Imagine yourself on the beach in Cornwall, sketching the shapes and colours of the shoreline at low tide, breathing in the salty air and gazing out over the ocean to the horizon.  We’ll do some mindfulness on the beach: breathing… listening… then looking for treasure in rockpools, collecting the many kinds of seaweed, seashells and pebbles to sketch and paint. 

This is how my Shoreline Treasures workshops begins, and you’ll love being introduced to the way in which an artist looks and sees on that first morning on the beach. It’s no surprise that this is one of my most popular workshops. You will need to be able to walk the fifteen mins from studio to the beach and back. A taxi will be around £5 each way if this would be difficult for you

The rest of the course is studio based, (although we may well have another session on the beach if the mood takes us!) But of course, to interpret it all you’ll need some skills too, and so back at the studio I’ll be teaching you some invaluable artists’ secrets.

NB: We use a small watercolour paint box for this course, so please be aware this is not my usual studio based Three Tube System I teach on other workshops. 

Who is this course for? 

All abilities including beginners. The group size is maximum just eight people so I can teach you all at your own level. 

You’ll learn:

·      easy ways to sketchoutdoorsboth quickly and confidently

·      how to use watercolour from a tiny, portable paint box both indoors and outdoors

·      how to mix the most useful colours for beach themed watercolours with them

·      simple ways to draw shapes and proportionsof seashells, seaweed and other shoreline treasures

·      How to understand and use light and shadow to make your drawings and paintings of beach finds look more real and three dimensional

·      to simply immerse yourself in sketching and painting the treasures of the sea. 

. Which essential art materials you’ll need to sketch and paint outdoors and in the studio

What’s included:

• More than thirty years of Sarah’s experience. Priceless!

• All your art materials and equipment including watercolour paper, tubes of the correct paint colours, brushes, palettes, boards, etc.

• Basic tea and coffee. (If you drink particularly exotic teas, or use non dairy then please remember to bring some along

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops on the village to grab a sandwich from.

Walking:

You will need to be able to walk the fifteen mins from studio to the beach and back. A taxi will be around just £5 each way if this would be difficult for you

Picture yourself learning the basics of watercolour with me in a lovely studio for a whole three days. 

We’ll cover what art materials you need, how to use just one paint brush in lots of different ways, my “Watercolour Alchemy” colour mixing system for creating eighty colours from just three tubes of paint and we’ll experiment with  the classic watercolour techniques of wet in wet, washes and glazes.

I’ll be doing lots of step by step demonstrations and helping you on a one-to-one basis too.

Who’s this workshop suitable for?

·       It’s ideal for absolute beginners

·      those who have dabbled for a while but want to improve their skills and gain confidence, 

·      also for those who paint but want to loosen up their painting style and gain fresh inspiration. 

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

·      How to sketch the objects to make them look round, solid and in proportion.

·      How to mix and match colours using just three tubes

·      How to simplify what you see 

·      How to plan the sequence of your painting: what comes first, next, and last…

·      How to paint “wet in wet”, washes and glazes

·      Which of the above techniques are best for the different elements of your painting

·      How to paint an easy but effective watercolour background

·      How to make things look 3D with light and shadow effects

·      How to choose colours for maximum impact (colour theory)

What’s included: 

All the art materials you’ll need: no need to buy or bring anything with you

A detailed multi-page handout covering all the techniques you’ll learn in the workshop

Unlimited hot drinks and biscuits to keep you going!

And not included: 

Lunch: bring a packed lunch along

Accommodation (take a look at our recommendations on our “Where to Stay” page

Payment information:

Total Fee: £295 for 3 days

Deposit of £90 to be paid online, the final £205 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

So you’ve never picked up a brush before?

You’ll be an  absolute beginner in watercolour but you’ve always wanted to have a go. I’m with you ☺️

No need to be able to draw, and  no need to feel nervous: you’ll be among people feeling exactly like you. We’ll have tea & biscuits & a giggle when you arrive, then prepare to be spellbound. 

Let the Watercolour Magic Begin!

I’ll be showing you the  absolute essential things you need to do to start painting in watercolours.      Nothing complicated: just beautiful and logical ways to mix water and colour together in the perfect consistency; some simple ways to use your brushes to apply it; and some super-simple demonstrations, tips and ideas to create your own contemporary style watercolour paintings.

You’ll even receive a helpful handout talking you through all the things you’ve learned to take home with you.

