Sketch Experience 2025: Artist Walks
In 2025 I will be running a number of Artist Walks through the Upper Eden Valley landscapes. Information will be advertosed on my Instagram feed and uploaded to the website later in the year. Please contact me in the meantime, and I can send information out by email. Thank you for your patience.
Field sketching students, and others who enjoy observing landscapes such as writers, thinkers, photographers, can come along for more structured sketching-on-the-move tuition; or participate in a more informal way.
Courses
Courses on field sketching and creative sketchbooking: see below.
Workshops
I run weekend, day and half-day art sessions, and short courses for field sketching and creative sketchbooks. These are based in the local landscape, and at my studio in Winton near Kirkby Stephen (Upper Eden Valley, Cumbria).
Field Sketching and the Experience of Landscape
A tutored course based on my book Field Sketching and the Experience of Landscape.
Taking a walk in the local landscapes, a structured introduction to some of the core skills outlined in the book, useful for beginners or for those who want to develop their practice in drawing outside; or as a refresher for more experienced artists.
Back in the studio I will encourage you to look at the work of other artists as background and inspiration to field sketching; as well as exploring the range of other benefits that both being outside in nature and creative practice can bring to you.
Introductory topics:
- Composition 1 – scaling and proportion
- Composition 2 – quick thumbnail sketches
- Mark making 1 – mixed media, resists
- Mark making 2 – experimental drawing
Sketchbook projects & creative journals
A short course on a range of sketchbook practice.
Based on exercises with short demonstrations, and some feedback, this is an opportunity to explore materials, and the possibilities of journaling and sketchbook practice. This is a flexible course with the aim of you having the time, studio space, and access to resources, in order to get you started with this accessible form of arts practice – you can do it anywhere, with anything from minimal materials to an elaborate palette of mixed media.
We are invited to use the beautiful Jen Callis garden at Yew Tree House as an outside studio; and you can also have a work space and allocated storage for the duration of the course in my studio at Loki Pool House. Just turn up and take some time out in art.
Creative sketchbooks topics:
- Colour palettes – tuning in to colour
- Collage – creating images through layering and assembling
- Mapping & sequence – planning and recording walks and journeys
- Reflective practice – developing creative strategies and projects
Sketch Experience – Upper Eden Valley
Artist Walks: join me for a sketching trip in the Upper Eden Valley.
I will be leading a number of guided sketching outings in the local landscape. Depending on the season and conditions on the day we will explore aspects of the natural and cultural heritage of the Upper Eden Valley and surrounding areas: the rivers,rocks, limestone fells and moors; ancient castles and stone circles; medieval villages, churches, farms, barns, fields and lanes, with drystone walls and hedges; historic mining landscapes and our incredible railways heritage; and the effects of light and weather on all these.
Please contact me directly for an up to date schedule, prices, and any other information on these. All courses and events are one to one, or small groups (minimum 2, maximum 4).
