Workshops
Workshops are run by resident artists and internationally renowned artists. These are held regularly at East Devon Art Academy, Old Fore Street, Sidmouth EX10 8LS.
During the Summer School, which runs in July and August, workshops and short courses will be held Monday - Saturday.
There is plenty of local accommodation in Sidmouth. Please see our accommodation page. For a full list of hotels and guest houses, please contact us.
En plein air workshops benefit from our beautiful coastline, just three minutes' walk from the studio.
Studio-based workshops are held in our light and spacious studio. The space is well equipped with studio easels, drawing boards etc.
Below is our current list of forthcoming 2025 workshops at EDAA.
Please contact us if you would like further details or to book.
If a workshop is marked as full, it is always worth contacting us in case a place becomes available.
Please bring your own paints, paper, canvasesand brushes, unless these are provided in that particular workshop.
Materials can be purchased at the art shop opposite us. South West Art Materials.
Easles, drawing boards plus other studio items such as palettes, water pots etc. will be provided.
Workshops run 10am to 4pm each day, unless stated otherwise.
WORKSHOPS 2025
Catherine Osbond.
Exploring Watercolour and Inks
30th April 2025.
A one-day workshop where you will be introduced to combining watercolour and inks.
A day of exploring exciting ways to combine these two mediums in a wide variety of ways. Ink will be in different forms, including bottled inks, ink pens, and Inktense pencils.
The addition of other mediums such as gouache and oil pastels will also be used, to create interesting textures.
The emphasis will be on landscape painting, but the techniques can be applied to other subjects such as still life and flower painting.
£60.
All materials provided.
FULL. This workshop will be repeated on the 11th June.
Melissa Wishart.
The Landscape. Working towards Semi-Abstraction.
1st & 2nd May 2025.
Using acrylics and/or oils, a chance to explore composition, colour and palette mixing.
Mark making, textures and the use of various tools will also be explored.
Using landscape references gleaned over the summer, we will delve deeper into the nature of landscapes by liberating ourselves from adhering to the strictly topographical to explore the meaning of landscape to us and the fundamental nature of our mediums. We will engage with the landscape in a way that will speak to our internal landscape and sense of well-being.
Through a guided process we will build from the geology, the responses of all our senses at the landscape site, the weather, the light and the human impact we perceive on the landscape past and present.
We will engage with the landscape.
Then, through a step-by-step guided process on day one we will establish compositions through different exercises and determine the palette. Then we will get 'in the zone' and paint, allowing happy accidents, use of different tools and layering.
We aim to do a couple of paintings over the two days and several drawing and painting exercises to build up skills useful in semi-abstraction.
Melissa is a professional painter, working mainly in oils and acrylics. Her approach is fairly loose and her method explorative. She has regular solo exhibitions and has exhibited with the Royal Society of Marine Artists in the Mall Galleries. Born in Bermuda, she has always had a great love for the sea, feeling the energy and movement of the sea and air are key and as a painter, she aims to keep that freshness in her work. Melissa enjoys encouraging and stimulating other peoples’ artistic interests and enthusiasm.
£160.
www.melissawishart.com
Richard Suckling
Innovative Pastel Techniques
7th to 9th May 2025.
In this three day workshop we will be pushing the pastel medium beyond the constraints of a traditional dry application only medium. Combining soft pastels with watercolour, acrylic inks, gouache and alcohol to create rich and exciting underpaintings that enhance the mark making of our pastels. While considering the practicalities of mixing our mediums our aim will be to further extend the creative possibilities that mixed media and soft pastels combined can offer the artist. The workshop will be all about experimentation, recognising and in turn embracing happy accidents but ultimately maintaining control and bring the whole process together to create a successful and dynamic painting.
Course is suitable for all abilities.
Richard will cover landscape, seascape and flowers so subject matter is unrestricted.
£220.
David Poxon RI.
Textures in Watercolour.
21st to 23rd May 2025.
A fabulous opportunity to learn from this Master of watercolour.
Book your place now!
David Poxon is an elected member of the prestigious R.I. (The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours) and has served on the R.I. Council. He is also a signature member of N.W.S (The National watercolour society of America.
