‘FORCES OF NATURE’
by artist Tiana Marie
RUSKIN MUSEUM, YEWDALE ROAD, CONISTON, CUMBRIA LA21 8DU
 Saturday 19th October – Sunday 24th November 2019
Opening Times: Daily 10.00am - 4.30pm until 10th Nov
Winter Opening Times: Daily 10.30am - 3.30pm. Closed on Mondays
Tel: 01539 441164

This exhibition – “Forces of Nature" celebrates John Ruskin's bicentenary year, exploring the innate unity of the elements of life; earth, air, fire, water and ether, in the natural world as these elemental forces co-operate to create the forms of Nature that we see around us in mountain, lake, cloud and wind.

The English Lake District is the perfect place to observe the workings of the forces of Nature in these present times as Ruskin’s 19th century “Storm Cloud” of industrial pollution becomes today’s climate change emergency.
​
This thought-provoking exhibition consists of watercolours and mixed media paintings in a range of sizes with portfolio collectibles.

John Ruskin has always been an influence on my artistic practice as a painter of the force of nature. His way of seeing the natural world not only as an observer, but with a poet’s soul, has been an inspiration to me and a guiding light to the heart of things.

He helps the viewer to ‘see clearly’ both the seen and the unseen, that is to say, ‘the spirit which moves all things,’ that which lies beneath an object, a life-force of elemental power that speaks the truth of nature.

No one has written with such clarity, from the seeing eye of the heart about the majesty and glory of the natural world as this man. His great masterpiece, ‘Modern Painters’, will continue to be a significant treatise, of value to art and artists for generations to come.

Art indeed is praise to life, and is a natural practice in the worship of nature. Ruskin encouraged student artists to study the dawn each day as an exercise ‘to calm and purify’ the mind of unwanted thoughts, a wonderful antidote to depressed spirits, to feel the power of a new dawn each day, and benefit from the light of nature for wellbeing.

His prescription for observing nature will continue to enhance the lives, not only of artists, but also of those who consider themselves non-artists.
​
Seeing truly – ‘The sight is more important than the drawing.’ – John Ruskin

Welcome

If you have always wanted to explore your creative spirit or wish to get back into art practice then come along to one of my classes. The courses are open to all, from the beginner and intermediate to the more experienced artist.

Study Breaks

I offer new ways to expand your creativity on residential Study Breaks at Higham Hall in the English Lake District, near Bassenthwaite Lake. You can also attend as a non-resident if you live in Cumbria. Find out more about my courses, on my Art Holidays page. 
​
Weekly Classes & Workshops

If you live in Cumbria or Lancashire, you can attend my Rainbow Paintbox series of workshops. I will be also holding regular classes and workshops in Kendal and Windermere for inspirational painting. The art groups welcome new members, whatever level of experience to join a vibrant painting community in Cumbria, please register your interest HERE.

I have a wide range of knowledge in many media, using traditional and contemporary methods and have taught people from a variety of backgrounds. You can work with me in watercolour, acrylic, or mixed-media.
​
Gift a Creative

You may like to gift a family member or friend to one of my courses, to help them find their creative expression. Gift vouchers are available for Higham Hall courses for any amount. 

If you have any questions about my events, please do get in touch. All ability-levels are welcome on my courses.
​
View the courses page for upcoming events or keep up-to-date with the latest news on social media and follow work-in-progress from the studio.

KEEP IN TOUCH
​
FOLLOW my new portfolio of watercolours & oils from the easel.
​

Scroll down & discover...
Art Materials CHECKLIST &
Blog Post, 'Ruskin's 200th Birthday Party.'
​

Copyright © 2020 Tiana Marie. All rights reserved.

​

Friday February 8th 2019 marked the bicentenary of the birth of artistic polymath and social reformer John Ruskin. There was a wonderful church service held at St. Andrews Church Coniston involving local schools who have been working with Ruskin’s ideas. There was music, readings from his letters and the Ruskin School logbook detailing Ruskin’s visits to the children in the 1880’s. Hymns in praise of the natural world would have pleased him too.
​
Following the service flowers were placed on his grave in the churchyard and then everyone decamped to the Coniston Institute for a party to celebrate the day.

There were two birthday cakes, one from the Ruskin School, which celebrated Ruskin’s favourite colour, blue, and was decorated with an oak leaf design in homage to his love for the natural world and his connection to the arts and crafts movement of William Morris. The second cake, brought by Ruskin Friends from Brantwood, was presented by Blackwell Arts and Crafts House, was made by their pastry chef, and featured a re-creation of a painting of Coniston by Ruskin. The food was followed by an affirmation of the way Ruskin’s ideas regarding social reform are still central to the way the community in Coniston functions today. A good time was had by all.

I have always been inspired by Ruskin’s ideas and artistic vision, whose philosophy of “seeing clearly” is at the heart of my work as an artist. I am running a series of art workshops at The Coniston Institute & Ruskin Museum which aims to connect aspiring artists to the excitement and beauty of the natural world through the agency of “clear sight”. It is open to all, regardless of artistic experience. 

Visit my Art holidays page for information on residential study breaks in the Lakes.

Alternatively, go to my tutor page at Higham Hall or telephone Higham on 017687 76276 to book a place.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Tiana Marie Studios for more inspiration.

​

​Copyright © 2019 Tiana Marie. All rights reserved.

​