From time to time I am asked to teach individuals or very small groups. I am lucky. I have the room, and the facilities. Besides I enjoy communicating ideas and can learn a great deal myself over the course of a weekend.
Depending on the weather a sheltered courtyard is ideal but equally work inside can be both messy and productive at the same time.
Depending on the weather a sheltered courtyard is ideal but equally work inside can be both messy and productive at the same time.
Either way we adapt and adjust as the criteria change. However the overall plan doesn’t vary. |
It’s good to talk to the future student to find out exactly what they would like from a weekend course. An individual might seek to master the art of painting ancient Cornwall – stone circles and quoits and the mysteries inland. But there will always be one day devoted to the sea and coastline. So hard to make decisions in this gorgeous area of Far West Cornwall! On the first day we set up our workshop space, introduce ourselves and chat about our aims. Then it’s off to a beach destination to study the sea and coast at eye level. This is a serious study of the ocean, the waves and all its different moods and colour. |
Students will require a back pack with sketch book, camera, pencil case and notebook. I’ll be supplying all the exciting extras such as watercolours, spray, kitchen roll and brushes Come rain or shine, we will be out there. Writing drawing, painting and observing. When we return to the studio we will collate all our efforts and begin our work on canvas. |
We’ll work with both acrylic and oil paint and experiment with different techniques. We will be using both palette knives and brushes and also our hands.
Nothing matters. If the composition fails we can always paint over it.
Our creative juices will be flowing and we will be in the zone.
Nothing matters. If the composition fails we can always paint over it.
Our creative juices will be flowing and we will be in the zone.
On the second day we will be off to a cliff top venue. Sketching and preparing for our second canvas.
This means that back in the studio, or efforts can be varied and stimulating. With two canvases to work on, and a future to think about, we will have an afternoon of painting that will leave the student exhilarated and exhausted. |
After the course I am happy to provide feedback so that both paintings started in Cornwall can be completed at home.
Students are therefore advised to have a few oils of their own - Georgian oils - and suggested colours are Yellow Ochre, Payne’s Grey, Prussian Blue, Cadmium Red and Titanium White. Fun and achievement are the goals of this short course so if you are interested do contact me for more information. |