Over the years he has won many awards and accolades for the precision and craftsmanship of his paintings. He is the author of two books on drawing techniques and has contributed many articles to the Art Magazine press and has appeared in numerous art books.
His new 188 page book Watercolour Heart & Soul is now published (ISBN 978-1-9098 13-38-0) to worldwide critical acclaim.
Painting in pure watercolour medium he uses a painstaking multi glazing technique, with sometimes up to 20 layers of transparent paint, each in turn delicately modulating the colours beneath. There is no white paint used at all in any of his works preferring instead to preserve areas of the natural paper. His paintings can take many weeks in the making.
On this three-day course David will lead this workshop using a combination of demonstrations and studio work.
David will guide you through his techniques for creating exciting textural effects.
Individual tuition will also be given to help students to progress and improve their work.
This course is aimed at students of all levels of experience.
£360 for the three days.
www.davidpoxon.co.uk
2 places left.
Melissa Wishart.
Painting the Sea.
Water, Waves and Light.
12th & 13th June 2025.
Melissa Wishart is a professional painter, working mainly in oils and acrylics. Her approach is fairly loose and her method explorative. She has regular solo exhibitions and has exhibited with the Royal Society of Marine Artists in the Mall Galleries. Born in Bermuda, she has always had a great love for the sea, feeling the energy and movement of the sea and air are key and as a painter, she aims to keep that freshness in her work. Melissa enjoys encouraging and stimulating other peoples’ artistic interests and enthusiasm
The Sea – Painting Water, Waves and Light
Exploring the sea in different moods using techniques to capture the nature of light and water.
We will have a lot of fun using different tools such as large brushes, rags, palette knife and will introduce you to the catalyst silicon wedge which is quite liberating! The enriching world of building up layers, mark making, texture and how you put the paint on are explored.
Topics covered include palette and colour mixing.
£160 for two days.
Melissa is renowned for her expressive seascapes.
Please see her website for examples of her work. www.melissawishart.com
Catherine Osbond.
Exploring Watercolour and Inks
11th June 2025.
A one-day workshop where you will be introduced to combining watercolour and inks.
A day of exploring exciting ways to combine these two mediums in a wide variety of ways. Ink will be in different forms, including bottled inks, ink pens, and Inktense pencils.
The addition of other mediums such as gouache and oil pastels will also be used, to create interesting textures.
The emphasis will be on landscape painting, but the techniques can be applied to other subjects such as still life and flower painting.
£60.
All materials provided.
Peter James.
Introduction to Pen & Ink Drawing
19th June 2025.
In this one day workshop we will explore the art and technique of pen & ink drawing.
Once these techniques have been practiced, vibrant artwork/illustrations can be produced.
£70.
www.peterjamescreative.co.uk
Peter James.
Art with Symmetry
20th June 2025.
In this one- day workshop we will be exploring artwork that uses symmetry to create an eye catching, symmetrical works of art.
Morning
- Show examples of different approaches to symmetrical artworks including; Mandalas, sacred geometry, Celtic knot work and repeat pattern.
- Demonstrate a freehand approach to creating a mandala.
- Demonstrate the use of a compass and start with the flower of life motif.
- Celtic knot artwork – Demonstrate how to start a Celtic knot artwork and how to make elements overlap each other with tone and shadow.
- Art media – Discuss the use of Graphite, Coloured pencils, ink, watercolours and brush pens.
- Discuss colour choice and the use of complementary colours.
Afternoon
- Work on the final piece of artwork using the techniques practiced in the morning session. £70. Materials supplied. www.peterjamescreative.co.uk
Gill Burbidge
Classical Still Life Painting
23rd and 24th June.
Using oil or acrylic paints the course will include learning the properties, and mixing, handling, and applying the paints.
Beginning with greyscale (tonal values) and simple still life setups, the foundations for seeing form, will be established.
These techniques of grey scale underpin the process for other disciplines such as portrait or landscape painting.
Suitable for beginners or improvers. £140 for two days.
Chris Forsey RI.
1st to 3rd July 2025.