Here’s what you’ll learn about on the Watercolour for “Absolute Beginners” Class:

• The basic materials you need to paint in watercolour (I’ll provide you with a materials list, too, and the details of my favourite supplier)

• Paint consistency: I’ll show you how to achieve the dilution to make your watercolour really flow…

• Which colours are easiest to work with (I won’t introduce you to the naughty ones…:)

• How to “erase” your watercolour mistakes

• How to use your brush in different ways

• How to paint simple flowers, leaves and berries with just a few twists of the brush

• How to create white highlights without using white paint

• What “Paper bridges” are and why they’re essential for watercolourists

• The cheat’s way to paint a simple watercolour sky that looks wildly impressive

• Lavender field and Mediterranean houses

What’s included:

• More than thirty years of Sarah’s experience. Priceless!

• All your art materials and equipment including watercolour paper, tubes of the correct paint colours, brushes, palettes, boards, etc.

• Basic tea and coffee. (If you drink particularly exotic teas, or use non dairy then please remember to bring some along

• The hall has a generous free carpark and is disabled friendly.

• Lots of fun and laughter in addition to the art tuition. The workshops have a lovely atmosphere of calm and study , but also lots of moments of friendship and laughter.

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops on the village to grab a sandwich from.

Payment information:

Total Fee: £195 for 2 days

Deposit of £80 to be paid online, the final £115 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

Imagine yourself on the beach in Cornwall, sketching the shapes and colours of the shoreline at low tide, breathing in the salty air and gazing out over the ocean to the horizon.  We’ll do some mindfulness on the beach: breathing… listening… then looking for treasure in rockpools, collecting the many kinds of seaweed, seashells and pebbles to sketch and paint. 

This is how my Shoreline Treasures workshops begins, and you’ll love being introduced to the way in which an artist looks and sees on that first morning on the beach. It’s no surprise that this is one of my most popular workshops. You will need to be able to walk the fifteen mins from studio to the beach and back. A taxi will be around £5 each way if this would be difficult for you

The rest of the course is studio based, (although we may well have another session on the beach if the mood takes us!) But of course, to interpret it all you’ll need some skills too, and so back at the studio I’ll be teaching you some invaluable artists’ secrets.

NB: We use a small watercolour paint box for this course, so please be aware this is not my usual studio based Three Tube System I teach on other workshops. 

Who is this course for? 

All abilities including beginners. The group size is maximum just eight people so I can teach you all at your own level. 

You’ll learn:

·      easy ways to sketchoutdoorsboth quickly and confidently

·      how to use watercolour from a tiny, portable paint box both indoors and outdoors

·      how to mix the most useful colours for beach themed watercolours with them

·      simple ways to draw shapes and proportionsof seashells, seaweed and other shoreline treasures

·      How to understand and use light and shadow to make your drawings and paintings of beach finds look more real and three dimensional

·      to simply immerse yourself in sketching and painting the treasures of the sea. 

. Which essential art materials you’ll need to sketch and paint outdoors and in the studio

What’s included:

• More than thirty years of Sarah’s experience. Priceless!

• All your art materials and equipment including watercolour paper, tubes of the correct paint colours, brushes, palettes, boards, etc.

• Basic tea and coffee. (If you drink particularly exotic teas, or use non dairy then please remember to bring some along

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops on the village to grab a sandwich from.

Walking:

You will need to be able to walk the fifteen mins from studio to the beach and back. A taxi will be around just £5 each way if this would be difficult for you

Payment Info:

3 Day Workshop £295

Deposit of £90 to be paid online, the final £205 to be paid on the day.

Book now: my courses fill up very quickly!

So you’ve never picked up a brush before?

You’ll be an  absolute beginner in watercolour but you’ve always wanted to have a go. I’m with you ☺️

No need to be able to draw, and  no need to feel nervous: you’ll be among people feeling exactly like you. We’ll have tea & biscuits & a giggle when you arrive, then prepare to be spellbound. 

Let the Watercolour Magic Begin!

I’ll be showing you the  absolute essential things you need to do to start painting in watercolours.      Nothing complicated: just beautiful and logical ways to mix water and colour together in the perfect consistency; some simple ways to use your brushes to apply it; and some super-simple demonstrations, tips and ideas to create your own contemporary style watercolour paintings.

You’ll even receive a helpful handout talking you through all the things you’ve learned to take home with you.

Here’s what you’ll learn about on the Watercolour for “Absolute Beginners” Class:

• The basic materials you need to paint in watercolour (I’ll provide you with a materials list, too, and the details of my favourite supplier)

• Paint consistency: I’ll show you how to achieve the dilution to make your watercolour really flow…

• Which colours are easiest to work with (I won’t introduce you to the naughty ones…:)

• How to “erase” your watercolour mistakes

• How to use your brush in different ways

• How to paint simple flowers, leaves and berries with just a few twists of the brush

• How to create white highlights without using white paint

• What “Paper bridges” are and why they’re essential for watercolourists

• The cheat’s way to paint a simple watercolour sky that looks wildly impressive

• Lavender field and Mediterranean houses

·

What’s included:

• More than thirty years of Sarah’s experience. Priceless!

