Short Courses

Course dates: October 22nd - 24th 2018 (Monday - Wednesday)

Differentiating tree species, finding order in complexity, spotting the tiger in the long grass or simply gaining optical delight from rhythmical repetition – recognising pattern and getting pleasure from that recognition is something we have, for good reason, evolved to do. This 3 day practical course will explore how pattern, rhythm and repetition can be used in conjunction with colour, paint and it’s manipulation as an exciting and vibrant component in painting. It will also explore the fertile relationship between painting and textiles. We will be looking at a range of patterned textiles for inspiration as well as slideshows each morning looking at the work of historical and contemporary painters.

This is a stand alone course but can be done in conjunction with Painting and Pattern 2.

Course dates: October 25th & 26th 2018 (Thursday & Friday)

Colour! What a deep and mysterious language, the language of dreams'. (Paul Gauguin)

Colour is something as artist we often feel nervous or afraid of but used correctly it can open your work up to a kaleidoscope of possibilities. After many years of experimenting with colour I have learnt there are some fundamental rules that I keep coming back to that engage the luminosity and purity of the language. During the course we will be looking at how we can use colour with a little bit of theory but mainly taking a hands on approach working applying colour liberally and making our own discoveries.. Over the 2 days we will be looking at ways in which colour can open up your own work with key lessons about pigment, pitch, under painting, layering, transparency, opacity and luminosity. 

October 29th - November 2nd 2018 (Monday - Friday)

The price includes includes entrance to Sheffield Park.

Sheffield Park near Uckfield will be our inspiration for paintings. Famous for its beautiful Autumn colour; with its Acers, Nyssa, Taxodiums and Ginko trees. The reflections in the large lake double the impact and make the experience all the more magical. The garden has been influenced over the centuries by Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton. The course will start with 2 days working on location in the gardens making rich and exciting studies of the colour, textures and spaces; capturing not only what can been seen but also the sense of atmosphere, the smells of damp earth, the changing light and weather - all that is wonderful about working on location. The final 3 days will be back at the studio in Partridge Green making paintings from these studies. The tutors guidance will encourage experimentation and individual expression.

 Course dates: November 19th - 21st 2018 (Monday - Wednesday)

This course will explore the possibilities of changing light, colour and mark making. As you work Gary discusses the importance of direction, movement, surface and the function of specific bodily energies. The qualities of what makes a painting will be explored. It should have what Gary refers to as ‘an area of flexibility, to be alive and interactive with the spectator, without formula’. You will work on a large scale and develop drawings and paintings over the three days (mediums paper and canvas provided).

Includes large primed canvas and paper.

Course dates: November 22nd 2018 (Thursday)

Does producing an artist statement seem like a frustrating chore? Perhaps you struggle to explain your work to others; finding it difficult to adequately translate your visual, non verbal ideas into written form? Maybe writing just isn’t you thing and the thought of creating a concise piece of writing about your work feels like a painful and unnecessary distraction? This course will enable you to write confidently and eloquently about your work and practice as an artist. Jane will guide you through the process. Your statement can open the door to opportunities: applications for exhibitions, grants, open competitions, press releases, personal websites, exhibition text (catalogue essays and text panels) as well as help you focus and order your thoughts about your practice.