Expressive Mixed Media Landscapes.
A chance to learn from this well-known artist. Create expressive landscapes in water-based mixed media on this three day workshop.
Chris works in acrylic, mixed media and watercolour, on paper and canvas, using unusual tools and techniques to produce textures of broken and glazed layers in his loose, representational paintings. He works quickly after careful planning of content, composition and colour and he hopes to exploit the serendipitous effects of water-based media to create exciting, spontaneous work.
£220.
www.chrisforsey.com
Viktoria Prischedko
City Scapes in Watercolour.
4th and 5th July 2025.
A wonderful opportunity to learn from this inspirational and internationally renowned watercolour artist.
Each day Viktoria will lead students through how to plan and compose a painting, looking at shape, form, tone and colour. She will then demonstrate a painting from beginning to end.
She will then guide each student through their own paintings.
Prepare to be inspired!
THEME: Flowing Watercolour Technique "Wet-on-Wet"
The wet-on-wet watercolour technique is characterized by its spontaneous and flowing nature, allowing for the creation of atmospheric expressions. By balancing large, abstracted areas with vibrant details, this method captures moods in an emotional and compelling way.
The spontaneity of flowing watercolour stimulates creativity, enables intense colour gradations, and emphasizes minimalist thinking. By focusing on the essentials, subjects become expressive and impactful.
This workshop focuses on refining watercolour techniques and opens up new avenues for creative expression.
£280 for two days.
www.watercoloracademy.com
www.instagram.com/viktoriaprischedko
Also look at pinterest: vikoria prischedko
FULL Please ask to go on a waiting list.
Viktoria Prischedko
Flower Fields in Watercolour.
6th and 7th July 2025.
A wonderful opportunity to learn from this inspirational and internationally renowned watercolour artist.
Each day Viktoria will lead students through how to plan and compose a painting, looking at shape, form, tone and colour. She will then demonstrate a painting from beginning to end.
She will then guide each student through their own paintings.
Prepare to be inspired!
THEME: Flowing Watercolour Technique "Wet-on-Wet"
The wet-on-wet watercolour technique is characterized by its spontaneous and flowing nature, allowing for the creation of atmospheric expressions. By balancing large, abstracted areas with vibrant details, this method captures moods in an emotional and compelling way.
The spontaneity of flowing watercolour stimulates creativity, enables intense colour gradations, and emphasizes minimalist thinking. By focusing on the essentials, subjects become expressive and impactful.
This workshop focuses on refining watercolour techniques and opens up new avenues for creative expression.
£280 for two days.
www.watercoloracademy.com
www.instagram.com/viktoriaprischedko
Also look at pinterest: vikoria prischedko
Catherine Osbond.
Sketching Techniques. 9th July 2025.
A one-day workshop where you will be introduced to various sketching techniques.
The use of pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, Intense pencils and other drawing materials will be shown.
Mixed media approaches will be covered in the afternoon.
We shall use materials above with the addition of oil pastels, soft pastels and different drawing surfaces.
Materials provided.
£60.
Peter James.
Dot Painting.
10th July 2025.
In this one-day workshop we will explore the art of dot painting, showing examples from indigenous Australian artists. After finding our composition we will move onto the final painting made purely from dots.
No experience needed. All materials and equipment will be provided.
Peter has worked as a graphic designer for 10 years and attained a BA (hons) in fine art. Since graduating, Peter has been exhibiting artwork, writing/illustrating children’s books and book binding.
Peter lived and worked in Australia for many years, giving him firsthand experience of dot painting in Aboriginal art.
£80.
Julie Dunster.
Early Steps into Plein air Painting in Oils .
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July 2025
Cost £160 for the two days
Take it outside!
So many famous painters, like Monet, Sorolla, and Sargeant all painted outdoors, from life as an essential part of their painting
practice. With good reason!
It is challenging to paint from life in an ever-changing landscape, rather than from static photographs, but undoubtedly it is the best way to capture accurate colour and tonal relationships,
recognise edge differences, depict atmospheric perspective in action and find subjects you may not even have thought to paint.