• All your art materials and equipment including watercolour paper, tubes of the correct paint colours, brushes, palettes, boards, etc.

• Basic tea and coffee. (If you drink particularly exotic teas, or use non dairy then please remember to bring some along

• The hall has a generous free carpark and is disabled friendly.

• Lots of fun and laughter in addition to the art tuition. The workshops have a lovely atmosphere of calm and study , but also lots of moments of friendship and laughter.

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops on the village to grab a sandwich from.

Payment information:

Total Fee: £195 for 2 days

Deposit of £80 to be paid online, the final £115 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

Do you find it difficult to paint the sea in watercolour? Or have you just been too scared to even try? 

Let me make it easy for you : I’ll give you frequent watercolour painting demonstrations on how to see how to paint sea and sky; mix those tricky colours for sea and sand; how to create highlights and reflections on water; how to paint waves, and just build your confidence in handling seascapes subject matter. You’ll also receive a detailed handout with illustrated how to tutorials to take home.  

What you’ll learn on this workshop 

·      how to look at sea and skies and beach and simplify them to paint them

·       mix those tricky colours for sea and sand; 

·      How to paint simple seagulls to add atmosphere

·      how to create highlights and reflections on water; 

·      how to paint simple waves 

·      top tips on drawing and painting rocks

·      special brush effects for sea and water

·      how to create a sense of distance in your painting (so that it doesn’t look dead and flat)

·      how to paint a watercolour of distant people walking on a huge beach

Note: you will need to have done at least one course before with me, or be already painting regularly to get the most out of this course. If in doubt, just drop me an email ! 

This will be a studio based course: we will not be painting outdoors. We can really speed up our learning by being close to each other in the studio with lots of photographic resources rather than taking lots of kit outdoors, spreading out over a big distance and only seeing me individually every hour or so. (That approach is great for advanced watercolourists, but when you are less experienced or confident I think having frequent demo’s of techniques, and always being able to have instant access to your tutor will really enhance your learning. And if you want to paint outdoors you can put it all into practise independently in the evenings as you’ll already be staying by the coast.)

My students have been asking for a watercolour seascapes course for years… and I’m loving doing the example paintings and preparing all your handout notes for this workshop and I can’t wait to teach it. Would you like to be one of just eight students to learn seascapes this summer? It’s the only one I have planned for this year.

Book now as it will full up fast!

So you’ve never picked up a brush before?

You’ll be an  absolute beginner in watercolour but you’ve always wanted to have a go. I’m with you ☺️

No need to be able to draw, and  no need to feel nervous: you’ll be among people feeling exactly like you. We’ll have tea & biscuits & a giggle when you arrive, then prepare to be spellbound. 

Let the Watercolour Magic Begin!

I’ll be showing you the  absolute essential things you need to do to start painting in watercolours.      Nothing complicated: just beautiful and logical ways to mix water and colour together in the perfect consistency; some simple ways to use your brushes to apply it; and some super-simple demonstrations, tips and ideas to create your own contemporary style watercolour paintings.

You’ll even receive a helpful handout talking you through all the things you’ve learned to take home with you.

Here’s what you’ll learn about on the Watercolour for “Absolute Beginners” Class:

• The basic materials you need to paint in watercolour (I’ll provide you with a materials list, too, and the details of my favourite supplier)

• Paint consistency: I’ll show you how to achieve the dilution to make your watercolour really flow…

• Which colours are easiest to work with (I won’t introduce you to the naughty ones…:)

• How to “erase” your watercolour mistakes

• How to use your brush in different ways

• How to paint simple flowers, leaves and berries with just a few twists of the brush

• How to create white highlights without using white paint

• What “Paper bridges” are and why they’re essential for watercolourists

• The cheat’s way to paint a simple watercolour sky that looks wildly impressive

• Lavender field and Mediterranean houses

What’s included:

• More than thirty years of Sarah’s experience. Priceless!

• All your art materials and equipment including watercolour paper, tubes of the correct paint colours, brushes, palettes, boards, etc.

• Basic tea and coffee. (If you drink particularly exotic teas, or use non dairy then please remember to bring some along

• The hall has a generous free carpark and is disabled friendly.

• Lots of fun and laughter in addition to the art tuition. The workshops have a lovely atmosphere of calm and study , but also lots of moments of friendship and laughter.

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops on the village to grab a sandwich from.

Payment information:

Total Fee: £195 for 2 days

Deposit of £80 to be paid online, the final £115 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

Imagine yourself on the beach in Cornwall, sketching the shapes and colours of the shoreline at low tide, breathing in the salty air and gazing out over the ocean to the horizon.  We’ll do some mindfulness on the beach: breathing… listening… then looking for treasure in rockpools, collecting the many kinds of seaweed, seashells and pebbles to sketch and paint. 

