*THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED*
Have you ever thought about developing your drawing and painting using a wider format?
It is a great way to make a response to what is in front of you both horizontally and vertically. Mark Warner’s sketchbooks are worked on over both pages which lends itself to this format.
Westcott Barton offers a wealth of inspiration together with a lovely studio for you to spread out in!
Following three full retreats in 2022 & 2023, Mark returns to Westcott Barton to run these exciting few days inspired by the landscape and colour.
Mark is an artist and tutor with many years of teaching experience. He demonstrates for Art Societies up and down the country and offers workshops and painting holidays in the UK, France/Italy.
He has a large knowledge and expertise in painting and drawing which is delivered in a thoughtful and enthusiastic way. He adores using colour while interpreting the light and a love of the materials. He exhibits in both England and Wales and has many works in private collections in Europe and USA. He won the ‘Visitor’s Choice Prize’ at the recent Broadway Arts Festival Exhibition
Mark is passionate about supporting people on their creative journeys. Come and join him to explore the use of colour and sketching in beautiful North Devon.
Please visit Mark's website for further information and to see examples of his work.
"Mark has the ability and professionalism to make you feel at ease and as a beginner to the world of painting this approach is very encouraging. Tuition was delivered in group and also one to one which helped me a lot. Mark's tuition is brilliant for all levels of ability and it was wonderful to see the lovely artwork produced by the more experienced painter. The holiday was extremely well organised and Mark did everything possible to make this a lovely experience for all.”
“I always promised myself, one day I would have a painting holiday. What a wonderful experience it was too. A group of strangers became a group of friends. Mark guided us through our week with support, encouragement and enthusiasm. I can honestly say that I had a really amazing time. Mark inspired me to keep up my painting and taught me to be more observant, improved my colour mixing and loosen up!"
"What a great few days of painting! As someone who always wanted to try painting outdoors, Mark made it very comfortable and gave me confidence to try more”"
Mark has an enthusiastic painting ability which is infectious! I am looking forward to joining him again in the future on one of his painting holidays”
Upon your arrival on the Thursday afternoon, at around 3pm, you will be greeted by the team at Westcott Barton.
The retreat will begin with a relaxed afternoon settling into the accommodation and viewing the immediate grounds and studio whilst getting to know your tutor and fellow students. A demonstration will be given by Mark, followed by a group dinner.
Breakfast will be served at 8.30am and students will then gather in the studio at around 9.30am.
Painting Day 1:
- Mark will introduce sketching and painting outdoors ‘plein air’ and discuss how you can develop your sketches into completed ‘longer’ format paintings. You could even combine two separate drawings!
- Mark will demonstrate some techniques and explain how you can gather information you need through sketching in the beautiful grounds of Westcott Barton.
Painting Day 2:
- Spend the day painting and sketching in the grounds which will include a demonstration from Mark.
- Full use of the studio and Mark will be offering advice/tuition throughout the day.
Painting Day 3:
- Further develop work outside or in the studio to produce a number of ‘Panorama format’ paintings.
Tea coffee and biscuits are freely available to help yourself to during studio sessions.
Lunch will be served at 1pm with afternoon tutorials commencing from 2-5pm, followed by a group dinner at 6.30pm.
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.
- Any media welcomed.
- Mark will be using Acrylics and water-soluble pencil on this course.
- All abilities welcome.
- Mark will provide a materials list nearer the course but it will depend upon the media you choose to work with.
- Mark will be working with acrylics and aspects of sketching.
- A standing easel would be beneficial and a board if you are using paper.
- A limited number of easels are available to loan if requested prior to arrival and still available.
- Mark can be contacted to advise, if needed, via: mark@brushmark.co.uk
- 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: £665 per person.
Single occupancy room or shared room (twin or double), but sharing bathroom facilities: £620 per person (minimum booking for two and both must be participating in retreat).
Non-participating partners sharing a course participant's room are welcome: £450 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.