Additionally painting “en plein air” is exhilarating, sometimes exhausting, and often emotive, but always memorable and mindful. It often
leads to looser paintings and a greater understanding of the art of simplification. If you are ready for this challenge this course may be for you!
With tips and strategies to help you leapfrog many of the difficulties of plein air painting, this structured 2 day course with professional artist and tutor Julie Dunster, is for artists
who are comfortable working with oils in the studio and want to take their early steps in painting outdoors, in the inspiring scenic town of Sidmouth.
A reasonable level of fitness is necessary for this workshop.
In the event of absolutely atrocious weather we will work on fundamentals of plein air or work from life in the warm and cosy studio. But be prepared as we won't be deterred by most weather and
September is usually lovely!
Julie Dunster is a professional artist who regularly exhibits with many of the major esteemed societies at the Mall Galleries in London, including the Royal Society Marine Artists. A former winner of the Great Broadway Paint Off plein air competition, she is also an Education and Psychology graduate with extensive education experience.
Julie is renowned for her expressive seascapes and landscapes.
www.juliedunsterartist.co.uk
Catherine Osbond.
Mixed Media Explored.
14th & 15th July 2025.
An exciting two-day workshop where you will have a chance to experiment with a wide range of materials.
This is an experimental workshop where you will create interesting surfaces, try out different paint applications and use various combinations of materials in a wide variety of ways.
Inks, acrylics, watercolour, gouache and pastels will be used.
Composition, use of tone, colour and texture will be covered.
An expressive and experimental approach to land and seascape painting. However you can apply the techniques to still life and flower painting.
£120 for two days. All materials supplied.
Richard Suckling.
'Expressive Landscape and Seascape Painting in Soft Pastel.'
23rd, 24th & 25th July 2025.
In this three-day workshop we will create bold contemporary paintings using soft pastels of both landscapes and seascapes.
Working from both small sketches and photographs we will cover composition, drawing, tone, colour and mark making.
Our aim will be to push the interpretation of the subject matter to create an expressive and personal finished painting.
We will use the various techniques available to the pastel artist and look at how versatile this wonderful medium can be for artists both in the studio and on location.
£220 for the three days.
www.richardsuckling.co.uk
Roger Dellar ROI.
Plein Air Painting in Oils.
26th to 28th July 2025
Paint landscapes in oils with this acclaimed artist.
Roger Dellar is an internationally renowned figurative artist who works in oils, pastels, mixed media, acrylics and water based media. His interest in observing people in their environments has influenced him to record and interpret them, capturing light effects.
This workshop will concentrate on working en-plein air in oils. Part of the first day will be in the studio where there will be ample opportunity for Roger to teach you painting skills. The remaining time will be painting en situ unless weather precludes.
Each day will start with a short demonstration. Pointers will be given on selecting a scene, how to compose it within a rectangle or square format, pointing out reasons practical and personal.
Colour mixing and paint handling will be dealt with as well as the importance of good brushwork and keeping a painterly quality.
Students will paint their own scenes with assistance and advice where needed. Each day will end with a short critique/ display and advice.
£220 for three days.
Catherine Osbond.
Painting Flowers in Acrylics or Oils.
29th July.
A one-day workshop where you will learn how to paint flowers loosely in acrylics or oils.
We shall look at composition, form, colour and tone.
Various brush techniques, use of both glazes and impasto work will all be covered.
Materials supplied.
£60.
www.catherineosbond.co.uk
Art Workshops for Young Students.
Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st July 2025.
10 am to 11.30 am each day.
Ages 8 to 16.
Exploring drawing, watercolour, acrylics, soluble pencils, oils and soft pastel.
Fun and informative sessions allowing young people to explore various mediums and develop their creativity.
Experienced and qualified teachers.
All materials provided.
£20 for each session.
Maria Rose ROI.
Painting the Coast in Oils.
En plein air.
1st & 2nd September 2025.
Maria will be leading a two day ‘plein air’ painting workshop, capturing the beauty of the East Devon coast, in a fresh and immediate way. Throughout the two days, you will learn the principles of ‘plein air’ painting, working outdoors from life. You will gain confidence to paint more freely within a shorter space of time, respond quickly, yet accurately, improve your colour mixing and application of oil paint.
