Vanessa Bell (1879 – 1961) was one the foremost painters in the Bloomsbury Group, combining English Post-Impressionism and Modernism. Bell produced a body of diverse work including from the figure, still life and landscape, a master of composition and colour, derived from her Academy training, her paintings offer a quiet meditation that force the viewer to slowdown and look.

To support of her painting and engage with her peers Bell founded the Friday Club inspired by her time in Paris, in a similar vein and in celebration of Vanessa Bell these two-day courses, begin on a Friday and will take Bell’s paintings as a source of inspiration.

Working with your preferred drawing and painting materials this session will begin with drawing from the figure. From these initial drawings you will develop compositions from which to make either a series of paintings or one focused painting.

Please note:

• A life model will be provided for the first day
• This is not a beginner’s course, you will need to have some drawing and painting experience

Included

The College will provide cartridge paper and some charcoal and black drawing ink to share amongst the group. A life model will be provided for the first day.

What students need to bring

Suggested materials and equipment:

Surfaces:

• Sketchbook
• Surfaces to draw and paint onto, for example, canvas board, plywood, good quality paper 300gsm

Drawing Materials:

• Soft B pencils: 2B 4B 6B 8B
• Graphite stick (water soluble)
• Charcoal pencil
• Willow charcoal (various thickness)
• Putty rubber
• Fixative
• Drawing ink (black)
• Masking Tape

Paints:

• Water based paint including Acrylic, water-soluble oil, gouache *consider your surface and the scale you intend to work
• Paint mediums (retarder/flow etc)
• Paint brushes appropriate for your paint, including large paintbrushes
• Palette knife (for mixing paint)

Other:

• Apron/overall

Additional information

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

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.

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