Life Drawing with Artist and Life Model Elsa Thorp
Celebrate the Spring Equinox with Artist and Life Model Elsa Thorp
This intimate, untutored life drawing session merges the human form with raw botanical elements, inviting artists into a space of shared contemplation.
Drawing inspiration from Ikebana and her photographic collaboration with Amaury Grisel, Elsa weaves her deep relationship with seasonal local flora into life modelling. Posing in harmony with fresh, structural blossom branches, she offers artists a unique study of fleeting seasonal beauty and human form.
About the Artist
Elsa Thorp holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland. After completing her degree in 2004, she took her cameras and her interest in black-and-white analogue photography to Berlin, where she experimented with self-representation through nature photography. Over seven years there she exhibited across Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Greece, before relocating to Melbourne in 2016. For more than twenty years, her life and art practice has centred on sharing her connection to nature through photography, botanical sculpture, collaborations that situate her body in the landscape, life modelling, and nature art workshops.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 (Spring Equinox)
Time: 6:45 PM – 9:30 PM (Doors open at 6:45 PM and strictly lock at 7:00 PM)
Complimentary Drink: Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine as you immerse yourself in the session.
What to Bring:
BYO favourite low odour art materials, we provide easels, paper, charcoal, pencils and erasures.
Tip: We recommend bringing a range of drawing materials, including black paper and white charcoal pencils, to fully explore the theme.
What to expect:
- An Immersive Gallery Setting: Hosted inside an inspiring local art gallery
- Striking Visuals & Artistic Set-Up: Featuring atmospheric lighting designed to accentuate the interplay of shadows, highlights, the human form, and botanical textures. Expect artistic, sculptural poses that blend the human figure with seasonal blossom branches inspired by the principles of Ikebana.
- A Relaxed, Untutored Space: This is an open, self-guided drawing session designed for creative freedom rather than formal instruction, allowing you to work at your own pace.
- An Intimate, Contemplative Atmosphere: Enjoy a warm, welcoming community vibe complete with a complimentary glass of wine to help you unwind and sink into your creative flow.
All Skill Levels Welcome: Whether you are an absolute beginner looking to try something new or an experienced artist refining your practice, this class is suitable for all levels.
Please note that the venue is accessible via stairs only.
Image Credit: Photograph by Amaury Grisel
Details
You will learn
- This is an open, self-guided drawing session designed for creative freedom, allowing you to work at your own pace in an intimate, contemplative Atmosphere. Students will be able to study the interplay of shadows, highlights, the human form, and botanical textures. Expect dynamic, sculptural poses that blend the human figure with fresh, seasonal blossom branches inspired by the principles of Ikebana.
You will get
- An open, self-guided drawing session designed for creative freedom, allowing you to work at your own pace. Enjoy a warm, welcoming community vibe complete with a complimentary glass of wine. Paper, charcoal, pencils and erasers will be provided.
Appropriate for
All Skill Levels Welcome: Whether you are an absolute beginner looking to try something new or an experienced artist refining your practice, this class is suitable for all levels.
Preparation
What to bring
- BYO favourite low odour art materials, we provide easels, paper, charcoal, pencils and erasures.. Tip: We recommend bringing a range of drawing materials, including black paper and white charcoal pencils, to fully explore the theme.
What to wear
Wear comfortable clothing, we suggest bringing an apron.
Your Teacher
For over 20 years, Elsa Thorp's art practice has explored her connection to nature through photography, botanical sculpture, body-landscape collaborations, life modelling, and workshops. By immersing herself in foraged flora and natural environments, her creative process beautifully blurs the distinction between plant forms and the artist's own body.
Elsa has participated as artist in residence in Béziers, France (2024), Tristinka Beach, Greece (2024), The Pavilion, Fitzroy Gardens (2021) and Berlin, Germany (2012), crafting sculptures with naturally dried and fresh seasonal materials. Thorp is passionate about supporting all things local. She values her relationships with local farmers and growers where she sources seasonal materials either direct from farms or local markets, plus a bit of foraging.
Organized by
Chapman & Bailey
33 reviewscbOne Studios - Chapman & Bailey, 1B Marine Parade.
At Chapman & Bailey, we believe in nurturing creativity at every level. For more than three decades, our team has supported artists, students, and cultural organisations with high-quality art materials, expert framing, and specialist art services.
The workshops at our Abbotsford studio are designed to connect experienced and acclaimed working artists with individuals looking to ignite or expand their practice - all experience levels welcome.
Each workshop is shaped by the artist and their medium, crafted to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and introduce participants to new techniques and beautifully made materials from our carefully curated art materials store next door.
We’re passionate about creating a welcoming, generous creative community where people can learn from and with the best, experiment freely, and grow creatively.
(03) 9417 7957
workshops@chapmanbailey.com.au
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A transfer can be requested 7 days before the class starts. An admin fee of AU$50.00 applies.
- A credit note can be requested 7 days before the class starts. An admin fee of AU$20.00 applies.
No changes will be allowed after these times.
Terms & Conditions
CB Studios cannot offer any ‘make-up’ classes, courses or workshops missed.
Absences without notification will forfeit the full class/course fee and receive no credit. By proceeding with your booking you agree to our terms & conditions, and refund policy.
Should CB Studios be forced to cancel a class due to low enrolments, you will be notified as soon as possible prior to the scheduled class and will receive a refund, transfer or a credit voucher for a replacement class, course or workshop.
Collection of work and materials left at the studio: Please understand that our storage capacity is extremely limited. Work and painting kits will only be retained for one month after which they will be disposed of.
Anyone partaking in any classes or coming to any events at Chapman & Bailey or organised by Chapman & Bailey must agree to these terms and conditions
1.) LIABILITY WAIVER
I agree to take on full responsibility for any damages, injuries and for physical and/or personal property, which I might incur whilst participating in classes and/or events organised by Chapman & Bailey
2.) PHOTO & VIDEO
I agree to give Chapman & Bailey unrestricted publishing rights for any photographs or videos taken at Chapman & Bailey classes and events or on Chapman & Bailey premises. (For use of Chapman & Bailey marketing materials).
For any questions or queries please email workshops@chapmanbailey.com.au
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Life Drawing with Artist and Life Model Elsa Thorp
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