On this half-day drawing and painting course, Niki will guide you through observation techniques and drawing, sketching and watercolour methods including capturing perspective, creating depth and contrast, using colour wash and mark making. We’ll look at the joy of recreating our love of plants and gardens through art and of recording directly from nature.

Course taught indoors and out in a small group to ensure time for personal attention. We will work directly from life out in the beautiful Dilston Physic Garden where weather permits, with the comfort of a warm room to retreat to when necessary! Explore different materials including pencils, inks and watercolours. The workshop will teach techniques and methods which will build confidence in working outdoors, directly observing from nature.

Level:  Suitable for enthusiastic beginners and experienced artists alike.

Duration 3 hours, 10am-1pm. 

Location: The Herbology, Dilston Physic Garden, Dilston, Hexham, NE45 5QZ

What to expect: The workshops will give guidance and tuition on different methods and approaches to drawing, sketching and watercolour. Beginning indoors for approximately an hour with opportunity to practice and ask questions before going outside to begin drawing directly from nature, ‘en plein air’.

We will aim to spend a couple of hours outside in the gardens, weather depending.

Toilets are available on site.

Car parking: Please park ONLY in the Top-up Car Park and not the small visitor car park. Allow for a pleasant 10-minute flat country walk from the DPG Top-up Car Park to the Herbology. Directions to car park and further information will be provided upon booking.

What to bring: Suitable clothing and footwear for walking and sitting outside in the North east! Layers are advised and a light waterproof. Something to sit on, either camping stool or picnic mat or gardening kneeler are all recommended depending on what you feel happy to carry. A water bottle for both your own refreshment and to top up your painting water. Please bring snacks as you wish! Tea and coffee will be available in the classroom.

You could also bring a camera/phone to record images you’d like to work from later or at home.

Art materials: I will provide some basic materials to get you started but if you have your own materials for drawing and painting, please bring them along on the day. I would recommend for drawing,  a small sketchbook, drawing items including pencils, rubber, sharpener. For painting, watercolour set, brushes, jam-jar for water, tissues for drying/dabbing-out. If you are a beginner and want to ‘try before you buy’ or are just unsure what to bring, please contact me (nikihblack@gmail.com).

Participation is entirely at your own risk.

Sorry no dogs. They might eat the paints!