“Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe.” (Anatole France)

“I like walking because it is slow, and I suspect that the mind, like the feet, work at about three miles an hour. If this is so, then modern life is moving faster than the speed of thought or thoughtfulness.” (Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust)

You might suffer from mobility impairment, a hidden illness, fatigue or simply enjoy taking time. This slowly paced course will be the perfect choice for you.

In our fast moving society, we often forget that when we stay still, we discover the world in new ways and get closer to ourselves. For years, Caroline has offered courses on West Dean’s wider estate, affirming the necessity to be able to walk for long distances on uneven terrain. With this course, she is keen to offer something more inclusive, something everybody can access.

Every day, you will go for a slow walk. It might be that a square metre of grass will become your inspiration for the development of drawings, prints and/or stitch pieces in the nearby studio. You will be taught a variety of drawing exercises, designed to anchor you in the moment, to connect and observe, with all your senses, the world around you.

In the studio, your tutor will guide you and offer ways in which you could develop your sketches and notes. You will be encouraged to develop your own ideas. Your tutor will demonstrate ways of drawing, making simple monoprint and using stitch on paper or cloth. It might be that you choose to combine all three!

At the end of the course, you will have accessed West Dean’s grounds, made a series of sketches and created a response or a series of responses from your discoveries. Group and individual guidance will be offered throughout the course.

Two West Dean mobility scooters are available for use.

Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing that are appropriate for the weather conditions.

Included

On this course the College will supply some of the materials, including:

• Paper – cartridge, tissue, Fabriano Rosaspina, Khadi, BFK Rives (grey) and watercolour paper
• Charcoal
• Ink
• Black thread
• Black, sepia and extender base water-based caligo ink

What students need to bring

• Sketchbooks, A4 or smaller, for outside use
• Your favourite drawing materials
• Some colour in the form of pens, watercolour or pastel (one of them will be sufficient)
• An apron
• Masking tape
• Brushes: small, medium and large - one of each
• Sewing and/or embroidery needles and thread of your choice, fabric

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• A good selection of art materials, including:
• A4 and A5 sketchbooks
• Drawing materials
• Colour pens, pencils, watercolour paints, pastels
• Masking tape
• Brushes: small, medium and large
• Sewing and/or embroidery needles and thread of your choice, fabric
• Watercolour paper and good quality drawing paper

Additional information

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

Please bring comfortable shoes and clothing, suitable for going outside.

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.

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