You will also gain confidence in reacting more instinctively to create lively and fresh coastal paintings responding directly to nature.
This course will be best suited to those with some experience of oil painting looking to gain confidence in working outside.
£160.
www.mariarose.co.uk
Hashim Akib
Painting Coastal Scenes in Acrylic
20th & 21st September 2025
In this course you will discover how to tackle coastal scenes in acrylics. Using thick acrylic paint and large flat head brushes we will go through drawing, applying paint with ideas on composition, colour and tone.
There will be short practical demonstrations both in the morning and afternoon with plenty of one-to-one teaching in between.
Bring along your own reference material or use a couple from resources provided.
This course is suitable for both beginners and more advanced.
£190.
Please see his website for examples of his work. www.hashimakib.co.uk
Catherine Osbond.
Acrylics for Beginners and Improvers.
16th October.
A one-day workshop where you will be introduced to acrylic painting. You will learn various ways to apply paint, including impasto and glazing techniques.
Brush work and palette knife work will be covered. The stages of building a painting up and simple colour mixing will also be covered.
A good introduction if you are new to acrylics or need more guidance before joining another workshop later in the year.
Materials provided. £60.
Catherine Osbond
Life Drawing and Painting
in Mixed Media.
3rd September.
Optional second day on the 4th September.
An experimental and informative one day course designed for those who wish to develop their life drawing alongside experimenting with a wide variety of materials and techniques.
During this workshop students will be given guidance in developing their figure drawing/paintings, including, use of composition, line, measuring techniques, developing awareness of visual space, use of tone, edges, contrast and colour.
In addition, students will be shown how to produce mixed media surfaces to draw/paint on, and various ways to develop drawing and paintings with a mixed media approach.
Various techniques will be explored, combining media such as watercolour, pastel, conté, acrylic, gouache, inks, oils, collage and other materials.
Various types of line work, brushwork, rags, cling film, gesso, collage materials, etc. will be explored to create different textures and mark making.
Demonstrations of different techniques will be given. Individual tuition will also be given.
The focus of the course is on exploration, so students are encouraged to try out their own ideas.
£85 to include a professional Life model and all materials.
There will be an optional second day on the 4th September where you will have an additional opportunity to draw and paint from the Life model.
Materials will be included but no tuition.
The cost of this second day would be an extra £40.
www.catherineosbond.co.uk
Catherine Osbond.
Stormy Seas in Acrylics and/or Oils.
23rd October 2025.
A one-day workshop where you will be shown various techniques to portray wild stormy seas and skies.
Learn how to portray energy and feeling into your painting.
You will learn various ways to apply paint, including impasto and glazing techniques.
Brush work and palette knife work will be covered.
You can work in either acrylic or oil paint, or both. Demonstrations will be shown using acrylics first with oil over.
All materials provided. £60.
Catherine Osbond. Drawing for Beginners.
8th, 22nd October & 12th November 2025.
A series of three half-day workshops where you will be introduced to traditional drawing techniques.
You will learn about the use of line, tone, texture and how to create form.
Various pencil techniques will be shown.
The use of different pencils and other drawing materials will be covered.
£75 for all three half-day workshops. Materials included.
Hester Berry
Landscape in Oils.
2nd and 3rd October 2025.
Learn from this well-known and popular artist.
The workshop is suitable for all levels.
Topics covered include, sketchbook use, tonal observation and studies, colour mixing and ways to apply oil paint using a variety of marks to create movement and expression.
£195.
Catherine Osbond.
Watercolour for Beginners/Improvers.
10th October 2025.
Learn the fundamentals of watercolour painting in this one day workshop.
Various washes, brush techniques, texural techniques, use of tone and colour will all be covered.
Materials supplied.
£60.
www.catherineosbond.co.uk
Peter James
Bookbinding
11th & 12th October 2025.
In this 2-day workshop, we will be learning the tools and techniques required to create a pamphlet stitch notebook and a hard cover sketchbook/journal with a decorative cover. Once these skills have been practiced, it can open up a multitude of projects.
