Drawing,
Painting & Watercolour Courses I am offering a variety of workshops for adults at Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, at Farncombe Estate Centre, Worcestershire and at Nature in Art, near Gloucesterand at my own home studio, Stable Studio, near Berkeley, Gloucestershire in 2012. I am also leading two painting holidays with Authentic Adventures in India and Spain.. |
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Painting birds and landscapes in oils and acrylics from photography Monday 12th
and Tuesday 13th March Slimbridge is an ideal venue for exploring the pros and cons of painting birds from photography. We will be based in the studio and on the first day will take photographs of birds in the immediate vicinity. There will be facilities to print your chosen image or select one of mine. Next I will assist you to choose a good subject and composition and guide you through issues such as over exposure and how to use a number of shots for a good composition. We will then focus on creating the painting you want in oils or acrylics and the different techniques required. You may work in any style from photo-realism to impressionist with my one to one tuition. Five day Painting Break This painting break has no fixed agenda as we will work out a programme based on what everyone wants to achieve. There will be opportunities to access parts of the wetlands not usually open to visitors and hopefully some behind the scenes visits such as the chance to work inside the otter enclosure. We will start with some basic drawing skills and composition ideas. You can then decide how you want to develop your knowledge and skills in watercolour, pastels, colour pencils, oils or acrylics; the choice is yours. You can either focus on one medium or experiment with new techniques and materials throughout the course. I will tutor through group demonstrations and one to one tuition. Oils and Acrylics from life on the estuary This is an opportunity to have access to an area of the Severn estuary that the public very rarely get to see. I will be demonstrating how to work quickly and directly from life. There will be a choice of views and possible compositions. The course includes discussion on choosing a good composition, how to make notes you can use later in your studio and how to cope with changing light. We will explore colour mixing and I will explain my method of limiting a pallet to create pleasing harmony in your work. If the weather is unkind, provision will be made. Watercolour from life on the estuary This course follows the same format as the Oils and Acrylics from life on the estuary course using watercolours. Drawing and Sketching This workshop is based on the premise that the ability to draw is a skill not a gift. It is aimed at improving your drawing/sketching skills from whatever level with plenty of one to one tuition. We will work from life and photographs and will start by learning how to get the correct size and shape on paper, moving on to how to draw quickly either freely or with real detail. We will use graphite pencils and two or three different pens with inks. The latter will be provided. I will introduce you to a number of approaches to achieve a good composition, along with a selection of paper with different surfaces. Painting birds and landscapes in watercolour from
photography This course follows the same format as the Painting birds and landscapes in oils and acrylics from photography using watercolours. Sketching Tours 2.30 – 5.00 pm These are monthly opportunities to learn the techniques of sketching swiftly and the different uses of pencil and pen. We will have access to the centre and visit whatever is of special interest on the day. The session will end with tea in the Waters’ Edge restaurant. Art club day visits One day visits can be arranged for art clubs under my guidance and tuition. These can be tailor made for a group up to 15 in number. These could include a demonstration or a short workshop. I am able to arrange access to parts not generally open to the public depending on the time of year. We will have exclusive use of the Peng Observatory as a studio with a wonderful view across the swan lake. I am able to provide some equipment and materials if required. Price will depend on the individual requirements of your group. Contact me to discuss plans for your day initially on 07855966564. General Information Courses on offer are suitable for beginners and more experienced
artists and will include one to one tuition. The maximum number
for any course is 12. I can provide materials if required for a small extra charge on the day of the workshop. A selection of materials will also be available for purchase at each course. Some portable easels are available to loan but bring one along with a portable chair if you have one. Booking for any of these courses should be made to Eleanor Wise on 01453 891223 or email eleanor.wise@wwt.org,uk at Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT |
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Farncombe Estate Centre Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7LJ Farncombe Estate provides a number of leisure courses and study breaks. Courses are residential in 4 *rated accommodation with meals included in the beautiful estate set in the Cotswolds. I am leading the following courses in March and August 2012. |
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Birds and Landscape in Oils and Acrylics
- The basic techniques of oils and acrylics are easily learned together. One method is to mix them by under-painting in acrylic and finishing in oil. All of this will be covered, as well as colour missing on your pallet and on the painting. Each person can choose their own subject either from source material they bring or from the extensive library of photographs provided. We will start by discussing compositions and then you will set out your idea on your canvas. Finally we will concentrate on how to get the light and finer detail of your subject. I will tutor with short demonstrations and lots of one-to-one tuition, oiled with as much humour as possible. Suitable for all levels of painter. Materials lists provided. Cost: Non-residential £196, Single £275, Double occupancy £265 per person with an early bird discount available.
