Louise Rainbow
Louise Rainbow has been teaching art for 25 years working in ceramics, drawing, painting and printmaking. She trained in contemporary arts at Bretton Hall, Leeds University and has experience teaching at all levels.
Painting large inspired – Hockney's big splash of colour with Louise Rainbow
Ref: S5D40575
About this course
Learn to paint large in acrylics inspired by the artist Pierre Bonnard and his work depicting nature and domestic scenes. You will be working 'en plein air' in the gardens at West Dean, as well as in the studio.
Course Description
From the Big Splash in LA to the bucolic English landscapes of Yorkshire, David Hockney has painted his favourite views of the world. He is an iconic English painter, draughtsman, printmaker, stage designer and photographer.
Have you always wanted to be brave and bold with your art and learn to increase your confidence as an artist working with colour? Have you yearned to paint outdoors on a large scale? Take a journey with your tutor on this big painting course in the glorious gardens at West Dean where nature is allowed to flourish. Experience a creative journey into the world of landscape painting.
Hockneys works are notable for being bold but also a quietness of subject, flatness of space and subtle reduction of form. You will be exploring his art and celebrating his style of landscape painting on this exciting five day course.
This vibrant and energetic course focuses on working on large scale studies and embracing a big canvas and large scale board. Enjoy being brave with colour and brushwork and experimenting with shape and form. Explore the bright colours of Hockneys paintings to inspire and ignite your work on this vibrant, immersive course. Learn to understand your own colour palette and use bright vibrant hues in acylic paint.
By the end of the course, you will have produced two large-scale canvases and a series of large preparatory works on paper inspired by Hockney and his gorgeous world of colour. Be prepared to be challenged and to step-out of your comfort zone.
Immersive Art School Week This course is part of our Immersive Art School group of short courses for summer 2026, led by talented artist-tutors
- Tim Johnson (basketry)
- Jane Fox and Jane Sampson (printmaking)
- Louise Rainbow (drawing and painting)
- Ben Brierley (ceramics)
- James Hunting (textiles)
- Rachel Johnston (woven tapestry)
- John Mosse (Damascus steel)
There will be tutor talks on the Tuesday evening from 5:15 to 6.15pm in The Old Library as part of the course. Studio visits are encouraged to share work and experiences (out of core teaching hours).
Course Materials
Included
On this course the College will supply most of the materials, including a 100cm x 100cm canvas (which should fit in your car, but please check), 80cm x 80cm canvas and some thick cartridge paper (300gsm) and masking tape per student, plus some household paint in various colours and blackboard paint to share amongst the group.
Flowers and foliage from the gardens will also be provided.
What students need to bring
- Sketchbooks
- 4 jam jars
- Basic tool kit including - pencils, charcoal, 4-inch-wide wallpaper brush, range of 6 decorators brushes, assorted wide flat brushes, assorted round paintbrushes
- A palette
- Acrylic paints (250ml size paint pots minimum) in the following colours: Red, Yellow, Blue, Black, Paynes Grey, White, Burnt Sienna
- Coloured chalk pastels or crayons (optional)
Available to buy
Available from shop: A good variety of art materials, including acrylic paints in 250ml pots (and 500ml), brushes, palettes, sketchbooks and paper and drawing materials including coloured pastels and crayons, etc.
Additional information
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Timetable
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
General Information
Tutors
Accommodation
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Further study options
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.