Trees are among the most expressive, diverse and exciting subjects to sketch, and West Dean College estate and the surrounding countryside offer a rich variety to inspire you.

You will learn what it takes to achieve a convincing depiction of very different species: understanding each one’s pattern of growth, its proportions and its distinct character.

You are invited to bring your own choice of medium to work in, both monochrome and colour. You will have the opportunity to try a wide range of drawing tools and materials, some highly specialised, supplied by the tutor, who will demonstrate very varied approaches. The first evening will introduce one of these unusual tools, and other optional evening projects will be suggested.

The tutor will bring original examples of her own work, as well as plenty of inspirational examples by other artists, contemporary and historical, to compare forms of expression. You will be encouraged to experiment with different techniques, as well as develop your own natural strengths and vision.

The course will also touch on the latest natural history research to help you develop a deeper understanding of trees, including vital ways in which they communicate with each other and what is needed for the long-term survival of different species in the face of future climate change.

We aim to be outdoors for a good part of the course, working directly from the live subject where possible, but will give time to sharing and reviewing our responses back in the studio as we go along.

Included

The tutor will supply some specialist materials, including unusual pens and ink/watercolour combinations.

The College will supply some items of equipment for the course, namely a craft knife, scissors, ruler, drawing board, cutting mat and lightweight folding chairs.

What students need to bring

• A rucksack containing sketching tools and materials of your choice to work in monochrome and/or colour, carried in a waterproof plastic bag
• A sketchbook of good-quality cartridge paper in any preferred size that is comfortable to carry (spiral-bound with a rigid back is practical) or separate sheets of paper, clips and lightweight board (A3 boards are provided as an option by the College)
• If using watercolour paints, please bring a sketchbook suitable for wet media or an additional sketchbook containing watercolour paper.
• If you would like to do some collage: some colour magazines or collage papers, plus glue stick
• Suitable weatherproof clothing and footwear for working outdoors and painting overall for studio

Additional information

Your tutor likes to have a chat with students on the telephone prior to the course. This gives her the opportunity to find out about any special interests or focus areas you have, to tell you a bit more about the course and to answer any questions you may have. Your email and phone number will be passed on to her. If you would prefer the tutor not to contact you, please let the Bookings office know.

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

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
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 (lunch included)
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

Terms & Conditions