This workshop will cover:
- The tools used for creating books
- Create a unique, abstract cover sheet.
- Make a pamphlet stitch notebook.
- Prepare paper into folded sections and introducing a technique to create a rustic torn edge.
- Sew sections to create a book block.
- Reinforce the spine using glue and mull.
- Construct case and spine with grey board, book cloth and coversheet.
- Assemble book block and case/spine to complete the sketch book/journal.
No experience is required.
All materials will be provided.
£140 for the two days.
www.pjamescreative.co.uk
James Tatum SWAc.
The Landscape as Power and Emotion. 18th & 19th October 2025.
This workshop is designed to show students how to use a 3-step process to produce more powerful, exciting and coherent landscape paintings.
Learn how to use the basic tools of structure, composition, space, tone and colour. £140.
Catherine Osbond.
Drawing the Human Form.
Autumn 2025.
A one-day course where you will learn the basics of capturing the human form.
Use of shape, negative shape, line, tone will all be covered.
The cost of a professional Life model is included.
£85.
www.catherineosbond.co.uk
John Hoar.
Watercolour
Fast and Free.
7th November 2025.
A chance to learn from this highly acclaimed internationally renowned watercolour artist.
Watercolour in the morning.
Ink and wash in the afternoon.
John produces loose, impressionistic style paintings in watercolour.
During this day John will show you ways of using pure watercolour to achieve ‘fast and free’ watercolours.
He will also show you ways of using pen, ink and wash.
It is bound to be an exciting day!
John will provide demonstrations of his style along with one-to-one tuition.
The day will be open all levels of experience, but those with some experience of watercolour or other mediums will probably gain more from it.
John Hoar is one of Britain’s best-known watercolourists who has had over 50 one man shows in England and Ireland. His latest was in China in 2016, when he was invited to represent Britain at the 2nd Qindao International Watercolour Salon.
His work is represented in London by the Llewellyn-Alexander Gallery and in Devon by the Lantic Gallery, Tiverton.
John is well-known for his instructional DVDs – five of which have been produced by Town House Films – which aim to teach aspiring artists how to paint simple and vibrant watercolours. He is an inspiring teacher, much in demand, who directs several residential courses both in Ireland and the UK and holds regular workshops at his home in South Molton, Devon.
Catherine Osbond.
Expressive Portraits in Oils.
13th & 14th November.
Learn how to create accurate and expressive portraits.
Day 1 will concentrate on using oil paint as glazes and stains to create a glow in portraiture.
Day 2 will be looking at more traditional ways of using oil paint for portraits.
Use of colour, creating form and use of brushwork will be covered.
Designed for those with some experience who wish to develop their skills.
Demonstrations and individual tuition will be given.
£120 for two days.
Catherine Osbond.
Landscapes in Oils.
Aimed at Beginners and Improvers.
Autumn 2025.
A one-day workshop where you will be introduced to oil painting. You will learn various ways to apply paint, including impasto and glazing techniques.
Brush work and palette knife work will be covered. The stages of building a painting up and simple colour mixing will also be covered.
A good introduction if you are new to oils or need more guidance before joining another workshop later in the year.
Materials provided. £60.
Jake Winkle.
Portraits in Watercolour.
26th November 2025.
Learn how to paint in watercolour with this
well-known and popular artist.
Jake Winkle is a British watercolour artist, based in Dorset, an area that features in his work, and where he regularly runs painting masterclasses. Jake’s art concentrates on dramatic animal watercolours, in a distinctive signature style. His work is inspired by the light and movement of the world around him, and contains a passion and energy that you can’t take your eyes away from. His work is bold, using water and white space to add a translucent quality. Jake Winkle is known for horse racing watercolours as well as his wildlife work. He’s received commendations for numerous awards, including the Daily Mail’s ‘Not the Turner Prize’ in 2004, where he was a finalist. He has completed commissions for The National Trust. He has also made instructional DVD’s and a book, helping aspiring artists to improve their craft. Jake Winkle has released a number of limited edition prints that focus on capturing the speed and grace of different animals. They are framed, mounted and ready for you to enjoy. On his inspiration, Jake said. ‘I’m inspired by shape, colour, mark-making and movement. I like wildlife because it allows me to explore all of these qualities.’
