Join Paul Oakley on a four day landscape painting masterclass. Each of the first three days will concentrate on a different aspect of landscape painting, with the fourth day a chance to put these into action with a larger landscape painting. The course will be a mix of studio and plein air painting, using the beautiful grounds at Westcott Barton as inspiration.
This course will particularly focus on painting in the style of English landscape artist, Edward Seago, examples of whose work can be seen below.
Paul is an experienced art tutor and demonstrator who enjoys passing on his painting skills to others. Painting in oils or acrylics, Paul specialises in landscape painting, including en plein air and in the studio. Paul has a positive approach to all his students, looking to bring a happy and creative environment wherever he teaches.
Paul regularly demonstrates and tutors workshops at art groups around southern England and also runs painting courses from his studio in Wiltshire. Self-taught, his influences range from Edward Seago and Joaquin Sorolla through to Claude Monet.
People who’ve been on Paul’s workshops have said:
I have been going to Paul’s workshops for some time now and they are so helpful. He is very patient and gives great instructions if you want it. I would highly recommend them.’
‘Paul is a very patient excellent teacher who brings the best out of his students. His courses are interesting and worry free.’
‘Having been on many of Paul’s courses his constant enthusiasm and ability to pass on knowledge makes for a very fulfilling experience. He creates a very relaxed and creative atmosphere and his constructive and supportive criticism is always extremely helpful.’
Please visit Paul’s website for further information and to see examples of his work.
Upon arrival on the Sunday afternoon, at around 3pm, you will be greeted by the team at Westcott Barton.
After settling in to your accommodation and meeting your fellow artists, Paul will talk to you about the plan for the next 4 days, before time to enjoy dinner together and the chance to wander in the grounds to find inspiring places to draw and paint.
Breakfast will be served at 8.30am and students will then gather in the studio at around 9.30am.
Day 1: Painting Skies
Spend the day learning how to paint a sky to enhance your landscape painting. We will look at the importance of your sky in complementing your landscape - whether this be a clear blue sky or an approaching storm that brings impact and drama to your painting.
Day 2: Painting the Landscape
Learn how to paint trees and fields, bushes and byways in a way that creates both depth within your landscape and close interest in the foreground. We will also look at how your choice of gesso can bring interest to your landscape paintings as well as using different brush choices and a palette knife to create texture and close interest.
Day 3: Painting Buildings Near and Far
Whether a church in the far distance or a barn that forms a point of focus, buildings are often a vital part of a landscape painting. On day three we will look at the best techniques for painting buildings and ways to successfully create textures for walls and roofs and realistic doors and windows.
Day 4: Painting a Large Landscape to Bring These Skills Together
Spend the day in the studio painting a larger landscape painting, bringing together the skills learnt over the previous 3 days. This could be a study of a Seago landscape or a painting of your own - perhaps inspired by your time at Westcott Barton.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are freely available to help yourself to during studio sessions.
For the days on-site lunch will be served at 1pm with afternoon tutorials commencing from 2-5pm, followed by a group dinner at 6.30pm.
A packed lunch will be provided, if appropriate.
Our courses are limited to around 12 participants per retreat to ensure your tutor has the ability to provide you with personal advice and support during your time here.
Oil or Acrylic paint.
All painting abilities are welcome.
All your own materials and equipment including an easel you can use outdoors.
A list of suggested materials and equipment will be available after your booking is confirmed.
- 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).
INTRODUCTORY OFFER
Single occupancy in secure room, with own bathroom facilities: £860 per person.
Single occupancy room or shared room (twin or double), but sharing bathroom facilities: £815 per person (minimum booking for two and both must be participating in retreat).
Non-participating partners sharing a course participant's room are welcome: £480 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.
