A 3 day adventure into simple printmaking and expressive painting combined with collage elements. Exploring botanical printmaking with and without an etching press. Creating unique painterly screen monotypes in multiple colours or a limited palette. An opportunity to explore combining processes with card and paper stencils.
Using the unique environment to inspire and relax. A chance to sketch and develop these into a series of experimental works. Time out to have fun and play!
Gail Mason is an established professional artist and has spent many years teaching printmaking at Spike Print Studio in Bristol. She is a multi - award winning printmaker who exhibits widely and has had work selected for many open exhibitions including the Royal Academy, The RWA, The Mall Galleries, Society Of Women Artists and the Society Of Water Colour Artists. She was also elected the ‘Printmakers Printmaker’ at Printfest by her peers. She is a member of Somerset Printmakers, Bath Society of Artists and an RWA artist network member.
Gail loves to share her art-making process with others to increase their confidence and ability to pursue their vision. She is a regular tutor at West Dean College.
Please see Gail's website for further information and examples of her work.
Upon your arrival on the Monday afternoon, at around 3pm, you will be greeted by the team at Westcott Barton. The week will begin with a relaxed afternoon, settling into the accommodation, meeting fellow students. An introduction will be given by Gail, followed by a group dinner.
On Tuesday breakfast will be at 8.30 The teaching days start at 9:30 with a more in depth look at the processes we will be using.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are freely available to help yourself to during studio breaks.
Lunch will be available from 12:30pm but you can be flexible when you take this break.
The afternoon sessions will start around 2.00pm with another demo and then more time exploring process. Gail will be on hand to guide you throughout.
We will aim to finish at around 4.30pm with a look at the work made throughout the day with the session ending at around 5pm. There will be a group dinner at 6.30pm
Departure is on the Friday morning.
Day 1
Drawing in sketch books and gathering information in the lovely grounds of Westcott Barton. Being inspired by the garden, water features and buildings. Working outside and in the studio.
Creating loose colour backgrounds on A4 paper, exploring trace monotype printmaking using drawing from the sketchbooks as inspiration. Exploring mark making monotypes with a variety of tools, and creating textural monotypes from botanical samples and thin materials through the use of a small portable etching press.
Day 2
Using a small screen printing set up, explore water colour monotypes and direct painting monotypes. Experiment with paper stencils both with and without a screen. Be inspired by the colours around you and build on the experiments from the previous day.
Day 3
Combine process to create a series of related works using collage and overpainting, or just pursue a particular process, painting and drawing in the wonderful garden environment, it’s up to you!
This course is suitable for all.
- Acrylic and water colour paints, paper, brushes, palette, etc), plus a A4/3 sketchpad and graphite 2B/3B pencil.various studio sundries.
- An up to date materials list will be sent to you nearer the time.
- A limited number of easels are available to loan if requested prior to arrival and still available.
-Studio easels and chairs and tables are provided for use in the indoor studio.
Tuition, 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: £660 per person.
Single occupancy room or shared room (twin or double), but sharing bathroom facilities: £615 per person (minimum booking for two and both must be participating in retreat).
Non-participating partners sharing a course participant's room are welcome: £425 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.
If you are travelling to Westcott Barton by car, please refer to our Location page for directions.
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.
It is possible to pre-book a taxi from Barnstaple station. Please contact either VIP Taxi on 07868 311 773 and speak to Martin, or B-Line Taxis on 01271 322117.
If you are planning to travel by another means of transport please contact us for assistance.
