Our 2023 course schedule is listed below. Click on a date to view a course overview. If you would like to find out more about any of our Course Tutors, please visit our Course Tutors page. For further practical course details and prices, please visit our Art Courses Overview page.
Course Schedule 2023
Taking our inspiration from the landscape of “Constable Country” and the local coast, Chris’s friendly and informative tuition will take you from monochrome and watercolour sketches and photos done on location to finishes mixed media and acrylic paintings in the studio. Guidance will be given on maximizing the sketching and information gathering process, colour composition and guides to mixed-media approaches and techniques.
Mixed Media Workshop - covering a broad range of media and subject matter with emphasis on exciting texture effects
This course starts with lunch at 12.30 on Wednesday 26th and ends after breakfast on Saturday 1st.
The course is based on gathering resources through drawing, colour observation and photographs on site, followed by the building up of finishes paintings in the studio. Lynda's teaching emphasizes the importance of a sound understanding of the use of tone, scale, composition and colour to create exciting and dynamic work. This offers the best opportunity to portray the beautiful local environment of Dedham whatever the weather and in either watercolour or Acrylics.
John Hoar
John Hoar was born in 1947 and studied Architecture at Cambridge. He has painted professionally since 1980 and has won several prizes for watercolour. Town House Films has made five DVD's of his work, one of which, (on pen and ink and watercolour), was a best seller for some years. He has taught watercolour courses in England, Wales, Scotland and Irelas as well as France, Sweden and The United States. In 2016 he represented the British watercolourists at the Qingdao International Watercolour Salon in China. His courses are for aspiring artists of all abilities and his approach is very broad and simple and easy to follow. (Included in the course will be instruction in pure watercolour, pen and ink and wash as well as sepia wash). He does many demonstrations both in and out-of-doors while his aim is to give his pupils the knowledge and confidence to produce paintings they can be proud of.
Painting in oils - working in the studio from Portrait, the Figure and Still Life. Roger will show you how to work from tonal planes of the face and human form, seeing shapes as shapes rather than just documenting features. By this method you will be able to get a likeness quickly, directly and with a painterly effect. Most sessions will have two models.
# (see booking form)
Watercolour and Mixed Media
Pastel
Steve is delighted to introduce this new and exciting studio-based course at Dedham hall. This medium will allow course members to produce both colourful and spectacular pictures of both coast and countryside. There will be an initial introduction from Steve where he will introduce his chosen materials, followed by a demonstration. This demonstration will include design and mark making and how to put these concepts together to produce dynamic work. Each following day will begin with a demonstration from which course members will produce their own rendering of the same subject. The remainder of the day will be free to paint from supplied photographic reference, assisted by Steve as and when necessary. Course members should be able to complete at least two finished pictures each day of a size and subject to suit them personally.
Spring Warercolour En Plein Air
Join Jem, just before the trees burst into leaf, to develop your watercolours literally in the field, at picturesque costal and village locations and around the idyll of our base. There will be boats, water, trees, skies, buildings and even the odd figure!
Jem's courses are designed with the 'serious improver' especially in mind. Some experience of watercolour is assumed, as is a desire to venture forth into the great outdoors. We'll see that painting is all about relationships. Within the frame is an ecosystem where everything effects everything else. Treating all our painting as 'just practice' and being willing to take chances are key to making progress, and 'enjoying the process' is easier when there's a spirit of adventure in each brush mark. The observed world and the watercolour medium will occupy us equally. Personal interpretation emerges from these combined with the student/artist's psychology - leading to interesting insights and conversations!
The course will go in depth on fundamentals, such as composition, control of tone, edges, colour, perspective and scale in drawing and how we can more towards an 'impression' or so-called 'looseness'. Tuition will be through demonstrations, discussion, some studio-based technique sessions and by occasional reference to renowned greats of watercolour. Students will receive much encouragement from Jem and individual guidance according to their needs.
NB, There will be some travel by car and some walking with our equipment on various terrains. Please refer to Jem's suggested Materials list on his website and don't hesitate to contact him if you would like to discuss whether the course is appropriate for you.
www.jembowdenwatercolour.co.uk
Drawn to Botany
Outdoor sketching with watercolours and creating loose, vibrant and impressionistic paintings using a painting knife and water based oils inside.
Working outdoors (weather permitting) with watercolour sketches and phots influenced by the beautiful surroundings of Dedham hall, you will then paint inside in the studio with water based oil paints, using vibrant colour mixes. This course will be and aid to loosening up your style with quick "plein air" watercolour paintings and then creating paintings indoors using textural and impasto effects with oils and a knife. My focus is on individual development and confidence building at you own pace and is for all levels.