This is how my Shoreline Treasures workshops begins, and you’ll love being introduced to the way in which an artist looks and sees on that first morning on the beach. It’s no surprise that this is one of my most popular workshops. You will need to be able to walk the fifteen mins from studio to the beach and back. A taxi will be around £5 each way if this would be difficult for you

The rest of the course is studio based, (although we may well have another session on the beach if the mood takes us!) But of course, to interpret it all you’ll need some skills too, and so back at the studio I’ll be teaching you some invaluable artists’ secrets.

NB: We use a small watercolour paint box for this course, so please be aware this is not my usual studio based Three Tube System I teach on other workshops. 

Who is this course for? 

All abilities including beginners. The group size is maximum just eight people so I can teach you all at your own level. 

You’ll learn:

·      easy ways to sketchoutdoorsboth quickly and confidently

·      how to use watercolour from a tiny, portable paint box both indoors and outdoors

·      how to mix the most useful colours for beach themed watercolours with them

·      simple ways to draw shapes and proportionsof seashells, seaweed and other shoreline treasures

·      How to understand and use light and shadow to make your drawings and paintings of beach finds look more real and three dimensional

·      to simply immerse yourself in sketching and painting the treasures of the sea. 

. Which essential art materials you’ll need to sketch and paint outdoors and in the studio

What’s included:

• More than thirty years of Sarah’s experience. Priceless!

• All your art materials and equipment including watercolour paper, tubes of the correct paint colours, brushes, palettes, boards, etc.

• Basic tea and coffee. (If you drink particularly exotic teas, or use non dairy then please remember to bring some along

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops on the village to grab a sandwich from.

Walking:

You will need to be able to walk the fifteen mins from studio to the beach and back. A taxi will be around just £5 each way if this would be difficult for you

Payment Info:

2 Day Workshop £195

Deposit of £180 to be paid online, the final £115 to be paid on the day.

Book now: my courses fill up very quickly!

Do wish you could paint a pretty watercolour easily for fun?

Or did you use to paint in watercolours (but life got in the way)? 

Perhaps you'd  like to refresh your skills and get back into painting watercolours again? 

Come along to my two day Workshop of Wonderful Watercolour in beautiful Topsham and get inspired! 

 Doesn't matter if you've never even pickled up a brush before, or if your art teacher at school (almost) traumatised you for life. 

You can have a go at watercolours with me and really enjoy it. 

We'll have a look at simple colour mixing, some lovely juicy painting techniques, and paint some lovely simple watercolour paintings of flowers, butterflies, birds.

And don't worry if you think you can't draw: we've got ways round that. (I've got an Illustrator's Magic Light Box if you need it, where you can trace images onto your watercolour paper. Problem solved!)

You'll have a wonderfully relaxing time with like minded people, learn how to handle watercolour in an easy way, and go home with some beautiful little paintings to use for greetings cards or to put in frames as gifts. 

What’s included: 

All the art materials you’ll need: no need to buy or bring anything with you

A detailed multi-page handout covering all the techniques you’ll learn in the workshop

Unlimited hot drinks and biscuits to keep you going!

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops on the village to grab a sandwich from.

About the location:

Topsham is a stunning old historic town on the banks of the River Exe, just outside the cathedral city of Exeter in Devon.

If you're planning to come from far, there are some lovely places to stay, and to eat.  There are some really beautifully little lifestyle shops, cafes, and an amazing huge antiques and collector's centre on the harbour, so it's a fantastic place to have a short break too. I lived in Topsham for a few years and it's one of my favourite places in the whole of England. 

About the Venue:

The Nancy Potter House is a fantastic new community hub building with light and spacious rooms for activities, and I'm really excited to have found it for us! 

There's a cafe for lunch there; enhanced access facilities for all including a lift, parking is just a five min walk away ( there is limited disabled parking onsite,) and it's less than a ten minute walk from the railway station. 

Sign up now for a two day Big Self Treat.

Early Bird Booking Offer: 

Book and pay your deposit before March 31 and save £25 

(This will be taken off your balance)

Payment information:

Total Fee: £225 for 2 days

Deposit of £90 to be paid online, the final balance £135 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

On this workshop you’ll dig deeper into how to mix an amazing EIGHTY colours from just three tubes, as well as learn artist’s secrets to make the colours in your paintings SING.

We’ll paint some impressive (yet simple) watercolour skies; a landscape, trees and simple buildings.  

