0
Return
Atelier aquarelle miniature

Inspiration

Welcome to the inspiring world of arts and crafts

explore, create, share
Oct. 2024
3 min.

With winter just around the corner, we decided to explore our creative side by participating in two arts and crafts workshops well worth your time.

Both offer a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life to focus on the present moment and seize the opportunity to unleash your creative and artistic potential.

Time to decompress, let go of your inhibitions, and express yourself!

Miniature watercolor workshop

We simply fell in love with the miniature watercolor workshop led by Nan, a Chinese-French watercolor artist who recently moved to Annecy, and whose art and brand, Nano Art, clearly embodies her passion for miniatures.

She teaches small groups using tiny materials and small-format paper: everything in Nan’s world is miniature, just like in the famous song from French singer-songwriter Jacques Dutronc!

For the workshop, we meet at a coffee shop In Annecy. At first she lays the Lilliputian-size materials on the table, provides a few basic instructions and recommendations, and then we begin.

Atelier aquarelle miniature

© Nano Art

“I adapt my workshops to people of all levels, from first-time beginners to people who already have a bit of experience. I do my best to make learning watercolor painting a fun, no-pressure exercise. The goal by the end of the workshop is for everyone to finished one or two pieces of artwork, with the basics in hand to be able to practice at home and want to continue to learn to paint with watercolors.”

We are pleasantly surprised to accomplish so much in just two hours.

Nan explains the basic skills we need to know: dry technique, which involves painting with a wet brush on dry paper; and wet technique, which involves painting on paper already wet. No sooner said than done, we start painting using the techniques she explained. Honestly, we have nothing to be ashamed of with our first mini-watercolor painting, and all feel at least a small sense of pride in the accomplishment.

Atelier aquarelle miniature

© Nano Art

Miniature format, minimalist compositions, and with a dash of poetry, Nan’s artistic world draws inspiration from natural landscapes and the great outdoors. In summer, she often teaches her workshops outside.

With Nan, watercolor painting becomes child’s play. Place this workshop at the top of your list of great activities to enjoy as a family or with friends.

Nan will be present at the Christmas Market organized by La Cordée Annecy on Thursday, December 5, starting at 17:30.

 

Practical information (she also offers the option of organizing workshops for small groups upon request).

My Nano Art

Instagram

Atelier aquarelle miniature

© Nano Art

A ceramics workshop

Build your house on an island!” With these few words, Catherine Dromard from Atelier des Annociades provides the theme for the day’s workshop.

“I encourage artistic expression through a given theme. I also help individuals with personal projects,” she explains.

Atelier céramique

© Catherine Dromard

After introducing us to the basics, Catherine shares her in-depth knowledge and experience, explaining the subtleties of handcrafted ceramics, from spinning on a potter’s wheel to other techniques such as coiling.

Everyone then takes their turn to experience the magic of using the potter’s wheel, the workshop’s indisputable centerpiece. By following the artist’s expert instructions, we learn to spin clay into our desired shape. What an immense satisfaction it is to create such a unique connection with a piece of clay that, just a few minutes early, was simply a block sitting on top of the wheel.

Atelier céramique

© Catherine Dromard

Shaping by hand offers the chance to be truly creative. We try different techniques, improvise, and experiment, exercising total artistic freedom to build a house on an island. The student ceramicists talk with and encourage each other, and Catherine provides advice with a watchful eye, and a kind, attentive demeanor. Time flies by, and the hour has arrived to clean up. We need to wait one week before continuing to work on our pieces of art.

Fully immersed in art and technique, this class offers everyone the chance to explore their creativity in the workshop’s bright, warm, and friendly atmosphere.

 

Practical information (open all year long, with workshops organized by request).

Atelier des Annonciades

Instagram

Atelier céramique

© Catherine Dromard

Photo credit top of page:

  • © Nano Art

Journalist: Aude Pollet Thiollier

Translation: Darin Reisman