Watercolour
This course offers the opportunity to get your watercolour painting underway along the coast and in the countryside of East Anglia. Steve will start with an introductory talk on how to plan your work and produce pictures that are both dynamic and exciting. Weather permitting, the group will visit locations around Dedham Hall to paint both coast and countryside. Typical of these will be Pin Mill, Stoke by Nayland, Lavenham, Woodbridge and other locations within easy driving distance of Dedham Hall. If the weather is not good, painting will be in the studio from supplied photographic reference or from pictures that course members have brought with them. Each morning there will be a demonstration and then, under careful guidance, course members will complete two pictures during the remainder of the day.
Success with Oils - An opportunity to hone your skills, build confidence in handling oil colour and create successful paintings you can be proud of. Painting with opaque and translucent colours combined with cold wax medium (supplied by the tutor) for textural effects to create depth and richness in your paintings. The course has been structured you can be proud of. The course has been structured to include some technical sessions in the studio, demonstrations and time to sit and paint within the grounds as well as on location around the picturesque Dedham Vale. Melanie will will be on hand to offer one to one support whenever you need it alongside demonstrations and group critique sessions when appropriate.
The course is based on the gathering of resources through drawing, colour observation and photographs on site, followed by the building up of finishes paintings in the studio. Lynda'a teaching emphasizes the importance of a sound understanding of the use of tone, scale composition and colour to create exciting and dynamic work. This offers the best opportunity to portray the beautiful local environment of Dedham whatever the weather and in either watercolour or acrylics.
Watercolour with Passion
My approach to watercolour is lively and entertaining, de-mystifying the medium and dispelling the fear of white paper. We will paint with freedom and spontaneity, with the emphasis on tone (or value) to make your paintings burst with light. The course is suitable for all abilities, although some experience with watercolour is preferred.
We will explore this beautiful location and paint en plein air whenever possible, with a daily demonstration showing you techniques and approaches to set you on your way. You are then assured of plenty of guidance with your own work.
Be brave and have fun with watercolour. In this workshop students will work with the tutor to articulate their own vision and particular challenges. The intention is to meet each individual exactly where they are and to support them in the production of work in the classroom that expands their practice in a personal way. The format will lean heavily in individual instruction and will also include lecture and discussion and demonstrations of particular techniques. A step by step process will begin with a fast foundation painting and will end with final approach options that are easy to learn and thought provoking. Unearth fresh and honest art inside yourself and learn to capture it with paint. Herman will teach you to find originality in your own work. Learn to get started with new ideas in a way which is fun and fast. You will learn about colour mixing, glazes, composition, drying time, thickness and edges to create and impressionist painting you never thought possible with watercolour. We will be exploring landscapes, seascapes and streetscapes focusing on various techniques. Expect to be challenged, to be brave and to have fun. Students are encouraged to bring their own images (no other artists) to work from and previous work for Herman's appraisal.
#(see booking form)
This course is designed for the more discerning and experienced painter who is striving to learn more about this most difficult medium. Weather permitting, he will take the group out painting plein air to the many interesting places in the area, as well as doing constructive teaching in the studio.>
Watercolour
Flowers and Landscape in Mixed Media
Painting Plein Air in the capturing scene in under 2 1/2 hours and producing a painterly and impressionistic painting. Advice will be given on how to select the scene, looking for composition and how to provide the essence of the subject. Also advice will be given on equipment, colour mixing, paint application and use of palette knife, how to use a pochard box for quick colour sketches and how to travel with a minimum of equipment. Painting will be outside in oils but bring photographic references in case of bad weather,
Landscape and Marine Painting
John Hoar
John Hoar was born in 1947 and studied Architecture at Cambridge. He has painted professionally since 1980 and has won several prizes for watercolour. Town House Films has made five DVD's of his work, one of which, (on pen and ink and watercolour), was a best seller for some years. He has taught watercolour courses in England, Wales, Scotland and Irelas as well as France, Sweden and The United States. In 2016 he represented the British watercolourists at the Qingdao International Watercolour Salon in China. His courses are for aspiring artists of all abilities and his approach is very broad and simple and easy to follow. (Included in the course will be instruction in pure watercolour, pen and ink and wash as well as sepia wash). He does many demonstrations both in and out-of-doors while his aim is to give his pupils the knowledge and confidence to produce paintings they can be proud of.
Taking our inspiration from the landscape of “Constable Country” and the local coast, Chris’s friendly and informative tuition will take you from monochrome and watercolour sketches and photos done on location to finishes mixed media and acrylic paintings in the studio. Guidance will be given on maximizing the sketching and information gathering process, colour composition and guides to mixed-media approaches and techniques.
This week you are free to came and paint at your own free will. You may came for as many or few days as you wish as there will be a daily dinner, bed and breakfast charge.
During the course, Ian will guide you through the entire process of producing better watercolour paintings. He will show you how to improve the initial drawing of your scene, demonstrate the importance of composition and design, perspective, and how to use colour and tone to give your paintings narrative, atmosphere and impact. Students will be painting en plein air weather permitting, and also working in the studio. Subjects will range from local scenes to anything of interest using photographic references. Working with Ian will provide you with the foundations you need to continue improving your paintings at your own pace.