I’ll be doing lots of step by step demonstrations and helping you on a one-to-one basis too. You

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

·      My “Watercolour Alchemy” Colour Mixing System

·      some artist’s secrets about colour theory to help you choose colour combinations to make your paintings sing

·      How to use different consistenciesof colour to create different effects 

·      How to simplify what you see to make it more eye-catching (and much easier to paint!)

·      How to plan the sequence of your painting 

·      Which techniques are best for the different elements of your painting and WHY

·      How to paint “wet in wet” 

·      How to paint beautiful transparent watercolour washesand glazes, and why

·      How to make things look 3D with light and shadow effects

You’ll work indoors in from my own reference photos and handouts.

What’s included: 

All the art materials you’ll need: no need to buy or bring anything with you

A detailed multi-page handout covering all the techniques you’ll learn in the workshop

Unlimited hot drinks and biscuits to keep you going!

And not included: 

Lunch: bring a packed lunch along

Accommodation (we can supply a list for you) 

Payment information:

Total Fee: £195 for 2 days

Deposit of £80 to be paid online, the final £115 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

Spend two special days with me in my studio, and also at the magical Cornish harbour of Mousehole, learning how to paint and sketch boats in watercolour.

After spending Day One learning lots of tips and tricks to sketch and paint boats, imagine yourself on Day Two, sitting on the harbourside of a sleepy seaside village, doing a little sketches of the boats whilst hearing the lapping of the water and the cry of the seagulls… 

We’ll use small watercolour paint boxes, and special water filled brushes on location to capture quick impressions of gardens, and I’ll be doing lots of step by step demonstrations and helping you on a one-to-onebasis too.

Who’s this workshop suitable for?

This is ideal for those who have attended one of my workshops before, or for those who already paint or sketch a little. Also good for those who like sketching but want to loosen up and work more simply. Email me if you’re unsure! 

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

• easy ways to sketch both quickly and confidently

•  how to use watercolour from a tiny, portable paint box both indoors and outdoors

•  how to mix the most useful colours for water and shadows on boats

•  simple ways to draw shapes and proportions of boats 

• and how to simplifyall that stuff to make it manageable!

• How to understand and use light and shadow to make your drawings and paintings of boats and harbours look more real and three dimensional

•  to simply immerse yourself in sketching and painting on location in a relaxed but focussed way. 

•   Which essential art materials you’ll need to both sketch and paint outdoors, and in the studio

We’ll work in the studio on Day One to give you confidence in simple sketching skills and using your sketching and watercolour kit, and use my reference photos to work from. 

On Day Two we’ll be taken by minibus to Mousehole harbour to do some on-the-spot sketching and painting outdoors for a half-day session, (with lots of demo’s and one to one help) and spend the other half day at the studio. And don’t forget to bring your camera!

What’s included:

• More than thirty years of Sarah’s experience. Priceless!

• All your art materials and equipment including watercolour paper, tubes of the correct paint colours, brushes, palettes, boards, etc.

• Basic tea and coffee. (If you drink particularly exotic teas, or use non dairy then please remember to bring some along

• The hall has a generous free carpark and is disabled friendly.

• Lots of fun and laughter in addition to the art tuition. The workshops have a lovely atmosphere of calm and study , but also lots of moments of friendship and laughter.

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops on the village to grab a sandwich from.

Payment information:

Total Fee: £195 for 2 days

Deposit of £80 to be paid online, the final £115 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

Whether you want to paint landscapes outdoors, (or prefer the comfort of landscape photos indoors,) I can teach you how to paint a simple watercolour landscape in an easy step-by-step way so you needn’t be scared of landscapes any longer. 

This is ideal for those who have attended one of my workshops before and have done the colour mixing system with me. (If you haven’t, but have done some watercolour before, then don’t worry. *See below for solutions.) 

After this course, you’ll be able apply these steps to any landscape you like.

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

·      How to simplify what you see (and only use the most important bits) to avoid overwhelm

·      How to plan the sequence of your painting: what comes first, next, and last…

·      Which techniques are best for the different parts of the landscape

·      How to paint simple “wet in wet” skies

·      How to paint distant hills and trees

·      How to paint simple buildings and structures

·      How to make things look 3D with light and shadow effects

·      How to plan your colours and mix them with just three tubes 

·      How to select elements from you landscape to plan a “composition” ( where things will go) 

You’ll work from my reference photos, specially selected to include all the aspects above for maximum use of your time. 

What’s included: 

All the art materials you’ll need: no need to buy or bring anything with you

A detailed multi-page handout covering all the techniques you’ll learn in the workshop

Unlimited hot drinks and biscuits to keep you going!

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops on the village to grab a sandwich from.

Payment information:

Total Fee: £225 for 2 days

Deposit of £90 to be paid online, the final £135 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

One of my greatest joys in life is finding a quiet spot to sit and sketch for a while. At the age of just ten I’d join my dad to go sketching on the North Country moors where we lived, and I’ve only grown to love sketching even more in the years since then. I’d love to pass on the enjoyment and the skills to you, too. 

