FLINDERS RANGES ART WORKSHOP with Janet Ayliffe
7 days/6 nights, ex Adelaide

Trip grade:	Easy to moderate walking
Trip Dates:	14 - 20 April, 2012
Tour Cost:	$1,576.00 per person, twin/share
Accommodation:	Twin/shared rooms in comfortable shearing quarters with shared facilities
Maximum group size:	10

About the Flinders Ranges
The Flinders Ranges have inspired artists since the first European explorers traversed them in the 1840's. The shapes of the ancient ranges, the majestic river red gums and the ever-changing colours of distant hills and quartzite cliffs reflect the character of the Australian Outback. They are also home to a diverse flora, kangaroos, euros, wallabies, emus, colourful parrots, kites and eagles.

The Aboriginal people have lived here for thousands of years and left rock carvings, cave paintings and stone implements. Their dreaming stories still interpret the landscape in a mythical way. Europeans first settled the area in 1846 and there are picturesque stone ruins of the pioneering miners and farmers who have tried to live here.

Today the Flinders Ranges provide some of Australia's best semi-arid walking and their rugged mountain beauty continue to attract our artists and photographers.

We will stay in comfortable farm accommodation on a large Flinders Ranges sheep station and set off each day to discover the best sites for sketching and painting. This tour is suitable for beginners and for those with some previous painting experience.

About Janet Ayliffe
Janet is a noted South Australian painter, print maker and art educator who regularly exhibits her work nationally and internationally. Her work is displayed in public and private collections and in art galleries throughout Australia and in many other parts of the world.

To see some of Janet's work, visit her website at www.janetayliffe.com.au

Janet is also a highly regarded teacher, conducting courses and workshops at the Hahndorf Academy, and in Sydney and Canberra. During the Flinders Workshop, she will be giving daily classes and providing coaching in water colour, gouache and mixed media work


Our Itinerary
Day 1
We depart Adelaide at 8.00am and travel to Port Augusta. Visit the Wadlata Outback Centre for lunch and then continue through Pichi Richi, Quorn and Hawker to our accommodation near Blinman. There will be a sketching session near the spectacular Elder Range en route. Overnight: Shearers' Quarters (LD).

Day 2
Sketching and painting near Blinman this morning. Copper was discovered here in 1859 and there are some picturesque relics from the mining period. Overnight: Shearers' Quarters (BLD).

Day 3
Today we focus on the gorges - Parachilna and Brachina. Spectacular rock formations, native pines and huge gums. The colours change throughout the day, gaining intensity. We look for the rare yellow-footed rock wallabies this afternoon. Overnight: Shearers' Quarters (BLD).

Day 4
We explore the Wilpena Pound area, a huge bowl-shaped formation of red quartzite. Its ramparts are worthy subjects and viewpoints provide more artistic opportunities. Overnight: Shearers' Quarters (BLD).

Day 5
Today we will stay near to our accommodation, and with Janet's expert guidance, develop the ideas and sketches made over the past few days. The nearby hills and gum-studded creek-lines may inspire new works, and we can try some new techniques. Overnight: Shearers' Quarters (BLD).

Day 6
We have some options; painting The Bunkers from a high view point, traveling into Glass Gorge or Moralana in search of new sites, or taking an extended walk. Overnight: Shearers' Quarters (BLD).

Day 7
Leaving the Flinders Ranges, we head south to the beautiful Clare Valley wine region. Here we try to capture the gentler hills and autumn hues - and enjoy a little of the local product. Return to central Adelaide by 5.30 pm. (BL).