£80 per day.
Jake Winkle.
Animals in Movement. Watercolour.
27th November 2025.
Learn how to paint in watercolour with this
well-known and popular artist.
Jake Winkle is a British watercolour artist, based in Dorset, an area that features in his work, and where he regularly runs painting masterclasses. Jake’s art concentrates on dramatic animal watercolours, in a distinctive signature style. His work is inspired by the light and movement of the world around him, and contains a passion and energy that you can’t take your eyes away from. His work is bold, using water and white space to add a translucent quality. Jake Winkle is known for horse racing watercolours as well as his wildlife work. He’s received commendations for numerous awards, including the Daily Mail’s ‘Not the Turner Prize’ in 2004, where he was a finalist. He has completed commissions for The National Trust. He has also made instructional DVD’s and a book, helping aspiring artists to improve their craft. Jake Winkle has released a number of limited edition prints that focus on capturing the speed and grace of different animals. They are framed, mounted and ready for you to enjoy. On his inspiration, Jake said. ‘I’m inspired by shape, colour, mark-making and movement. I like wildlife because it allows me to explore all of these qualities.’
£80 per day.
Jake Winkle.
Garden Critters in Watercolour.
28th November 2025.
Learn how to paint in watercolour with this
well-known and popular artist.
Jake Winkle is a British watercolour artist, based in Dorset, an area that features in his work, and where he regularly runs painting masterclasses. Jake’s art concentrates on dramatic animal watercolours, in a distinctive signature style. His work is inspired by the light and movement of the world around him, and contains a passion and energy that you can’t take your eyes away from. His work is bold, using water and white space to add a translucent quality. Jake Winkle is known for horse racing watercolours as well as his wildlife work. He’s received commendations for numerous awards, including the Daily Mail’s ‘Not the Turner Prize’ in 2004, where he was a finalist. He has completed commissions for The National Trust. He has also made instructional DVD’s and a book, helping aspiring artists to improve their craft. Jake Winkle has released a number of limited edition prints that focus on capturing the speed and grace of different animals. They are framed, mounted and ready for you to enjoy. On his inspiration, Jake said. ‘I’m inspired by shape, colour, mark-making and movement. I like wildlife because it allows me to explore all of these qualities.’
£80 per day.
Paula Dunn.
Atmospheric Landscapes. Spring 2026.
Exploring oils and cold wax
In this experimental 2-day course you will be guided step by step on the methods for building layers of texture, patterns, marks, and colour to form rich, complex foundations to your paintings. We will focus on mark making with drawing materials and explore different ways to create textures, patterns and lines using a variety of tools and solvent reduction techniques.
The workshop will include information about techniques, as well as demonstrations and plenty of time for practice.
- Introduction to using cold wax medium with oils
- Introduction to the tools
- Working wet-on-wet
- Using transparent and opaque colours to create depth and atmosphere.
- Creating textures and lines using a variety of tools and techniques
- Incorporating pigments and loose powders such as marble dust into your work
- Incorporating pigment sticks and oil bars and other drawing mediums
- Blending techniques
- Building layers of texture and patterns
- Solvent reduction techniques
What is cold wax?
Cold wax is a thick buttery medium which when added to your oils will thicken up your paint and speeds up the drying process. It enables you to be more playful and experimental with your painting, whether you like to create thick textural work, wish to embed collage, found objects, or pigments, or like to create depth and atmosphere through the layering of colour.
Is this the right course for me?
This is a standalone workshop so there is no need to have attended any previous workshops. Whether you are a professional artist or haven’t picked up a paint brush since school, absolutely no experience of painting or of working in oils needed. Just come prepared to have fun and to experiment.
£200.
www.pauladunnartist.com
David Webb.
Sketching and Painting in Watercolour.
22nd to 24th April 2026.
A three-day course of sketching onsite and painting in the studio. Emphasis will be given to creating tonal sketches outdoors with a view to working them up into more finished watercolour paintings in the studio.