Watercolour
This course is for anyone who has tried watercolour and been disappointed with their painting. Teaching will be by watching demonstrations, but you will also receive individual guidance according to your experience. The emphasis will be on painting fresh, lively watercolours in a simple, straightforward way - tricks and shortcut gimmicks are not a feature of this course. The aim is to capture the essence of the scene and preserve the elusive properties of watercolour which many of us find attractive.
Watercolour
This course offers the opportunity to get your watercolour painting underway along the coast and in the countryside of East Anglia. Steve will start with an introductory talk on how to plan your work and produce pictures that are both dynamic and exciting. Weather permitting, the group will visit locations around Dedham Hall to paint both coast and countryside. Typical of these will be Pin Mill, Stoke by Nayland, Lavenham, Woodbridge and other locations within easy driving distance of Dedham Hall. If the weather is not good, painting will be in the studio from supplied photographic reference or from pictures that course members have brought with them. Each morning there will be a demonstration and then, under careful guidance, course members will complete two pictures during the remainder of the day.
Drawn to Botany
Watercolour
Watercolour
There seems to be a never-ending quest to loosen up in watercolor. I hear from my students all the time. It's easy to fall into the trap of putting too much into your paintings and editing out the non-essential whether working from photo reference or painting on location is so important.
Painting loosely doesn't just 'happen', it comes from gaining a comfort level with your skills and materials over time. However there are techniques that can speed up this process.
My workshop will focus on using value studies from the outset to identify the large shapes in a scene. These large shapes provide the artist with opportunities for lost edges when painting in watercolor, which is essential if we are to take full advantage of the medium. Too often the 'found edges', or details take over the painter's thinking process and the result is a tight watercolour.
We will move on toward color paintings with a lot of individual help and complete a color painting lesson together. Demonstration paintings will be done by Andy every day to reinforce the day's lessons.
In order to loosen up it is imperative to have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish with your painting and then execute it quickly. This class will give you the tools and confidence to do just that.
There will be four full days of painting from Monday to Thursday inclusive.
This course is for anyone who has tried watercolour and been disappointed with their painting. Teaching will be by watching demonstrations, but you will also receive individual guidance according to your experience. The emphasis will be on painting fresh, lively watercolours in a simple, straightforward way – tricks and shortcut gimmicks are not a feature of this course. The aim is to capture the essence of the scene and preserve the elusive properties of watercolour which many of us find attractive.
Acrylic Course
Steve is delighted to offer this exciting studio-based course once again at Dedham hall. This vibrant medium will allow course members to produce both colourful and spectacular pictures of both coast and countryside. There will be an initial introduction from Steve where he will introduce his chosen materials, followed by a demonstration. This demonstration will include design and mark making and how to put these concepts together to produce dynamic work. Each following day will begin with a demonstration from which course members will produce their own rendering of the same subject. The remainder of the day will be free to paint from supplied photographic reference, assisted by Steve as and when necessary. Course members should be able to complete at least two finished pictures each day of a size to suit then personally.
Watercolour
Dedham hall are delighted to introduce Richard Green to their 'stable' of tutors. This is Richard's first course at Dedham Hall, following his selection as the Leisure Painter award winner at Patchings in 2022. Joining Richard will be Steve Hall who will be both demonstrating and assisting Richard with the teaching. Richard will start with an introductory talk on his approach to watercolour painting followed by a demonstration of his style and an introduction of his chosen materials. This demonstration will also include design and mark making and how to put these concepts together to produce dynamic work.. Each following day will begin with a demonstration by Richard from which course members will produce their own rendering of the same subject. The remainder of the day will be free to paint from Supplied photographic reference assisted by Richard and Steve as and when necessary. Course members should be able to complete at least two finished pictures each day of a size and subject to suit then personally.
Going Wild in Watercolour
Learn to paint bold and loose animals and wildlife with the Artist Magazine's Jake Winkle. Via paint and follow demonstrations Jake will guide you through some of his techniques and visions to capture the spirit and energy of his subject. All reference photos will be supplied by the tutor and don't worry about your drawing ability as tracing options are provided.
The aim of this course is to encourage confidence in watercolour through understanding the techniques that apply to this wonderful and exciting medium. We will work in the studio and also surrounding areas according to the weather and there will be demonstrations in the evenings. The course will be fairly intense with many light-hearted moments.
Studio works in Oil working from photos and developing up pictures from smaller studies with a possibility of working from Still Life or Portrait. Covering all techniques.
A chance to explore the quality and excitement that can be achieved through water based medium. We will be experimenting with a variety of painting techniques, combined with dynamic - composition. Subjects in still life and interior scenes will be used to study this theme. This studio based course is suitable for all levels of painting skills.