(Drawing days: 25th - 26th May)
Join Becky for 2 days of drawing in the beautiful and extensive grounds of Westcott Barton. We will learn together a range of Becky’s specialist charcoal techniques via a series of short exercises then put them into practice on a larger, more detailed drawing. The techniques being used lend themselves strongly towards a relaxing, mindful experience. The slow, detailed process produces beautiful results while being achievable for all.
The workshop will explore using acetone with charcoal, blending techniques and mid-workflow fixing techniques. The workshop will be accompanied by a video and still step-by-step guide to be used alongside the workshop. These will be sent out prior to the workshop to be downloaded onto laptops/tablets or printed. I find that by having a prepared guide and/or video available during longer workshops artists are better able to work at their own pace while being confident about each step along the way.
The primary subject for the weekend will be confirmed later this year following Becky’s visit to Wescott Barton where she will be stalking the local wildlife with her camera, as such, we will be drawing the resident animals at this beautiful location! If you would like to bring along your own image to work on Becky is also happy to tutor you on a subject of your own choosing. There will also be plenty of one-on-one time and taught guidance from Becky, where you can focus more closely on the specifics.
We will focus on learning the use of a range of different charcoal media to develop realistic textures and dramatic tonal ranges. We will discuss aspects of composition and balance and there will be plenty of demonstrations to illustrate all these principles in action, as well as lots of guided working for the students.
Weather permitting, and it often does, we will also be able to work outside, however due to the nature of the techniques we will primarily be located in the studio base. The primary emphasis of the weekend is on developing a mindful and relaxing experience while learning about the scope of the charcoal medium and having fun with it.
Becky, an esteemed artist and educator, has dedicated numerous years to sharing her expertise through teaching and demonstrations across the UK. Running her own workshops and courses, she has garnered a reputation as a highly regarded and sought-after tutor. With her friendly and approachable demeanour, Becky, a fully qualified and experienced teacher, consistently achieves remarkable results with her students.
From beginners to seasoned artists, Becky finds joy in helping individuals unlock their hidden skills and nurture their own creative ideas. Her artistic journey began as a professional photographer, eventually transitioning into teaching before pursuing her own artistic endeavours. As a tutor, author, and demonstrator for the SAA (Society for All Artists), Becky continues to inspire others through her engaging workshops and travels across the UK to showcase her talents for various art clubs.
Beyond teaching, Becky's artwork graces the walls of multiple galleries, captivating viewers with her distinctive style. Her creations have garnered a loyal following, with collectors spanning the UK and Europe, drawn to the beauty and depth of her artistic expression.
Please see Becky's website for further information and examples of her work.
Upon arrival on Friday afternoon, at around 3pm, you will be greeted by the team at Westcott. After time settling in there will be a gathering and briefing in the main studio at around 6:30pm, followed by dinner at 7pm.
All meals are fully catered for.
Both days will be spent at Westcott enjoying the beautiful gardens, old buildings and many acres of land. Breakfast is at 8.30am for a studio start at 9.30am.
There will be a morning and afternoon demonstration. Afternoon sessions/demos commence at around 2pm. Students are free to paint for as long as they please and take lunch as suits, with dinner then being served at 6:30pm every evening.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are readily available, along with afternoon cake in the studio.
The whole format is structured, but also informal and friendly. We find it makes for the most enjoyable yet also most productive atmosphere.
Charcoal
All abilities welcome.
Students can bring their own equipment or order a materials pack directly from Becky’s website. There will also be optional extras available to purchase during the course if desired.
Becky is very happy to advise and answer specific questions on materials and on what to expect on the course via email.
Materials list:
- Pot of willow charcoal powder
- Set of soft charcoal brushes
- Conte Pierre Noire "H" and “2B” pencils
- Putty rubber
- Faber Castell PITT compressed charcoal stick "medium" or black soft pastel
- Blending stumps / tortillions
- Emery board / sandpaper
- Derwent white charcoal pencil
- Pack of Coates "thin" willow charcoal
- Scalpel/sharp knife & pot for sharpening
Optional extras (available to purchase on the day):
- Tombow Mono Zero eraser
- White Polychromos coloured pencil
Provided by Becky:
- Snowdon 300gsm cartridge paper
- Glassine paper
We will be primarily working sat down in the Orangery, you may wish to bring along a sloped artist table if you prefer to draw at an angle although I would not recommend using an upright easel.
You will be sent a more detailed materials guide a month or so in advance.
Becky can be contacted to discuss and advise regarding equipment and materials via: Becky.Gouverneur@gmail.com or 07979 848440.
Materials packs can be ordered online directly from Becky.
Accommodation and meals during your stay, including an evening meal on day of arrival and breakfast on day of departure.
Please click here to view a sample menu (PDF opens in new tab).
Single occupancy in secure room, with own bathroom facilities: £645 per person.
Single occupancy room or shared room (twin or double), but sharing bathroom facilities: £600 per person (minimum booking for two and both must be participating in retreat).
Non-participating partners sharing a course participant's room are welcome: £350 per person (includes meals) . This option is subject to availability.
We welcome non-residential participants on our retreats/courses - please enquire for further details.
The form can either be printed and completed by hand or filled out on your computer (Adobe PDF reader required). If the latter, please make sure you save the PDF once you have added your details and then email this back to us.
RETREAT BOOKING FORM (PDF) - please right click and save to your computer.
Please refer to our Location page for directions, if coming by car.
We suggest you download what3words and then use Google Maps within the app to provide you with directions to us. Please enter our full address and not just the postcode.
If you are planning to travel by another means of transport please contact us for assistance.