The term abstract can be very off putting but Ronald
will help you explore all the many interpretations there are for
the word. You could just chuck paint at the surface and see what
happens or you might go out in the gardens and find an abstract
image from nature. This is one of Ronald’s favourite ways of working.
Images can be found in everything around you and Ronald will open
your eyes to the myriad of possibilities. There is of course a
degree of knowledge and understanding of colour and composition
and often perspective required to make a good piece of work and
that’s where Ronald will bring his years of experience to assist
you. This is a fascinating evening and couple of days and will
opens up a completely new way of working for artists who have
painted for years. It can also have a profound influence on your
representational work. Bring any source material you might wish
to use with you. See Farncombe Estate Website www.farncombeestate.co.uk
for bookings and information or telephone 0333 4568580 |
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Nature in Art Wallsworth Hall, Twigworth, Gloucester GL2 9PA Nature in Art is set in extensive grounds at Wallswoth Hall just to the north of Gloucester. Nature in Art is the first world’s museum and art gallery dedicated exclusively to art inspired by nature in all its diversity. Painting Wildlife in Oils and Acrylics |
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| This is an evening and two day course and is suitable for all abilities. The first evening will include a talk and demonstrations giving practical advice on the interpretation of photographs and the composing of paintings from photographs. We will also cover how to scale your image correctly onto canvas. I will demonstrate my method of under-painting in acrylic and finishing in oils and by the end of the evening you will be all set up with your chosen subject and equipment ready to start painting the following day. The first day is all about setting your painting out and learning how to under-paint correctly. Colour mixing will also be a big feature of the day as the colour you under-paint in is important in the colour mixing process. You can bring your own photographs to work from or choose from my extensive library. At the end of the first day you will have a canvas with a good deal of the background finished and your bird/animal set out ready to paint the next day. On the second day I will concentrate on helping you to understand how to get the feather/fur patterns and colours accurate and of course how to paint the all important eyes. My tuition will be a mix of demonstrations and one-to-one help. Bring whatever materials you have and an easel if you like to work on one. I recommend you work on canvas boards or stretched canvas. I will have a supply of suitable materials, equipment and canvasses for sale or loan, or I can provide everything you will need for an additional cost of £20 payable on the day. Light refreshments will be available during the course. For more information and bookings please visit Nature in Arts’ Website www.nature-in-art.org.uk or phone 01452 731422.
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Stable
Studio Workshops Drawing
for the Terrified This workshop is designed to teach you the skills of observational drawing. I believe drawing is a “skill not a gift” and so anyone can learn. The course will cover the basic understanding of how to get everything on the page in the right place and in the correct proportion, otherwise known as “draughtsmanship”. The course will begin with a two hour session on the first evening studying perspective. On the next day we will study scale and proportion and by the end of the day you will have three drawings set out including an animal, a bird and a landscape with a building. On the final day you will learn how to apply tone and texture to your drawings to give them the light and shade they need to look three dimensional. In the afternoon there will be time for any remaining questions and give advice on how to practice in weeks to come. Oils and Acrylics This workshop is for all abilities and will cover representational and/or abstract painting. I will spend the evening session describing and demonstrating the various properties and versatilities of the two mediums. You can then decide what you would like to try and I will help you set you up with all the materials you need to start on the first full day. I am happy to work with you on any subject you wish including flowers, portraits and wildlife. I can also provide a wide range of additives and fibres for mixed media work. You will be able to tackle your chosen subjects from life if it is practical or from photos and sketches. Painting in Watercolour This workshop is for those who know a little about watercolour and are wishing to develop their skills. If you are interested in learning to create more detail or perhaps you want to “loosen up” this course will give you what you are looking for. You will be able to choose your own subjects and the tuition will be very much on a one to one basis. The first evening will include a short demonstration of various composition and colour theory ideas. Developing Drawing Skills This course is all about learning to work faster and more freely. You will have the chance to experiment with new instruments and materials such as quill and ink. “Less is More” is the ideal of this workshop. First we will work on your draughtsmanship and then on your style. All materials are provided. The evening and 2 day courses take place from 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm, Day 1 9.30 am – 4.30pm and Day 2 9.30 am – 3.30 pm. The 2 day courses run from 9.30 am – 4.30 pm on both days. A booking form is available through this link click here All courses require a non-returnable deposit of £50 A list of local accommodation is also available click here to view a printable list - or here for caravan sites. For further information contact me on 07855 966564
or e-mail swanwick@stablestudio.co.uk |
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