A popular tutor and demonstrator, Vicki Norman is recognised for her clear communication and boundless enthusiasm.
Inspired by contemporary and past masters, Vicki’s paintings combine historic skills with a fresh, personal approach. Her works have won awards in the Europe and the USA, she is a regular contributor to plein air painting events and competitions on both sides of the Atlantic. Vicki has exhibited with the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in London and been awarded a prize from the Oil Painters of America.
A naturally gifted teacher, Vicki gained her BA in Fine Art in 2000 and her post graduate certificate specialising in post-16 education in 2009 she values teaching as an integral part of her creative practice, she regularly leads workshops, painting tours and holidays in the UK, Europe, Africa and the USA.
Vicki has won awards and recognition for both teaching and painting.
Please visit Vicki's website for further information and to see examples of her work.
Painting on location is one of the most absorbing and exhilarating processes an artist can experience. Capturing the colours of nature whilst enveloped in birdsong and the scent of wildflowers is a truly delightful experience which can have a profound effect on the artworks produced in the moment.
Join Vicki to explore methods of recording our observations on location for use in the studio and as completed artworks in their own right. Over a relaxed 5 day break you will spend time sketching and recording ideas, planning artworks and completing colour studies around Westcott Barton’s beautiful 95 acre estate and the stunning North Devon Coast. The beautiful orangery studio will provide a perfect indoor environment for us to continue our creative process under cover if required.
Vicki will give lessons with demonstrations on various aspects of plein air painting including design and composition choices and colour matching. Additional one-to-one support will offer tailored guidance for individuals too.
Participants can expect to produce a variety of sketches and colour studies and at least one or two completed plein air paintings over the course.
Upon your arrival on Wednesday afternoon, at around 3pm, you will be greeted by the team at Westcott Barton.
The break will begin with a relaxed afternoon, settling into the accommodation, meeting fellow students and going on a guided tour with Vicki around the grounds of Westcott Barton. The evening will finish with a group dinner.
Breakfast will be served daily from 8.30am and students will then gather in the studio at around 9.30am for a morning demonstration.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are freely available to help yourself to during studio breaks.
Lunch is served at 1pm. Afternoons will be dedicated to your own studio painting time, with Vicki on hand to guide you.
Evening dinner is at 6.30pm.
Students are welcome to continue working in the studio outside of the designated teaching time.
Transport will be provided for a trip to the North Devon coast during the weekend for sketching and painting.
Departure is on the Sunday morning, Vicki will provide information in advance of the course about the best ways to ensure your work is taken home safely. Students are welcome to depart on the Sunday evening if required.
Course spaces are limited to 12 participants to ensure Vicki has the ability to provide you with personal advice and support during your time here.
- All abilities welcomed.
- All media welcomed.
- Vicki will be working in oils and watercolours during the weekend. As a brand ambassador for Michael Harding Paints Vicki can arrange for sets of oil paints to be available for painters at a discounted price. Please order in advance via her website if you would like to avail of this offer.
- You will need to bring: Paints in your choice of medium, a variety of brushes, canvas boards or heavy paper for paintings, a sketchbook with good quality cartridge paper or watercolour paper, roughly A5 or A4 size, pencils, charcoal or other drawing media of your choice, a portable easel, a palette suited to your choice of paints and a bag in which to transport all of the above.
- A free standing easel is recommended and a chair if you prefer sitting to work. A limited number of easels are available to loan if requested prior to arrival and still available.
- A full detailed list of suggested materials and equipment will be available after your booking is confirmed.
- 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: £730 per person.
Single occupancy room or shared room (twin or double), but sharing bathroom facilities: £685 per person (minimum booking for two and both must be participating in retreat).
Non-participating partners sharing a course participant's room are welcome: £475 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.
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