Rosie Britton
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Welcome to Rosie Britton's Painting Site
West Dorset farmhouse B&B Residential Paintings Courses using Art and Imagework
The success of a painting is often determined not by asking questions such as "Does it look like a tree?" but, "How much authority does the work have? How much energy is there? How much imagination? Does the work move me?" Authority, energy, imagination, the ability to move - these do not come about by careful following of a set of rules and agonised attempts to 'get it right', but by the development of a free spirit and a brave heart. During the courses I hope to introduce students to valuable tools of Imagework that are similar to those of Creative Visualization, and to ways of drawing and painting that combine especially well with these. Imagework helps us to relate to ourselves, our environment, and our painting in deeper and excitingly new ways. Its fundamental assumption is that the unconscious mind has its own wisdom and that when we open ourselves up to this wisdom we can use the power of the images it sends us to become more fully our true selves, lead the life that is calling to us, and know what it is to feel that our creativity is "Not I but the wind that blows through me." So Imageworkers are concerned always with the process of becoming, of treating life as a journey, of following our own particular light.
With the aid of Imagework it is possible to develop a more meaningful relationship with Self and one's inner world, and this will give our work power and resonance, since our painting is a reflection of what we are. From that place Imagework helps us to reach out and achieve meaningful and fruitful contact with that which is 'Out There', and gives us something valid to say about it. In the process of putting the results down on paper or canvas, through Imagework we can gain increasing awareness and understanding of what we are doing, both in terms of building up our painting, and in learning to handle our media with greater sensitivity and courage. In doing all these things, Imagework calms our nerves, keeps us on track when we are in danger of being swept away by the complexity of the outside world or the demands of our medium, and helps us to resist playing games involving our own egos. Imagework brings us safely back to the essence of our subject, the innate character of our tools, and a deepened awareness of our relationship with them. In so doing, Imagework and Art unite to create works that express an increasingly profound knowledge and understanding of both our outer and our inner worlds.
Together during the course we will explore a range of materials that particularly lend themselves to this kind of approach, and our exploration will, I hope, provide enrichment for experienced painters and complete beginners alike. No one need fear that they lack the necessary expertise: all that is required to participate is a willingness to be open to new and exciting challenges, and a curiosity to see what comes of them! Rosie Britton Rosie holds a Diploma in Imagework from the Skyros Institute, and has made a special study of how the use of Imagework can help the artist to develop his or her creativity. Though primarily concerned with its use by painters, Rosie finds that the techniques of Imagework can be used to encourage and develop creativity in any shape or form, as well as providing a powerful tool for personal development. Dina Gloubermann, co-founder of the Skyros Institute, and author of "Life Choices & Life Changes through Imagework" has asked Rosie to write a book on this, which she is currently researching. Thanks to her use of Imagework, Rosie is now a practising painter living in a lovely farmhouse in West Dorset, where she also runs courses designed to inspire others. The Courses Gray's Farmhouse is situated in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in grounds surrounded by ancient wildflower meadows and woodland. There will be opportunities for walking, if desired, and a visit to the nearby World Heritage Coast may sometimes be included. Lunch will normally be at the farmhouse and supper at a local pub. Since it is hoped to do some work outside, participants are asked to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
All art materials are included in the cost. Just bring an apron or overall. Non- residential prices available on request. Please note that employers are sometimes willing to fund Imagework courses as part of Personal Development training, or you might be able to claim tax relief.
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