Lilac Cottage Studio

Course suits: those wishing to explore abstract painting Objectives: The day will start with an assessment of the key qualities of abstraction and how these can be reflected in acrylic application. Our first exercise will apply these key principles to a painting. We then reflect on the outcome and consider how further techniques can improve the quality of the work. Our second exercise takes the abstraction process further in a painting. During the day we will try out a variety of acrylic additives and materials to enhance the style, and...

Everyone can draw! Drawing is the most important element for representational art. It's the foundation that holds up a decent painting, it creates order and believability. Objectives: In this class you will learn how some very simple strategies can help you create solid drawings with confidence. You will discover the basic exercises that draftsmen throughout history have employed to keep their drawing skills up to scratch. Starting off with simple shapes and advancing to shading and creating believable form. There's a lot of information for one day, and perhaps you...

Course Suits: those who have taken the beginner oils class and want to move to the next stage. Or those who would like to learn some technique they may feel they lack. Objectives: following on from your beginner class where you looked at materials handling, grounds and basic studio craft, this day will enable the student to experience other additives and application techniques to broaden their appreciation of oil painting. We will spend the day looking at how to oil out, glaze and layer paints to create sfumato images. We...

Unlock the secrets of charcoal, the oldest of drawing mediums. Often overlooked, a bit tricky, dirty, and blunt. Let's dig some out and explore its versatility, subtlety and beauty. Objectives: You'll learn how to create convincing three dimensional renderings using age old techniques and principles. Portraiture is perfectly suited to charcoal, the play of light describing form and volume, lends itself to the subtlety that the burnt bits of willow hold within. You'll explore the anatomy of the head, giving your drawing a sound foundation on which to build up...

This day is a fun experience in mixed media, where we work in acrylic, collage and oil pastel to create large and colourful pictures. By exploring the different types of basic material that can be used we discover how each type of paper brings different qualities to the work, and creates different effects. We will then look at various ways to use the collage in creating the image. We also explore how acrylics can be used as the basic under-painting and for scumble and lean colour. Additionally, how oil pastel...

It's Christmas! (Well in a few weeks) Let's create your very own personal Christmas card. A one off or get some printed and send it to all your friends and relatives. In this class you'll use gouache, a water based tube paint perfect for a snowy scene, robin redbreast or Santa's ruddy face. In the morning you'll explore composition and how to get the best out of the medium. In the afternoon you will complete your card, unique and personal, a one off that all those who receive will love....

During this workshop you will be introduced to oil painting techniques as well as the fundamental starting points to painting. Learn the important technical aspects to beginning to paint with oils including preparing your surface, colour mixing, tonality, brush handling, layering and complete a simple composition. Your tutor will teach you step-by-step how to prepare your painting surface, colour and tone experiments, palette preparation, colour coordination, use of mediums and thinners, and brushwork techniques. Through practical demonstration, one to one support and exercises you will learn the basics that will...

Course suits: Those who already have some experience of sketching or watercolour and wish to explore pen wash sketching Objectives: The day will be spent looking at different approaches to pen and wash work in supporting sketchbook exercises. We will start the session with some practical exercises in the studio looking at the ways that materials behave and relate. We will also review other artists styles and techniques. Using pens (both soluble and permanent), soluble pencils and pastels aligned with watercolour, and even just water washes, we will carry out...