The striking coastal location of Pett Level has been an inspiration of many artists including John Everett Millais and in more recent times Fred Cuming RA. It has also been the location for many films and has beautiful coastal scenes including the 8000-year-old fossilised forest which can be seen at low tide as well as spectacular in land views from the beach.

Together with tutor Nick Archer participants will be painting and drawing directly from observation at Pett Level, collecting reference material through drawing and photography, and using this to create art works back at the studio. The timing of the visit to Pett Level will coincide with low tide which will allow us to focus on capturing the amazing sense of light and reflections in water and sand whilst the tide is out, using charcoal on paper and paint sketches. You will then be helped to create a large piece in the studio from the reference you have collected.

The groups are small and are tailored to all abilities from complete beginners to those with more experience.

Location and accommodation

The course will be based in the beautiful Wealden countryside, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Pett Level beach is a 20min drive from the hotel – transport from the hotel to the beach and studio can be provided.

Accommodation can be provided at the nearby Flackley Ash hotel on the nights of Friday, 30th and Saturday, 31st of May. There is a choice of a standard or superior room and the hotel facilities such as the pool and spa are available for use. Breakfast to the value of £20 will be provided at the hotel and lunch provided as part of the course package.

Costs

Prices include lunches and the use of provided materials, such as easels, drawing boards, palettes.

£275 excluding accommodation but including lunches.
£526 including standard room accommodation & breakfast at the Flackley Ash in Rye.
£618 including superior room accommodation & breakfast at the Flackley Ash in Rye.

Please contact Nick Archer by email if you have any questions and please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you book.

The program will run as follows:

Friday, 30th May

6pm meet and greet at the Flackley Ash (if accommodation is selected)

Saturday, 31st May

10am Meet at Flackley Ash and drive to Pett Level (transport can be provided). The tide will be low. Find and set up workstations on the beach.

1pm Return to the studio for lunch (provided)

1.45pm Set up workstations in the studio and start the final painting

3.45pm Tea/Coffee and group discussion of the day’s work

Sunday

10am Meet at the studio (transport can be provided). Work on larger pieces to create artwork based on the material collected from the beach.

11.30am Tea/Coffee

11.45am Short presentation about relevant artists

12pm Continue with artwork in the studio

1pm Lunch (provided)

1.45pm Complete artwork in the studio

3.45pm Tea/Coffee and group discussion of weekend’s work

Materials and Equipment

We provide you with equipment such as easels, drawing boards, palettes.

Materials to bring

• Paints and canvas

A full list of materials to bring will be issued before the workshop.

Please contact tutor Nick Archer by email if you have any questions and please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you book.