When sketching outdoors, quite apart from focussing on that quaint old doorway, or grazing sheep, or a path winding its way through trees you absorb the moment and the environment. The birds singing; the breeze on your face; the dry temperature or cool dampness of the air…

After this course, you’ll be able apply these steps to any sketch you like. (And you’re never alone when you have a sketchbook….

Who’s this workshop suitable for?

This is ideal for anyone: absolute beginners keen to have a go, and also who have attended one of my workshops before. Numbers are small enough for me to help you individually at your own level as well as doing lots of step by step demonstrations.

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

·      How to simplify what you see: sketching is just creating a quick and simple impression of something 

·      How to sketchthe objects to make them look solid and 3D using light and shadow

·      How to use viewfinders to reduce all that information in front of you and find the best view

·      How to use watercolour pens and pencils for super quick shadows and adding a touch of colour

·      How to plan where to put your subject on the paper to make a great “composition” (design.)

·      How to paint an easy but effective watercolour background or sky

·      How to make things look 3D with light and shadow effects

·      How to make things appear to be close up or far away

We’ll  work together alternating outdoors ( the views are amazing just steps from the venue) and indoors from my own reference photos from a choice of subject matter. You’ll also be able ot choose what you’d like to sketch if you wish  

What’s included:

• More than thirty years of Sarah’s experience. Priceless!

• All your art materials and equipment including watercolour paper, tubes of the correct paint colours, brushes, palettes, boards, etc.

• Basic tea and coffee. (If you drink particularly exotic teas, or use non dairy then please remember to bring some along

• Lots of fun and laughter in addition to the art tuition. The workshops have a lovely atmosphere of calm and study , but also lots of moments of friendship and laughter.

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops on the village to grab a sandwich from.

Payment information:

Total Fee: £225 for 2 days

Deposit of £90 to be paid online, the final £135 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

I’m HOLDING A TWO DAY DRAWING AND PAINTING PONIES WORKSHOP for Absolute Beginners. Based AT AN IDYLLIC SOUTH DEVON FARMSTEAD A STONES THROW FROM THE BEACH it'll be the perfect weekend! 

The farm is home to a small livery stable run by my lovely sister in law Mandy. I visited a few weeks ago and seeing all the ponies looking out of their stable doors was so picturesque (literally!) that I knew straight away it was the perfect place for a Horsey Workshop.

I’ll be sharing with you where to start with some really simple methods to sketch a horse’s head; how to capture the proportions of a pony the easy way, and how to flesh it out with shadow and watercolour to really bring your sketches to life.

We’ll work in the farmhouse to practise easy ways to draw and then pop out regularly to the stable yard and the paddock and put it all into practise.

Your Own Pony’s Portrait!
If you have photos of your own pony or one you rode as a child, then bring done photos along and you’ll be able to use those to work from to make your own pony portrait sketch.

What’s included:

• More than thirty years of Sarah’s experience. Priceless!

• All your art materials and equipment including watercolour paper, tubes of the correct paint colours, brushes, palettes, boards, etc.

• Basic tea and coffee. (If you drink particularly exotic teas, or use non dairy then please remember to bring some along

• free carpark

• Lots of fun and laughter in addition to the art tuition. The workshops have a lovely atmosphere of calm and study , but also lots of moments of friendship and laughter.

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops to grab a sandwich from. (Small general store a short drive away).

Payment information:

Total Fee: £225 for 2 days

Deposit of £90 to be paid online, the final £135 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

The location : Elberry Farm, Paignton, Devon.

You can make a lovely short break of it too, as Mandy provides bed and breakfast, with four rooms which overlook either the farmyard or the walled garden. She has 9.9 out of 10 on Google Reviews.

The magical Elberry Cove with Lord Churston’s ruined Georgian bathing house perched on the rocks is just five minutes walk down the lane, and two minutes in the opposite direction brings you to Churston Beach with its sweet little beach huts.

To view or book a room at Elberry Farm here are the contact details : 

***(please note that Mandy will be away on holiday until the beginning of April and is unable to take bookings until then, but there are definitely three rooms available for B&B. I'd advise to look at the website and if you like the look of it, to make a note in your diary to ring her in early April or book via booking.com)
www.elberryfarm.co.uk

Elberry Farm B&B
tel: 01803 842939
email: mandytooze.elberryfarm@btinternet.com

Please note that accommodation is not included in the workshop fee. If you‘d like to stay at the farm please make arrange and book independently with Mandy.
................................................

What you’ll learn:

• simplify what you want to draw.

