This two-day landscape course celebrates the 250th anniversary of John Constable’s birth and explores why his deep sensitivity to nature feels so relevant today. Constable understood the restorative power of being outdoors, and his paintings remind us that landscape art is as much about close observation and emotional connection as it is about depicting scenery.

The course begins with drawing ‘en plein air’ in one of the public garden spaces around Malet Street. Through quick studies and focused looking, you will sketch elements that fascinated Constable: fleeting summer clouds, shifting sunlight, tree formations, birds in motion, and even rainbows when the weather allows. These outdoor sketches will form the foundation of your studio work.

To enrich your visual understanding, day one also includes an illustrated lecture, “The Artist and the Garden”, which traces the influence of Constable through Impressionism, Expressionism, and into Contemporary Modern practice. This session highlights how artists across eras have responded to gardens, weather, atmosphere, and the changing landscape, offering fresh ideas for your own picture-making.

Back in the studio, you will translate your outdoor drawings and gathered visual references into resolved landscape paintings. Guidance will focus on composition, colour harmony, tonal values, and developing your personal approach to landscape. You will be encouraged to explore what you see and feel, not just what appears in front of you.

By the end of the course, you will have produced a series of landscape studies and at least one more finished piece, gaining confidence in observational sketching, colour application, and the expressive possibilities of landscape painting.

Included

On this course the College will supply most of the materials, including a roll of Fabriano 10m x 1.5m, A1 cartridge paper, brown paper packing tape, acrylic paint in various colours and household paint in various colours to share amongst the group.

What students need to bring

You may wish to bring your own preferred set of small and medium soft paint brushes although some will be provided. Some colouring pencils and chalk pastels will be provided by the College to be shared amongst the group but you may wish to bring your own preferred set of these too. An apron (a disposable apron will be provided but you may prefer to bring your own)

Additional information

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

Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm 
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 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