(Photography days: 24th & 25th July / Drawing days: 26th & 27th May)
Join Becky for 4 days of photography and drawing in the beautiful and extensive grounds of Westcott Barton.
The course is suitable for absolute beginners to both photography or drawing in charcoal, or those with some experience. Due to the small size of the group, guidance and support can be tailored to individual needs.
The workshop will take you through the whole process of creating a realistic charcoal drawing. From the initial steps of photographing your subject, including compositional theory, fundamental camera skills and some basic digital editing skills, to drawing preparation. You will then explore a range of Becky’s specialist charcoal techniques via a series of short exercises, before putting these into practice on a larger, more detailed drawing of your own subject choice, either from the photographs taken at the beginning of the course or another photo of personal preference.
The drawing techniques being used lend themselves strongly towards a relaxing, mindful experience with the slow, detailed process producing beautiful results whilst being achievable for all.
During the two days of Animal Photography in and around the beautiful Westcott Barton grounds, we will photograph a variety of different animals including a dog, horse, chicken, llama and more! Tutoring and advice will be given on photography techniques, camera skills, composition, exposure, focus and how to try capturing those quirky expressions that everyone loves! At the end of day two we will select an image and cover some post-production and editing skills with a view to selecting, editing and printing one image to draw on day three and four.
Attendees will need a digital camera, a laptop or high spec tablet for editing and a method for transferring photos from the camera to their laptop or tablet. No specific software requirements are needed as everything we will use is available for free online! Attendees will be photographing the animals on a rota in groups of two or three and whilst waitingthey can stay and watch, or are free to roam the garden and grounds to practice their photography. There will also be plenty of one-on-one time and taught guidance from Becky, where you can focus more closely on the specifics.
The photography days will be located in a variety of beautiful locations around Westcott Barton's farmhouse including the large barn and, weather permitting, on the drawing days we may also be able to work outside, however, due to the nature of the techniques these will primarily be located inside in the orangery.
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 and was a finalist in DS Wildlife Artist of the Year 2024.
Please see Becky's website for further information and examples of her work.
“I enjoyed the course very much. Everything Becky teachers is amazingly easy to follow and understand. Now hoping for the next one very soon!” ~ Linda
“Two wonderful days – I never thought charcoal could be so great. Absolutely excellent tuition!” ~ Rosie
“Very enjoyable & excellent course. Her instructions are so simple to understand so I learnt a lot.” ~ Sujata
“An excellent workshop, well planned and suited to everyone whether experienced or not!” ~ Steph
“I just spent an amazing 2 day charcoal workshop with Bex. Learnt so much with this lovely and very professional lady – great fun!” ~ Lillian
“Excellent Course. I thought it would be difficult and it was, but with Becky’s explanations on how things are done it was so fantastic to take home a drawing to be proud of!” ~ Debs
Upon arrival on Wednesday 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 lounge at around 6.30pm where we can meet each other and answer any questions you may have, followed by dinner at 7pm.
All meals are included in the package.
All four days will be spent in and around Westcott Barton house, enjoying the beautiful gardens, old buildings and many acres of land. Each day breakfast is at 8.30pm for a start at 9.30am. The following outlines the structure of each of the four workshop days:
Thurs 24th - Day 1 Photography
-Introductory discussion, handouts & photography tutoring
- Photography session 1
- Lunch & feedback on session 1
- Photography session 2
- Photography session 3
Fri 25th - Day 2 Photography
- Review, feedback & discussion on day 1 images
- Photography session 4
- Lunch & feedback on Session 4
- Editing session 5 in the main house or barn for review of images, editing, feedback, prep/print images for drawing next day
Sat 26th - Day 3 Drawing
- Charcoal techniques introduction, demonstration & tutoring
- Lunch
- Image drafting
- Independent guided drawing
Sun 27th - Day 4 Drawing
- Independent guided drawing
- Lunch
- Independent guided drawing
- Review, feedback, conclusion
After the end of the teaching day at 5pm, participants are free to continue photographing or drawing independently around the grounds or in the studio/orangery for as long as they please or to take a walk in the local area or sit and chat in the communal lounge area before dinner is 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.
All abilities welcomed including complete beginners to photography & drawing
Students can bring their own equipment or contact Becky to order a pack in advance. The deadline for advance materials orders is 25th June 2025. Becky will also bring along a selection of materials including “optional extras” which will be 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.
Photography Materials/Equipment List:
-A digital camera
-SD card
-SD card reader or cable to connect and transfer files
-Laptop or high spec tablet
Drawing Materials List:
- Hot press A3 or A4 cartridge paper (Becky uses Frisk 220gsm or Snowdon 300gsm)
- Scrap paper for tests practice, notes and general use
- Glassine paper for wrapping work after drawing
- Willow charcoal powder
- A set of soft charcoal brushes
- Conte Pierre Noire “H” and “2B” pencils
- Putty Rubber
- Faber Castell PITT compressed charcoal or a black soft pastel
- Blending stumps / tortillions
- An emery board or sandpaper
- Derwent white charcoal pencil
- A pack of thin willow charcoal
- A scalpel/sharp knife and pot for sharpening
- A Tombow Mono Zero eraser
- A white polychromos pencil (optional, may not be needed dependent in image)
- Fixative spray
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 Becky would not recommend using an upright easel.
Becky can be contacted to discuss and advise regarding equipment and materials via: Becky.Gouverneur@gmail.com or 07979 848440.
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: £885 per person.
Single occupancy room or shared room (twin or double), but sharing bathroom facilities: £840 per person (minimum booking for two and both must be participating in retreat).
Non-participating partners sharing a course participant's room are welcome: £495 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.
