This October workshop will be based at the national treasure which is Great Dixter, less than 4 miles from our studio. It is known for its vibrant, daring and impressive garden with a 15th Century house restored by Sir Edwin Lutyens, leading the way in ornamental gardening, gardening for biodiversity, and horticultural education. Great Dixter was created by the great gardener and garden writer Christopher Lloyd, OBE, VMH.

Led by tutor Nick Archer you will paint and draw directly from observation in the gardens, collect reference material through drawing and photography, and use this to create art works in the studio. Colour will be a key part to the workshop so a certain amount of colour theory will be explored.

There are areas to shelter in the gardens including an old barn where we can set up. You will be helped to create studies using charcoal on paper, and to paint sketches from observation whilst in the gardens. You will then be assisted further to create a larger 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.

Great Dixter is a 15-minute drive from the studio and hotel (if accommodation is required) – transport from the hotel to the gardens and studio can be provided.

Location and accommodation

The course will be based partly in Northiam at Great Dixter, partly at our studio just outside of Rye in the beautiful Wealden countryside, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Accommodation can be provided at the nearby Flackley Ash hotel on the nights of Friday 11th and Saturday 12th October. 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 at the studio.

Costs

Prices include lunches and the use of provided materials, such as easels, drawing boards, palettes as well as one day access to Great Dixter gardens.

£275 excluding accommodation but includes 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

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

Saturday

10.45am Meet at Flackley Ash and drive to Great Dixter (transport can be provided). Find and set up workstations in the gardens.

1.30pm Lunch (provided)

2.30pm Set up workstations in the studio and start the final painting

4.45pm 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 Great Dixter.

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

4pm 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.

Parking

Please note, when you arrive, we kindly as you to park in the drive at the house (Blackwall Farmhouse). There should be enough parking for everyone if you park closely.

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.