• Avoid overwhelmand easily choose what to draw from 360 degrees of stuff.

• see and draw the shape and proportions that you look at

• some tricks on easy perspective

• easy tips on light and shadow to make your sketches look more 3D

• We'll experiment with pencil, charcoal, watersoluble pens, and ink to create different effects in your drawings.

• EXTRA: a short tutorial onhow to take the best photos on location to work form at home, so don't forget your smartphone or camera!

I want to encourage you to be observant of the small things as well as of "The Bigger Picture…" 

What’s included:

• More than thirty years of Sarah’s experience. Priceless!

• All your art materials and equipment including watercolour paper, tubes of the correct paint colours, brushes, palettes, boards, etc.

• Basic tea and coffee. (If you drink particularly exotic teas, or use non dairy then please remember to bring some along

• Lots of fun and laughter in addition to the art tuition. The workshops have a lovely atmosphere of calm and study , but also lots of moments of friendship and laughter.

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops on the village to grab a sandwich from.

Payment information:

Total Fee: £195 for 2 days

Deposit of £80 to be paid online, the final £115 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

These are a great treat for everyone involved and can be arranged on a date of your choice

for a small group of friends, mums and daughters, hen parties, birthday treats and retirement parties. In fact, you don't need any excuse at all, it's such good fun!

They can be designed for all levels, from 

• Absolute Beginners Too-Terrified-to-Pick-Up-a-Brush, 

• to the more experienced, from returners to watercolours, or 

• those wanting to have a fun day out painting some easy but beautiful watercolours for greetings cards.

For more information on how to arrange a workshop with Sarah in her Penzance Art Studio

 send an enquiry here: 

contact@watercolourworkshops.co.uk

(Whether you want to paint landscapes outdoors, (or prefer the comfort of landscape photos indoors,) I can teach you how to paint a simple watercolour landscape in an easy step-by-step way so you needn’t be scared of landscapes any longer. 

After this course, you’ll be able apply these steps to any landscape you like.

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

·      How to simplify what you see (and only use the most important bits) to avoid overwhelm

·      How to plan the sequence of your painting: what comes first, next, and last…

·      Which techniques are best for the different parts of the landscape

·      How to paint simple “wet in wet” skies

·      How to paint distant hills and trees

·      How to paint simple buildings and structures

·      How to make things look 3D with light and shadow effects

·      How to plan your colours and mix them with just three tubes 

·      How to select elements from you landscape to plan a “composition” ( where things will go) 

You’ll work from my reference photos, specially selected to include all the aspects above for maximum use of your time. 

What’s included: 

All the art materials you’ll need: no need to buy or bring anything with you

A detailed multi-page handout covering all the techniques you’ll learn in the workshop

Unlimited hot drinks and biscuits to keep you going!

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops on the village to grab a sandwich from.

On this workshop you’ll dig deeper into how to mix an amazing EIGHTY colours from just three tubes, as well as learn artist’s secrets to make the colours in your paintings SING.

We’ll paint some impressive (yet simple) watercolour skies; a landscape, trees and simple buildings.  

I’ll be doing lots of step by step demonstrations and helping you on a one-to-one basis too. You

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

·      My “Watercolour Alchemy” Colour Mixing System

·      some artist’s secrets about colour theory to help you choose colour combinations to make your paintings sing

·      How to use different consistenciesof colour to create different effects 

·      How to simplify what you see to make it more eye-catching (and much easier to paint!)

·      How to plan the sequence of your painting 

·      Which techniques are best for the different elements of your painting and WHY

·      How to paint “wet in wet” 

·      How to paint beautiful transparent watercolour washesand glazes, and why

·      How to make things look 3D with light and shadow effects

You’ll work indoors in from my own reference photos and handouts.

What’s included: 

All the art materials you’ll need: no need to buy or bring anything with you

A detailed multi-page handout covering all the techniques you’ll learn in the workshop

Unlimited hot drinks and biscuits to keep you going!

And not included: 

Lunch: bring a packed lunch along

Accommodation (we can supply a list for you) 

Payment information:

Total Fee: £225 for 2 days

Deposit of £90 to be paid online, the final £115 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

Old doorways, deep windows, brightly painted shutters, shadows on roofs and walls…. Endlessly fascinating subject matter for the watercolour painter, whether you want to paint a portrait of your own house, create a colour sketch of pretty doorway on you next holiday, or simply make a little hand-painted card of a pretty window. 

Who’s this workshop suitable for?

This is ideal for those who have attended one of my workshops before and have done the colour mixing system with me. (If you haven’t, but have done some watercolour before, then don’t worry. *See below for solutions.) 

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

• Tips on how to easily capture the proportionsof houses, doors and windows

• How to sketchthe objects to make them look solid 

• How to simplifywhat you see (e.g. a distant house simply needs a strong silhouette and an indication of a few shadows, whereas a close-up needs lots more detail.)

