Tom Benjamin
Tom Benjamin paints landscapes, town and coastal views in oils, outside in front of the subject, in all weathers. He is represented by Sarah O'Kane Fine Art.
Ref: SLW36103
Working at the arboretum in the West Dean Gardens, you will be painting with oils directly in front of the landscape. You will also work on still life studies of tree branches and roots in the studio. The aim is for you to learn how to create a sense of form and growth in your paintings, ways of structuring a painting to create a feeling of light, form and texture, and approaches to composition. This course is best suited to those who have some basic drawing skills.
During the course, the tutor will refer to a wide range of different artistsÂ’ work, with the aim of stimulating your sense of invention to help you develop your response to the subject. Your tutor will sometimes be painting and you can watch him demonstrating and talking about his approach.
You will be working outside wherever possible, so be prepared for all weathers. Tuition includes whole class talks, individual discussion and practical help while you are working. Subjects include tonal studies, painting the sky, foliage and forms of trees and woods, choice of subject matter, composition and capturing light.
By the end of the course, you will have developed confidence in your response to a subject, have a series of studies to refer to in future, as well as at least one finished piece, and discovered new approaches to painting and composition.
Some MDF boards are provided, plus some gesso, white spirit and studio safe solvent to be shared amongst the group.
Available from shop: A good range of art materials, including oil paints in Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow Pale Hue/Winsor Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Alizarin Crimson, French Ultramarine, Phthalo Blue/Winsor Blue, Ivory Black. A4 sketchbooks, drawing media, canvases/painting boards in a range of sizes, brushes in a range of sizes, studio safe solvent, long rulers
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the working outdoors and also for the studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toed shoes or sandals. Layers of clothing to keep warm, sun hats if hot, etc.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
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
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
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
Tom Benjamin paints landscapes, town and coastal views in oils, outside in front of the subject, in all weathers. He is represented by Sarah O'Kane Fine Art.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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