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We are delighted to offer a fabulous range of art courses. In summary, we offer: an animal painting course, a portrait drawing course, a landscape drawing and painting course, a printmaking course plus a beginner’s drawing and painting course with a focus on still life.
Furthermore, we have designed our course programmes in order to offer a varied and interesting itinerary. Whether you wish to develop your existing skills, or you are a beginner, our courses will absolutely meet your needs.
Finally, all of our art courses offer expert tuition from a fully qualified art teacher who has a wealth of experience to offer.
Please select your choice from the following options to jump to the course information. Alternatively, continue scrolling to view the full course range.
Animal Painting
Suitable for all ability levels
A course designed to develop your ability to create characterful animal paintings whilst also exploring a range of watercolour techniques.
Portrait Drawing
Suitable for all ability levels
This course offers a comprehensive, step-by-step programme in portrait drawing.
Landscape Drawing & Painting
Suitable for all ability levels
A course offering an opportunity to immerse yourself in idyllic landscape and learn how to create effective landscape imagery.
Printmaking Techniques
Suitable for all ability levels
A creative course exploring printmaking techniques and expressive use of colour.
Still Life Drawing & Painting
Aimed more specifically at beginners
On this course, you will learn how to develop colourful works of art enhancing your ability to manipulate watercolour successfully and use colour theory.
Animal Painting Course
Learn how to paint realistic and charming animal portraits in a range of watercolour techniques in this informative animal painting course.
Throughout this course, you will receive guided practice and practical demonstrations. Therefore, the course is suitable for all ability levels.
What’s more, the course leader is a practising artist and a fully qualified teacher with nearly 30 years experience of teaching art.
Animal Painting Overview:
- First, you will first receive a comprehensive Introduction to watercolour techniques through practical demonstration and practice.
- In addition, we will offer you guided practice on how to complete accurate drawings of animals.
- Furthermore, we will give step-by-step demonstrations on applying watercolour layers in order to build tone and texture.
- Also, demonstrations and lots of practice on watercolour techniques to develop realism and fine detail.
An example itinerary for the animal painting course:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sat | We will meet at the studio at 10:30am. Then the tutor will demonstrate a range of watercolour technique and deliver a practical session where the emphasis will be on achieving fun and experimental approaches. The second half of the session will be spent on drawing and developing painting techniques. The aim of the session will be to complete an animal painting study. The session will conclude at 3:30pm. |
| Sun | We will meet at the studio at 10:30am. The last day will be spent in completing a more detailed and final animal portrait painting. During this session, you may wish to paint a pet portrait from a photograph that you bring to the course. The tutor will guide you throughout the day and demonstrate how to add layers and more detail to your work with step-by-step tutorials. Therefore, you will be fully supported in order to complete a high quality outcome. |
| The course will conclude at 3:30pm |
Animal Painting Course
A 2-day animal painting course with professional tuition, all materials, lunches and refreshments for just £170.
To discover the next scheduled course and to book your ticket, please visit our Events & Bookings Page.
We do not include accommodation for this course. So, please visit our accommodation page to explore places to stay within the area.
Portrait Drawing Course
During this portrait course, you will be guided step-by-step in order to build your skills and confidence in portrait drawing.
Furthermore it will fully cover all of the fundamentals and demystify how successful portraits are drawn.
In addition, you will learn how to draw with increased accuracy and control to achieve more accomplished work.
The course is suitable for all beginner’s and improvers who wish to take their drawing to the next level.
Overview
During the portrait drawing course, we will cover:
- Firstly, how to divide the face for accurate proportion.
- Next, how to draw the facial features in detail.
- Then, we will cover how to shade the contours and form of the face.
- Lastly, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of drawing mediums including: pencil, charcoal and pen.
What’s included:
- Expert tuition by a fully-qualified art teacher
- We include all course materials
- We offer a light lunch plus refreshments each day
- Finally, this course is suitable for all ability levels as individual tailored support will be offered throughout.
