Nature Journalling Course
2026-10-17 10:30 - 2026-10-18 15:30 (Europe/London) | Backbury House Studio, Backbury House, Checkley, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR1 4NA, United Kingdom
Nature Journalling Course – Event Details
Overview:
During this nature journalling course, you will be expertly guided in creative nature journalling. This will involve completing workshops in drawing, painting and printmaking in order to develop pages for a nature journal. In addition. you will have the opportunity to undertake a nature walk within the surrounding area of outstanding natural beauty.
Experience level:
This art course is suitable for beginners to improvers as there will be guided instruction throughout. Attendees will be limited to 8 to ensure that everyone will receive individual support.
About the tutor:
The course will be led by Sharon Brookes who is the proprietor and lead tutor of Backbury House Retreats. She has a degree in Art, is a practising artist as well as a fully qualified art teacher with nearly 30 years’ experience of teaching in a range of educational settings.
The course timings:
The course runs from Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am to 3:30pm on each day and offers a comprehensive programme.
Example of the course programme:

Undertake a slow paced 2-mile nature walk where you will record your observations and gather inspiration for your nature journal. Please note that the walk will be across open countryside with undulating terrain.
Take part in art and craft workshops to explore creative approaches to nature journalling. For example, you will create journal pages using drawing, collage and printmaking techniques.
By the end of the course, you will have started your own personal and creative nature journal. It is hoped that, by attending the course, you will foster a love for nature journalling and continue to develop your nature journalling in future.

Further details:
There are more details on the course programme including visual examples and an example itinerary available at: https://bhretreats.co.uk/nature-journalling-course/
What’s included:

Expert guidance by a fully qualified art teacher.
Practical demonstrations and exercises on drawing and watercolour painting.
A course pack to take home.
All art materials to use on the day.
A simple lunch plus tea and coffee throughout the day.

What you will need to bring:

Clothing and footwear suitable for a nature walk across open countryside.
A backpack to carry your equipment and packed lunch.

Access:

We offer free designated car parking for up to 8 vehicles found next to our private road. The studio is then accessed by a short 2-minute walk.
In addition, we also have parking for two cars found closer to the studio requiring reduced walking and no steps.
Please note that our studio bathroom facilities are found on the first floor accessed by a set of stairs. However, we can arrange alternative ground floor facilities, with advanced notice.

For further details on access, please consult our studio facilities page. If you would like to discuss any access arrangements, please contact Sharon. You will find her contact details at the bottom of the page.
Directions:
Please see our full address and Google Map link at the bottom of this page. For your convenience, we will also send you detailed directions after you have completed your booking. In the meantime, you may also wish to refer to our Contact Us & Directions page for further details.

Developing Abstract Techniques Course
2026-11-07 10:30 - 2026-11-08 15:30
Developing Abstract Techniques Course – Event Details
Overview:
On the developing abstract techniques course, you will develop your ability to successfully explore a variety of artistic mediums and create exciting abstract artworks. So, you may want to attend this course if you need inspiration or a creative reboot.
Experience level:
This art course is suitable for beginners to improvers as there will be guided instruction throughout. Attendees will be limited to 8 to ensure that everyone will receive individual support.
About the tutor:
The course will be led by Sharon Brookes who is the proprietor and lead tutor of Backbury House Retreats. She has a degree in Art, is a practising artist as well as a fully qualified art teacher with nearly 30 years’ experience of teaching in a range of educational settings.
The Course Timings:
The course runs from Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am to 3:30pm on each day and offers a comprehensive programme.
Example of the course programme:

Firstly, you will be guided in an experimental approach to the use of media. You will learn how to use humble art materials such as wax crayons, oil pastels, collage and watercolour in expressive and inventive ways.
Afterwards, you will be given source materials to inspire you, such as animal skin imagery, or collected natural objects. From which, you will learn how to develop free-flowing expressive imagery to kickstart your artistic flair.
Lastly, you will develop your ability to make intuitive art that is in touch with your inner artist. There will be no rights or wrongs on this course, instead, the development of a sense of adventure and creative growth.

Further Details:
There are more details on the course programme including visual examples and an example itinerary available at: https://bhretreats.co.uk/developing-abstract-art-course/
What’s included:

Expert guidance by a fully qualified art teacher.
Practical demonstrations and exercises on drawing and watercolour painting.
A course pack to take home.
All art materials to use on the day.
A simple lunch plus tea and coffee throughout the day.

What you will need to bring:
You may wish to bring an art apron or overall.
Access:

We offer free designated car parking for up to 8 vehicles found next to our private road. The studio is then accessed by a short 2-minute walk.
In addition, we also have parking for two cars found closer to the studio requiring reduced walking and no steps.
Please note that our studio bathroom facilities are found on the first floor accessed by a set of stairs. However, we can arrange alternative ground floor facilities, with advanced notice.

For further details on access, please consult our studio facilities page. If you would like to discuss any access arrangements, please contact Sharon. You will find her contact details at the bottom of the page.
Directions:
Please see our full address and Google Map link at the bottom of this page. For your convenience, we will also send you detailed directions after you have completed your booking. In the meantime, you may also wish to refer to our Contact Us & Directions page for further details.
