Ref: SWE37686
The simple materials of water, paper and pigment have many options with the way they can be used. Learn how to consider these choices fully to produce individual work and develop your own painting style.
On this course, you will explore:
The course begins with some quick painting exercises to get you started. You will then explore your options, supported by one-to-one discussions with your tutor, as well as group reviews. Working with large and small studies, you will develop your ideas in your paintings, working in the studio and grounds of West Dean, weather permitting.
This course will help you to become a more accomplished artist on this journey of exploration. You will leave with studies, exercises and finished pieces, which will help you move forward to broaden your painting boundaries. You will gain a better understanding of colour, light, brushwork and composition, and of the options available to achieve different results.
We have a generously stocked craft shop, which opens daily from 8.30am–2pm. For any materials you need to purchase from the shop, we suggest you do so during the first morning of your course, after having discussed with your tutor.
Available from shop: A good variety of art materials are available to buy, including Saunders Waterford or Arches Watercolour Paper 140lb, 300gsm in all surfaces, Windsor & Newton Artist Quality tube paints in a good range of colours, bleedproof white paint by Windsor & Newton, a selection of watercolour brushes, including a 4 or 5 round, 9 or 10 round, 1.25 flat and a mop, adhesive tape, pencils 2B and 4B, putty and plastic rubbers.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 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*
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
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
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.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
People and Architecture are the main focus of Brian's watercolours striving to capture mood, light and atmosphere in daily life. His paintings have been exhibited at The Mall, Bankside and the RWA Bristol gaining awards. He has written articles for International Artist, The Artist and Leisure Painter magazines. He now demonstrates and tutors Watercolour nationally. In 2020 he was elected as a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
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.