An example itinerary for the landscape painting course:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sat | We will meet at the studio for 10:30am for welcome refreshments and introductions. Following, the course tutor will then demonstrate how to successfully divide the face for accurate proportions. Then, there will be step-by-step tutorials in how to draw the facial features accurately. Lastly, the course tutor will demonstrate how to shade the face to create three dimensions. The session will conclude at 3:30pm |
| Sun | We will meet at the studio for 10:30am refreshments. Following, day two of the course will focus on achieving quality portrait drawings using a different drawing mediums. For example, you will be guided in the use of charcoal in order to create a tonal shaded portrait. By the end of the course, you will have successfully achieved at least two portrait drawings using different drawing mediums. |
| The course will conclude at 3:30pm |
Portrait Drawing Course Prices
A 2-day course which includes professional tuition, refreshments and all course materials for just £180.
To discover the next scheduled course and to book your ticket, please visit our Events & Bookings Page.
Landscape Drawing and Painting Course
On this course, the emphasis will be on learning to capture expressive landscape drawings and paintings. We will cover all of the fundamentals to ensure that you become more confident and adept at achieving accomplished artworks.
What’s more, you will have the opportunity to use the surrounding Herefordshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as inspiration for your work. There will also be plenty of opportunities to work “en plain air” outside amongst your surroundings.
Throughout the course, you will receive expert guidance and one-to-one support from a fully qualified teacher. Therefore, this course is suitable for all ability levels.
The Landscape Course Overview:
- To start with, we offer the opportunity to explore the picturesque local landscapes and produce drawings and paintings from direct observation.
- In addition, we will give you a thorough introduction to watercolour technique with full demonstration and guidance in a range of experimental as well as traditional approaches.
- What’s more, we will provide studio-based sessions where step-by-step guidance will support the achievement of detailed and refined quality pieces.
- Lastly, we provide expert tuition in technical aspects of perspective in order to produce more accomplished artworks.
An example itinerary for the landscape painting course:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sat | We will meet at the studio at 10:30 am. Your course tutor will demonstrate and guide you through various watercolour techniques and you will then fully experiment with the medium as well as gain confidence in its usage. Afterwards, you will put in to practice what has been learnt by completing studies of the surrounding landscapes. Your course tutor will provide you with expert guidance and practical demonstration in order for you to build your skill level in drawing and painting landscapes from first hand “en plein air”. The session will conclude at 3:30pm |
| Sun | We will meet at the studio at 10:30am. On the final day of the course, you will be guided to complete a detailed landscape painting. This will be a chance to work on a more developed piece. You will be shown practical demonstrations and receive full guided practice in order to achieve quality final pieces. |
| The course will conclude at 3:30pm |
Landscape Painting Course Prices
A 2-day course which includes professional tuition, refreshments and all course materials for just £180.
To discover the next scheduled course and to book your ticket, please visit our Events & Bookings Page.
We do not include accommodation for this course. So, please visit our accommodation page to explore places to stay within the area.
Printmaking Course
You can translate drawings into expressive prints through the wonderfully creative process of printmaking. Additionally, you can print imagery in a variety of different ways, including the use of different colours and background designs.
In conclusion, by experimenting with the technique of printmaking, you can create artworks which offer both detailed imagery plus explore colour and design expressively.
The Printmaking Course Overview
- learn how to develop designs suitable for print
- learn how to recreate your designs using the mono-print process
- develop your designs further and create an etching plate.
- have fun experimenting with a range of expressive colourful techniques to create vibrant backgrounds for your prints
- accomplish a range of dynamic prints to proudly take home
Furthermore, we include the following in the course price:
- Expert tuition by a fully-qualified art teacher
- We include all course materials
- We offer a light lunch plus refreshments each day
Finally, this course is suitable for all ability levels as individual tailored support will be offered throughout.