• How to plan the sequenceof your painting: what comes first, next, and last… 

• How to paint in “glazes” (layer upon dry layer) to create believable structures and shadows How to use “props” to add interest(e.g. wisteria around a door; or an old rake or watering can by a doorway; a window box of flowers on the window sill…) 

• How to make your subject way more eye catching by enhancing light and shadow 

• How to choose colours for maximum impact(colour theory)

I’ll show you lots of my own paintings as inspirations, and we’ll use lots of my own photos of doors, windows and houses to work from. Bring your own, too!

What’s included: 

All the art materials you’ll need: no need to buy or bring anything with you

A detailed multi-page handout covering all the techniques you’ll learn in the workshop

Unlimited hot drinks and biscuits to keep you going!

And not included: 

Lunch: bring a packed lunch along

Accommodation (we can supply a list for you) 

Total Fee: £195 for 2 days

Deposit of £80 to be paid online, the final £115 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

On this workshop you’ll dig deeper into how to mix an amazing EIGHTY colours from just three tubes, as well as learn artist’s secrets to make the colours in your paintings SING.

We’ll paint some impressive (yet simple) watercolour skies; a landscape, trees and simple buildings.  

I’ll be doing lots of step by step demonstrations and helping you on a one-to-one basis too. You

Here’s what you’ll learn: 

·      My “Watercolour Alchemy” Colour Mixing System

·      some artist’s secrets about colour theory to help you choose colour combinations to make your paintings sing

·      How to use different consistenciesof colour to create different effects 

·      How to simplify what you see to make it more eye-catching (and much easier to paint!)

·      How to plan the sequence of your painting 

·      Which techniques are best for the different elements of your painting and WHY

·      How to paint “wet in wet” 

·      How to paint beautiful transparent watercolour washesand glazes, and why

·      How to make things look 3D with light and shadow effects

You’ll work indoors in from my own reference photos and handouts.

What’s included: 

All the art materials you’ll need: no need to buy or bring anything with you

A detailed multi-page handout covering all the techniques you’ll learn in the workshop

Unlimited hot drinks and biscuits to keep you going!

And not included: 

Lunch: bring a packed lunch along

Accommodation (we can supply a list for you) 

Payment information:

Total Fee: £195 for 2 days

Deposit of £80 to be paid online, the final £115 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !

So you’ve never picked up a brush before?

You’ll be an  absolute beginner in watercolour but you’ve always wanted to have a go. I’m with you ☺️

No need to be able to draw, and  no need to feel nervous: you’ll be among people feeling exactly like you. We’ll have tea & biscuits & a giggle when you arrive, then prepare to be spellbound. 

Let the Watercolour Magic Begin!

I’ll be showing you the  absolute essential things you need to do to start painting in watercolours.      Nothing complicated: just beautiful and logical ways to mix water and colour together in the perfect consistency; some simple ways to use your brushes to apply it; and some super-simple demonstrations, tips and ideas to create your own contemporary style watercolour paintings.

You’ll even receive a helpful handout talking you through all the things you’ve learned to take home with you.

Here’s what you’ll learn about on the Watercolour for “Absolute Beginners” Class:

• The basic materials you need to paint in watercolour (I’ll provide you with a materials list, too, and the details of my favourite supplier)

• Paint consistency: I’ll show you how to achieve the dilution to make your watercolour really flow…

• Which colours are easiest to work with (I won’t introduce you to the naughty ones…:)

• How to “erase” your watercolour mistakes

• How to use your brush in different ways

• How to paint simple flowers, leaves and berries with just a few twists of the brush

• How to create white highlights without using white paint

• What “Paper bridges” are and why they’re essential for watercolourists

• The cheat’s way to paint a simple watercolour sky that looks wildly impressive

• Lavender field and Mediterranean houses

What’s included:

• More than thirty years of Sarah’s experience. Priceless!

• All your art materials and equipment including watercolour paper, tubes of the correct paint colours, brushes, palettes, boards, etc.

• Basic tea and coffee. (If you drink particularly exotic teas, or use non dairy then please remember to bring some along

• The hall has a generous free carpark and is disabled friendly.

• Lots of fun and laughter in addition to the art tuition. The workshops have a lovely atmosphere of calm and study , but also lots of moments of friendship and laughter.

And not included?

• Accommodation ( I can  email you a list of possibilities in the area)

• Lunch. Please bring along a packed lunch: there are no shops on the village to grab a sandwich from.

Payment information:

Total Fee: £195 for 2 days

Deposit of £80 to be paid online, the final £115 to be paid on the day.

Please be warned: my courses fill up very quickly !