Wildlife Art in South Africa

  South Africa

Kruger Park

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: September - November

Description: Observe the amazing wildlife and landscapes of South Africa in its beautiful natural surroundings, study artistic techniques for capturing the images, and unlock your talent.

If you have a passion for Art and would like the opportunity to observe South Africa's amazing flora and fauna in their natural surroundings and learn the techniques required for capturing the images and unlock your artistic talent, then this is the project for you!

Set within a private game reserve, you will be taking part in an exclusive and varied wildlife art course. The program is structured to enable you to appreciate the miracles of creation in the South African bush and to unleash the creative artist within.

During your programme you will periodically have the chance to work with the horses to further develop your artistic skills. Occasionally there will be outrides into the bush and the horses are used for the extensive studies of movement of other animals by horseback.

Highlights: The Wildlife art course is for anyone with a keen interest in art and caters for all levels of experience. The emphasis is on offering a unique African Bush experience where the focus will be on:

* Observing wildlife in their natural surroundings
* Capturing images on paper
* Exercises to help develop and improve skills
* Developing the creative instinct

During the course you will use a number of mediums, which include pencil, ink, charcoal and watercolours.

The course is geared towards a relaxed outdoor life style where people and wildlife mix freely. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet different people from different cultures and share their art styles, thoughts, ideas and experiences.

What does the Course consist of?

An introduction to the bush - the identification of animal and plant species, game drives and bush walks.

A foundation course - a series of exercises to 'see' differently; discover a new visual language, new ideas and true creativity. Exercises in this new discipline are ongoing throughout the course.

* The anatomy and movements of animals.
* Colour - as though seeing it for the first time.
* Drawing and releasing the artist within.
* Discussions and fun activities.
* Trips to Big 5 reserves and local places of interest, to inspire and express your individual style.

Programme Daily Itinerary

A typical day on the Art Course may consist of the following:

07.30 to 09.30am: 1st Art Session
09.30 to 10.30am: Breakfast
10.30 to 12.00pm: 2nd Art Session
12.00 to 03.00pm: Lunch and free time to relax
03.00 to 05.30pm: 3rd Art Session
06.00pm onwards: Dinner and free time to relax

Please note: This itinerary is used as a guideline only.

Daily Sessions

There are 3 tutorial sessions or activities included in the programme, these may include:

* Exercises: Various daily exercises to improve and develop skills.
* Bush walks: Learn more about animals, their movements, communication and habits Drawing different objects whilst out in the bush.
* Game drives: Appreciation of the well known as well as the seemingly insignificant creatures and plants of our bush.
* Lectures: Interesting facts on animals, trees and birds
* Formal lessons: Still life, animal anatomy, movement and paintings
* Colour: As if seeing it for the first time
* Discussion sessions: Talking about everyone's unique styles and experiences.
* Art history: From cave art to the modern artists
* Different mediums techniques: Learn to draw in pencil, ink pen, charcoal and water colours

Weekend and the Spare Time

This area of South Africa offers many opportunities to take part in a number of excursions, which would ensure that all African expectations are met. Being so close to Hoedspruit is a fantastic advantage on weekends. Volunteers visit the local bars and restaurants to relax, have a few drinks and enjoy the local food. South Africans are really friendly and you will find that you settle in quickly to the laid back lifestyle!

Extra Activities during your Stay

During your time at the project, you will have many opportunities to partake in the optional activities available within the local area. This is a great way to see more of your surroundings and experience adventures that will last you a lifetime. Some of these include:

* Micro light flights over local Big 5 game reserves
* Game drives on the adjacent private Big 5 reserves
* Two-day trip including a sleep out, game drive and bush walk on a private Big 5 reserve
* Two-day trip including a sleep out at a hide in the Kruger National Park
* Abseiling and caving
* Reptile park tour
* Daytrip to view the Panorama route
* Day trips to Kruger National Park
* Boat cruises on the Blyde River dam
* River rafting and tubing on the Blyde River (summer months only)
* Water sports (boat rides/skiing/tubing) and swimming at Klaserie dam (summer months only)
* Game capturing (when available)
* Lunches and suppers at the local restaurants and pubs

Please Note: All of these activities are at your own expense. They are extremely affordable and can be booked on a weekly basis.

Qualifications:
* Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participant's health.
* Must possess a willingness to learn and a love of nature and wildlife.
* Have a good sense of humor.
* Be respectful of foreign cultures and willing to adapt.
* International volunteers are welcome.

Cost in US$: From 600 GBP

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Twin Group - Work and Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement: To provide the highest quality and the best value services to students, clients, suppliers, agents and partners in the worldwide delivery of language courses, travel, training and employment services.

Year Founded: 1993