The aim of this course is to learn and gain confidence in painting ‘en plein air’ i.e. outdoors from life. The course is suitable for all levels, however basic drawing skills would be helpful.

You will have an opportunity to watch your tutor paint and demonstrate how he approaches a subject and then make a painting yourself under his direct guidance and supervision.

You will be taken through studies demonstrated in both plein air and in the studio to illustrate and explain how to use each method to its advantage. You will learn and paint in the studio with short experiences of painting outdoors. Be ready to paint in all weathers, however, in extreme weather conditions, the course will take place solely inside the studio.

The course will cover a range of topics, such as composition, breaking of a subject, colours, tonal values, capturing light, atmosphere and more.

There would be group and individual discussions and talks on subjects related to ‘en plein air’ painting.

Included

On this course the College will supply some studio safe solvent.

What students need to bring

A selection of oil paints in the following colours:

• Titanium White
• Chrome Yellow hue
• Yellow Ochre
• Cadmium Orange
• Cadmium Red
• Burnt Sienna
• Raw Sienna
• Ultramarine Blue or Cobalt Blue
• Mauve or Violet
• Ivory Black

Other materials:

• Sketchbook and pencils
• Painting medium - linseed oil in a container with a lid
• Container/small jam jar with lid for studio safe solvent
• Suggested brushes: flat bristle #10, 4 and one or two smaller round brushes for fine details
• Palette knife
• Painting boards, panels 10” x 12” and 12” x 16”
• Sandpaper - fine
• Baby wipes, rags or paper towel
• Waste paper bag/basket
• Additional materials: as per personal needs
• Apron, strong spring clamps, binder clips
• Clothing suitable for painting outdoors
• Portable easel or pochade box if you have one

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions