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 creating a sketch-book and 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 in the woods and along the river bank where weather permits, with the comfort of a warm room to retreat to when necessary! Explore different materials including pencils, charcoal, 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: Stocksfield Scout Hut, Guessburn, Stocksfield, NE43 7QP

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

It is a short walk from the ‘classroom’ to the river bank and woods (approximately 30m) but we will then aim to spend an hour or two outside amongst the trees, weather depending. There are paths in the woods but it is a natural site and participants must be capable of walking on unsteady terrain. There are also places to draw from the verandah and garden of the Scout Hut if the weather is variable.

Toilets are available at the indoor classroom site.

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!

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

Art materials: 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) and I will provide a starter kit for a small fee and/or advise on materials and where to buy them.

Participation is entirely at your own risk.

Sorry no dogs. They might eat the paints!