SUMMER SKETCH•AWay with Kirsten
BERMAGUI, NSW
DATES:
Friday March 12th. Saturday March 13th. Sunday March 14th 2027
(you will need to have completed an Erin Hill Intro Course beforehand)
COST:
3 days of organised locations, guidance and sketch tutoring
$220pp.
(No refunds if cancelled less than 14 days prior to the Summer Sketch-Away Weekend)
Bermagui, a town of natural charm, bursts to life in March.
This is when the Annual Sculpture Festival takes place - artists and art appreciators flock to the area, sculptures on the headland twist and shine in the sunlight, and the place is buzzing with creative energy.
The perfect time to visit!
Our weekend will be filled with a variety of sketch opportunities – at each of these Kirsten will introduce concepts and techniques, while supporting you to develop the skills you already have.
There will be time to explore the attractive shops, chat to the skippers down at the harbour, swim with the locals, sample the great cuisine and, of course, meet new sketchers and get to know regular ones even better.
WHATS INCLUDED:
• Four sketch classes, each covering a different topic
• On-hand sketch advice throughout the 3 days
• BBQ on Saturday night, catering for a range of dietary requirements
• Lots of time dedicated to admiring the sculptures on display
• A very good time with the very best of people – other sketchers!
WHATS NOT INCLUDED
•Transport
•Accommodation
•Meals and drinks apart from the Saturday night BBQ
•Personal spending
•Travel Insurance
ACCOMMODATION CHOICES IN BERMAGUI
There are many accommodation options, but we found one place that could host us ALL!
Staying close together would be a lot of fun, plus it means we could hang out and enjoy a sundowner together at the end of the day,
and perhaps a sunset sketch as well!
The Big4 Caravan Park is the answer here: it has options for every budget, from unpowered tent site through to 3-bedroom cabin, all set on a beautiful location overlooking Wallaga Lake. Plus the people who own are delightful.
But…if you’d prefer some ‘alone time’ there are numerous alternatives, and we’ve included a few below.
Do reserve as soon as you can as it’s the extremely popular Annual Sculpture Festival - could be tricky to get a place nearer the time.
• Big 4 Wallaga Lake
• Bermagui Beach Hotel
• Reflections Bermagui
• Seaview Beach House
• Ingenia Holidays Bermagui
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Friday March 12th
1.00pm: Meet on Payne’s Island, a little knob of land with a big history and 360 degree views.
Our first sketch, and a few fundamental reminders, will happen here.
3.00pm: Settle into your accommodation.
4.00pm: Hit the track! A short walk will take us to our next sketch location – a famous natural feature on the coast.
This walk is along the cliff-top and takes 20 minutes or so each way. The path is safe and well maintained.
6.30pm: Dinner at Octopii Restaurant
***
Day 2: Saturday March 13th
8.00am: Optional swim with the local open water swimming group – ‘the Blue Balls’
9.30am: Meet at the beginning of the Sculpture Trail.
Introduction (or reminder) of a great way to handle sketching the many sculptures and other attractions.
As we sketch, we’ll meander down the hillside towards the boat harbour. Enjoy a lunch of fish and chips (perhaps topped off with an excellent locally-made gelato)
1.00pm: Congregate down at the harbour for the afternoon class.
3.00pm: Free time to explore the town.
6.30pm: Meet at the Big4 Caravan Park for our Get-Together BBQ – we'll be preparing sausages and salads for everyone.
BYO drinks. Let us know any dietary requirements beforehand, and we will do our very best to meet your needs.
***
Day 3: Sunday 16th August
9.00am: Check-out of your accommodation.
9.30am: Meet at the famous ‘Blue Pool’ for a very cool (in both senses) watercolour session.
There are a few steps down to the pool, but if you don’t feel like tackling them, you can sketch from the top.
Kirsten will lead you through some pointers on capturing a sea-scape from above.
12.30pm: Back into town for a relaxed lunch on the deck of the Bermagui Beach Hotel.
***
Free time activities
• Browse the shops and gallery
• Swim with Blue Balls at Horseshoe Bay - 8am Sat
• Beach and wetland walks
• Kayaking on Wallaga Lake (kayaks available in the Big4 Caravan Park)
• Sign up for a tour of the Montreal Goldfield on Friday morning, or Sunday afternoon.
The Goldfields are located right next to the Big4 Caravan Park
SKETCH KIT:
You will only need the colours that Erin Hill uses, or similar.
https://erinhillsketching.com/the-sketch-kit
Any size sketch book you like – but I recommend following Erin’s suggestions in the sketch kit link above.
We don’t need many sketch materials to create a loose, fun, bright sketch of the places that we see.