The workshop will also include composition, brush techniques, colour mixing with a limited palette, use of shape and tone, simplifying detail, how to build a painting in transparent washes.
This course would suit beginners and improvers and will include demonstrations. £220.
Steve Hall.
Pastel Landscapes
13th to 15th May 2026.
I am delighted to add this new medium to my programme of courses. Following many years painting in watercolour, I now also paint in pastel and enjoy the vibrancy that this exciting new medium has to offer. I exhibit my work at the Bradford Gallery (www.bradfordgallery.co.uk) and, in addition, I am an Associate Artist for Unison Colour and have produced four pastel articles for the Artist magazine.
During this three day studio based course we will examine pastel application techniques, painting surfaces and complete a number of landscape paintings from photographic or sketch reference. The course is suitable for all levels and people wanting to try the medium for the first time are welcome as well as more experienced painters.
Following a half day introduction of materials and techniques we will get straight down to picture making and this will commence with a ‘paint along’ exercise followed by individual work. At the end of the three days it is intended that course members will be able to take away ideas and practices that will aid their progress with this medium.
£220 for three days.
www.stevehallart.co.uk
Steve Hall. Watercolour Landscapes. 3rd to 5th June 2026.
Learn from this popular and well-known watercolour artist. With a mixture of demonstrations, en plein air and studio work, Steve will guide you through the completion of two paintings per day.
'Explore all that is good about fresh watercolour. It is to embark on a journey that is unending and at times full of frustration and pitfalls yet, for the determined traveller, one that can be so rewarding.'
£220 for three days.
Stephie Butler ASWA. Wildlife Portraits in Watercolour and Liquid Charcoal.
TBA 2025.
Learn how to paint animal portraits in watercolour and liquid charcoal with an impressionistic feel from this well-known artist. Stephie will share how to portray feelings and emotions in your work making it unique.
£180.
Catherine Osbond.
Watercolour for Beginners/Improvers.
Autumn 2025.
Learn the fundamentals of watercolour painting in this one day workshop.
Various washes, brush techniques, texural techniques, use of tone and colour will all be covered.
£50.
www.catherineosbond.co.uk
Stephie Butler ASWA. Portraits in Watercolour and Liquid Charcoal.
TBA 2025.
Learn how to paint portraits in watercolour and liquid charcoal with an impressionistic feel from this well-known artist. Stephie will share how to portray feelings and emotions in your work making it unique.
£180.
Catherine Osbond.
Abstraction of the Human Form. Date TBA.
In this workshop we shall be looking at ways to create abstraction of figures. We shall study ways of simplifying images into a series of shapes that still suggest the form.
Some knowledge of figure drawing or painting would be useful.
Not suitable for beginners.
Work will be from photos.
£100 for two days.
www.catherineosbond.co.uk
Hannah Twine.
Improve your Human & Animal Portraits.
Dates TBA
Classically trained artist Hannah
Twine will be guiding you through
how to create sensitive and impactful portraits. Suitable for all levels and designed to give confidence. Learn how to create realistic eyes, fur, hair & flesh tones with her 'less is more' approach and sight techniques used by the Old Masters. £180 for three days. Includes model fees.
Catherine Osbond.
Drawing for Beginners/Improvers.
Dates TBA.
Learn the basics of drawing in this two day workshop.
Composition, use of shape, line, tone and texture will all be covered.
£100 for two days.
www.catherineosbond.co.uk
Catherine Osbond. Pen and Wash techniques.
Dates TBA.
Learn various techniques using pen, ink and wash. You will learn a variety of techniques to use with sketching and drawing landscapes.
Traditional and exploratory techniques covered.
£25 for a half day.
www.catherineosbond.co.uk
Catherine Osbond. Painting Flowers in Watercolour and Inks.
Dates TBA.
A fun and exploratory workshop where you will learn several techniques using watercolour and inks, and Inktense pencils. Techniques can be used in a traditional or more experimental way.
£50 for the day.
www.catherineosbond.co.uk
We have many more exciting workshops to come in 2024.
If you would like to be notified of these, please contact us.
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