Oils, Acrylics and Watercolours
@ Cockington Court, Torquay
May 2024, Dates TBC
Two Days | Weekend
£249
Have you always fancied yourself as a painter but are unsure where to start?
Relax and unwind on this weekend painting course, set in the picturesque surrounds of Cockington Country Park, with the expert tuition of artist and professional teacher Cath Siswick.
In a calm and supportive environment, throughout the weekend you will be guided through the basics of painting in watercolours, acrylics and oil paints, allowing you to gain understanding of the different mediums, as well as a feel for your preferences. You will come away with the skills, knowledge and confidence to continue developing your own practice.
Great for beginner and improvers, but suitable for all abilities - come and have a go!
Day 1, 10:30 to 17:00 - Watercolour and Acrylics
Arrive at Studio 10, where you will receive a warm welcome and meet your fellow artists. You will start the day with an exploration of watercolour paints, learning to master the flow, translucency and luminosity of the medium.
You will be taught all you to need to know to get started with colours, as well as range of techniques and effects.
Following a leisurely lunch (with wine!) you will spend the afternoon familiarising yourself with the characteristics of Acrylic Paint.
Working with Palette Knives, and a range of impasto mediums and techniques, to create your own seascape painting.
Day 2, 10:30 to 16:00 - Oil Painting
You will start the day with a series of short activities design to give you the skills and knowledge to enable you to work confidently with oils.
Once you have gained an understanding of the paints, surfaces, brushes and basic application techniques, you will spend the remainder of the day working from a still life to create your very own oil painted masterpiece.
All materials and equipment used in our courses are of a professional quality. You are encouraged to develop your own ideas and style with Cath on hand to guide you and support you in successfully mastering the processes and techniques.
At 10:30am we will start with welcomes, introductions and an overview of the day.
We will look at the way in which a variety of painters approach landscapes in their artwork, identifying how scale, composition, perspective and tone have been harnessed to create depth, before going on to under paint our canvases in preparation.
Whilst your under paint is drying, we will work through a series of quick practical exercises designed to put what you have learned into practice.
11:30am (ish) - Break for a hot drink.
Once refuelled we will draw/trace our images on to our under painted canvases and get painting. I will be there to guide, support and encourage you throughout the day.
1:00pm - Lunch break. There is a cafe on site, and The Drum pub is within a short walk from the studio, or feel free to bring a packed lunch.
After lunch you will spend a relaxing afternoon finishing your painting. Hot drinks will be available as and when required.
4:15pm - We will cover how to clean brushes/work stations, before a photo opportunity to show off your newly created masterpieces.
4:30pm - Head home with a completed painting ready to show off to your friends and family, and hang in pride of place.
1st Day
9.45am Arrive at our new Magic Easel Studio in Mapledurham, Berkshire. We have a large car park if you are driving. Have breakfast at our Guest House if you stayed the night before.
Start the day with coffee, tea or water. Meet your fellow artists. (There is even wine for those needing it!!)
10.00 Your tutor welcomes you to the studio, explains the weekend and tells you about herself. You are encouraged to tell us a bit about yourself (if you want to) and what you particularly want from the weekend. Everyone is nervous but there is always laughter and fun!!
Then choose your print station in the studio. Everyone has their own space and use of professional equipment and materials. We take a maximum of 8 students per workshop.
The workshop begins.
Tea & Coffee is available any time - just help yourself - the studio is YOURS for the weekend. Do what you gotta do!!
Our Aim is to 'Bring out the Artist in You' - we DO NOT just print and let you copy us. We motivate, inspire and teach originally.
1.00pm Lunch. A delicious fresh buffet with wine. (A glass of wine often helps the creative process!)
1.30pm Back to printing - where we start your Intaglio print
4.30pm Discussion about tomorrow. Talk to your tutor about what painting you want to do tomorrow. Bring in a photograph or drawing or ideas and concepts.
5.0pm Day Ends
You either go home or come to our Guest House and eat out with the group across the road at an excellent restaurant. We book you a table - as it is SO good - you HAVE to book!
2nd DAY
9.30am Arrive at 9.30 this morning. Your tutor will demonstrate ways of adding colour to your print and talk you through creating a successful composition. REMEMBER we do not impose our will on you but YOU develop your skills and talent.
Often goes straight for a coffee and chinwag with each other about today's painting! Students are still seen with heads in art books, pencils on drawing pads or flicking through ipads!
You are advised on the processes and colours to use. Your tutor will let you be as 'contemporary' or 'traditional' as you require. There are many ways to approach a print so your tutor will help you make decisions.
Concepts, approach, style, technicalities etc are discussed depending on which workshop you are attending.
12.30am Lunch. A delicious fresh buffet with wine. (A glass of wine often helps the creative process!)
1.00pm Back to printing - where we complete your own professional print.
3.30-4.00pm Day Ends - Group photo (which we send you) along with teaching notes about your printing weekend.
Your tutor is only there for you. She is NOT creating her own artwork but gives you constant attention and help. Every student is encouraged to 'Develop their Own Style'. We have everything you need in the studio for experimental work, (all art products). etc
WE REALLY LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!!
All materials provided
Suitable for ages 18+
Small class sizes
Refreshments, tea, coffee and water, will be available throughout the day.
A delicious fresh buffet with wine, will be provided on both days (if you have any dietary requirements please email in advance).
No experience necessary. This workshop is perfect for beginners.
Please bring old clothes or an apron - painting can get messy!
Long stay parking is available a short walk from the studio (Craft Centre Car Park: Open 7am – 7pm, parking charges apply, please bring cash)
Southbank Townhouse, Torquay
Get up to 10% discount at Southbank Townhouse, Torquay, when booked alongside a workshop at Cath Siswick Art School. Situated 5 minutes’ walk from Torbay beach, The Southbank is a 4-star guest house offering private parking, a garden and free WiFi.
Each room at Southbank is individually styled and features a flat-screen TV, an en suite bathroom, and tea/coffee making facilities. Some of the family rooms consist of spacious adjoining rooms.
Guests can enjoy a selection of cereals, fruit juice, and yoghurt as well as continental and full English breakfast, made of locally sourced ingredients where possible. Dietary requirements are also catered for upon request.
The historic building and art gallery Torre Abbey is less than half a mile away, and Princess Theatre is only 15 minutes’ walk from the property.
5% discount on a minimum 2 night stay
10% discount on a minimum 5 night stay
Discount codes will become available once checkout is complete.