlife art and how that influences us today. I will give a brief demo on how to quickly capture the essence of the animal in the field. We will then embark on a tour of the 170-acre reserve, looking for inspiration. Wildlife art is not always easy, but in my opinion, Watatunga is the closest experience you can get to an African Safari right here in the UK.

What to expect from this art workshop in Norfolk

As we explore meadows, woodland edges and open grassland, we search for subjects to draw. When we find a subject, I will guide you through your sketching, giving you help on scale, proportion, the positions of their limbs and ensuring the perfect balance is achieved in your sketch. This part of the workshop is about building confidence and learning to view the animals from an artist’s perspective.

After our tour of the reserve, we move to the lakeside BBQ area to develop your sketches further. A generous catered spread will then be supplied to fuel your creativity.

At the BBQ area, we will explore different materials and techniques that can be used both in the field and back in the studio. These include:

• Pastel
• Charcoal
• Coloured pencil
• Pen
• Watercolour

All art materials are provided as part of the art workshop.

You’ll begin by refining your sketches or working from reference material gathered during the safari, transforming your initial studies into a more considered piece to take home.

A Relaxed Creative Experience in the Wild

This summer art workshop runs from 16:30 to 20:30 (arrival from 16:00), allowing us to work during some of the most beautiful light of the day. As evening settles over the reserve, the atmosphere changes, wildlife becomes more active, and the landscape softens.

Guests are welcome to bring their own beverages, from prosecco to their favourite hot drink, to enjoy during the session. Still water and the buffet spread are provided by Watatunga.

Whether you’re completely new to drawing or have years of experience, this wildlife art workshop in Norfolk is designed to help you slow down, observe closely and reconnect with nature through creativity.