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| Irish Artist attends Bateman Seminar |
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Saintifield artist, Lorna Hamilton, has won a coveted award from a world respected organisation, Artists for Conservation. The AFC Conservation Artist Award is awarded monthly to honour one of their 500 members for outstanding artistic talent and extraordinary contribution to the conservation cause. Lorna, who recently exhibited in Castle Espie Wetlands Centre, Comber was delighted to receive it, "I feel honoured at this stage in my career to be recognised in this way. It has long been my desire to make a mark on conservation through my art but I feel I have still much to prove and I am excited to say this is just the beginning."
Lorna has just returned from Canada where she has undertaken a very special seminar with one of the world's most appreciated wildlife artists, Robert Bateman. Bateman, also a recipient of the AFC Conservation Award in 2008 led a Master Artists Seminar in British Columbia, Canada.
The week long seminar was attended by over 35 artists from Canada and America; Lorna was the only artist to travel from the UK to this prestigious workshop. The classes were held on the shores of Cortes Island, a small island east of Vancouver Island. ‘It was an extraordinary week; learning from Robert on a beautiful island, rich with wildlife and stunning scenery'. Lorna attended 10 hours of teaching each day; ‘the seminars were intense but very beneficial to my growth as an artist. I feel it was a unique opportunity for me. It is not often a person is able to sit under an artist with such a vast knowledge.' Bateman, now 80 years of age has been painting for over 50 years. He is recognised in all parts of the world to be one of the greats in wildlife art and conservation.
Lorna, who has been painting wildlife for only 5 years, has exhibited in some of the top wildlife shows in the United States. She has exhibited with Bateman before; indeed her paintings are exhibited alongside his in a private collection in the America. ‘I am overwhelmed by the appreciation for my work, I love wildlife and I love painting. I hope to be able to emulate Bateman's career in some way'.
Following the success of her solo show in April this year, Lorna decided to become a volunteer at Castle Espie. Lorna said, ‘I really enjoy being there and being part of the heritage led down by the great conservationist and artist, Sir Peter Scott. There is no better environment to be in, to live my dream of being an artist and reach my goal of being a true conservationist.'
Lorna will be competing for the overall Conservation Award at the end of the year. You can see the Conservation Artist Award by visiting www.natureartists.com or see Lorna's work at www.lornahamilton.com
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