Ref: SLW36247
During this course you will have the opportunity to visit Petworth House where you will obtain entry and be given a tour by the curator of the new JMW Turner exhibition to spark your inspiration on the first full day of the course. You will have the opportunity to sketch in the grounds of Petworth House where Turner painted and have use of the studio there. You will also have the opportunity to return to West Dean for inspiration and use of the studio at West Dean. The West Dean minibus will transport you to Petworth House and return you back to West Dean.
When observing the stunning work of JMW Turner both in oil and watercolour, we become absorbed by his skill to create the illusion of depth and distance within this two dimensional form. His work epitomises all the virtues that this magical medium has to offer; of suggestion rather than detail, implication in preference to statement - the building blocks to a successful process.
During the course you will focus on the building blocks of watercolour painting, its flexibility and subtlety which can be achieved from simple elements of pigment, paper and water. Your tutor will help you with your development, guiding you with demonstrations and discussions both in the studio and outdoors.
You will produce collections of small quick studies through to larger comprehensive work. Working at your own pace on individual pieces using observation and studies from both Petworth House and West Dean. Weather permitting you will be working en plein air in both location in conjunction with studio time.
You will finish the course with a collection of between 8 and 15 exercises and paintings produced during the course. Your tutor will push the boundaries on what you can achieve, and expand your understanding of perspective when using both linear and aerial observation. Your portfolio of work should be varied covering both landscape, structure (ie buildings and interiors) produced during the course.
You will learn how to achieve warm and cool areas in your paintngs, suggestive details, good composition, collective shape and the use of figures, when appropriate.
Join your tutor to study and explore this wonderful opportunity that West Dean and Petworth are offering.
On this course the College will supply some 300gsm watercolour paper in hot pressed, NOT and rough finishes, a roll of magic tape and a tube of Holbein artist watercolour W231 Jaune brilliant No1 per student, plus some brown framers tape to share amongst the group.
Available from shop: A good variety of art materials including watercolour paper (if extra needed), watercolour paints, a good selection of brushes, palettes, pencils, rubbers, adhesive framers tape, magic Scotch tape.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop plein air or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Please be aware that in the event of an extreme weather forecast, such as high winds, there may be changes to the course content as necessary.
The College will provide transport for the visit to Petworth House.
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
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.