An example itinerary for the printmaking course:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Saturday | We will meet at the studio for 10:30am for welcome refreshments. The course tutor will then introduce lots of visual examples of the printmaking process to inform and inspire. Following this, you will be guided step-by-step to create a drawn design suitable for print. The second part of the day will involve exploring the mono-printing technique. You will learn how to transfer your design into print using this method plus use different papers and backgrounds for your prints. It is a very creative and fun method of working. Day one will conclude at 3:30pm. |
| Sunday | We will meet back at the studio for 10:30am refreshments. You will then be introduced to the dry-point etching process. Lots of visual examples will be shown from the tutor’s personal portfolio to inspire you. The dry-point etching process involves etching in to a hard surface with an etching needle. You will be able to use the design created in day 1 for this work. By the end of the session, you will have developed your etching plate. The second session will start by producing colourful and creative backgrounds on to which to print. You will then learn how to effectively ink-up and print your etching plate onto to your prepared backgrounds. You will also learn how to refine your work and problem solve to ensure effective prints. |
| The course will conclude at 3:30pm |
Printmaking Course
A 2-day printmaking course with professional tuition, all materials, lunches and refreshments for just £185.
To discover the next scheduled course and to book your ticket, please visit our Events & Bookings Page.
We do not include accommodation for this course. So, please visit our accommodation page to explore places to stay within the area.
Beginner’s Drawing and Painting Course
Learn how to capture realistic imagery by effectively applying the elements of art. For example, you will explore the elements of line, tone and colour.
During the course, you will receive expert guidance with practical demonstrations and individual support.
You will learn how to master a range of expressive drawing and painting technique. You will also develop your ability to apply the rules of perspective in order to achieve depth and form.
Due to the fully guided practice and practical demonstrations offered throughout the course, it is suitable for beginners. However, the course tutor will tailor the course for all specific needs.
Still Life Course Overview:
- Drawing tutorials to record line, tone and form accurately. These are the fundamentals of art.
- Colour theory demonstrations and practice to develop understanding of how to use and manipulate colour in your work.
- You will also complete experimentation with watercolour to develop skills and understanding in the medium.
- We will explore how the masters do it in order to develop ideas for your work.
- Lastly, you will be able to create a personal and accomplished final painting.
An example itinerary for the still life beginner’s course:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Sat | We will meet at the studio for 10:30am for welcome refreshments. The course tutor will then demonstrate a range of drawing and watercolour technique. The emphasis will be on learning and applying the elements of art. You will be introduced to a range of professional artist’s work to gain a fuller understanding of how the masters do it. Colour theory will be explained and experimented with in order to achieve lively and vibrant experiments. The second part of the day will be devoted to completing drawn and painted studies of still life focusing on direct observation and developing personal style. The session will conclude at 3:30pm. |
| Sun | We will meet at the studio for 10:30am. The last day will be spent in completing a more detailed and still life painting where you will refine and consolidate your skills. The course tutor will demonstrate how to effectively develop composition using perspective drawing. You will also learn about how to add layers and more detail to your work supported with step-by-step demonstrations. You will be fully supported throughout the day in order to complete a high quality outcome. |
| The course will conclude at 3:30pm |
Still Life Beginner’s Course
A 2-day still life drawing and painting course with professional tuition, materials and also refreshments for just £170.
To discover the next scheduled course and to book your ticket, please visit our Events & Bookings Page.
We do not include accommodation for this course. So, please visit our accommodation page to explore places to stay within the area.
Quick links to alternative weekend courses and retreats
Recommended Watercolour Supplies.
For your convenience, we supply all materials and equipment during your art retreat. However, you may wish to purchase or update your own personal supplies.
We recommend Winsor and Newton products. A good starter range is the “Cotman” range. For more intense colour and pigment, you may wish to try their “Professional” range.
Winsor and Newton also have a great selection of brushes. The best kind for watercolour are sable or imitation sable. The Cotman Range sets are a good starter set.
If you would like further advice and assistance in suitable equipment and materials for watercolour painting, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Backbury House Retreats
Backbury House
Checkley
Hereford
HR1 4NA
sbrookes@bhretreats.co.uk
07584 081970