Description
Traditionally watercolours are painted on paper and protected under a mount and glass. What if you could break free? What if you were no long restricted by size or the tyranny of framing? This weekend will explore how using new surface preparations watercolourists can enjoy working on canvas without the need to hide their images away behind the glare of glass. In June 2019 Crowood Press published a book simply called 'Watercolours on Canvas' by Liz Chaderton. Now you can spend a day exploring this new way of working. We will learn to prepare our own canvases , as well as get used to the different way of working on canvas. We will explore the strengths and challenges of this new surface. All materials and canvases will be provided except for the canvas you will prepare to take home with you. You will need to bring one of a suitable size - not too huge for a start! Suggested 50x50, 40x60 or similar. Some experience of painting in watercolour is necessary, though you need a spirit of adventure more than years of experience. If you are considering this course you might also enjoy Watercolour on Texture - which is new for 2025 and takes place 25 April or 19 September 2025. Our venue is Micklems Farm in Knowl Hill, Berkshire. It is easy to get to from the M4 and M40. There is lots of accommodation locally. You can get a train to Maidenhead or Twyford and then it is a short taxi ride away.
What's included in the price?
The price is £105 per person which includes all canvases and materials (except the canvas you choose to bring) and tea/coffee. A list of local hotels can be provided if you want to make a short break of it.
Duration
1 day
Cancellation policy
Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Liz lives and works in a small village in Berkshire. She has been showing her work through exhibitions and galleries since 2009. A selection of her paintings are published by Artko, Artwall and Wraptious. Her first book, 'Painting watercolours on canvas' was published by the Crowood Press in June 2019 and her fifth is due to be published in late 2023. She writes for The Leisure Painter and other art magazines and teaches extensively on YouTube. She aims to help you see the animals and flora we so often overlook and by so doing to nurture a more caring attitude to the environment.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Hearing impaired
- Limited mobility
- Suitable for all abilities
- Weekends
- Parking provided
- Suitable for beginners
- Intermediate level
- Advanced/pro level
FAQs
Regretfully under 18s cannot be accommodated. I do not hold a DRB and therefore a parent or guardian would need to be present at all times by law. Many of my students are teachers or parents of teenagers and come to escape! The way I teach is very student led and I have found this does not suit those in education as it is very different from the classroom style. In my experience it changes the dynamic of the day and therefore I only teach adults on my workshops.
Unfortunately while Knowl Hill is level access, it is not wheel chair accessible. There are uneven paths and steps on the property due to its age. There is a single step between the studio and the toilet. The toilet is not adapted. If you have any access issues or need extra support, please discuss before booking and Liz will do whatever she can to accommodate you.
These will be sent out with course information, once you have confirmed. But if you want to look at the venue in Knowl Hill, please go to their website www.micklemsfarm.com. There is lots of parking. If the weather is nice we should be able to paint outside too. If numbers fall below five, I may move the course to my conservatory, which can accommodate four painters easily. I will give you as much notice as possible.
The course starts at 10.00, but please try and arrive 15-20 minutes before hand. We should be finished by 4.00/4.30. Timings are flexible to accommodate the speed at which people work.
Tea and coffee are available all day. If you need a special milk, please bring your own. Please bring your own lunch.
All materials are provided so that everyone has the right things to work with and get the most out of the course. While you are welcome to bring your favourite supplies if you want, no reduction can be offered.
If people are beginning, then they don’t want to have to buy everything before they know if they are going to enjoy it. If more experienced, all art materials are not created equal. Should someone bring lower quality materials, they may struggle to achieve the results they are after. If someone forgets things, there are no art shops nearby to buy stock. It is safer and less frustrating to have everything supplied.
Your enthusiasm! All art materials will be supplied unless otherwise stated. Wear old clothes and bring an apron if you like. You might be asked to bring an image you want to work from, depending on your course. If you have favourite brushes or colours, of course feel free to bring them.
Everything – paper, brushes, paint, water…. Tea, coffee, biscuits. Bring yourself and a willingness to have a go.
It’s normal to be nervous, but as everyone is in the same boat, the nerves will disappear in a flash. If you come on your own, you immediately have something in common with everyone else so it is easy to relax. Your tutor will do everything possible to make sure you have a great time and learn a lot. You might be exhausted at the end of the day, but no longer nervous!
The groups are kept small so that you get lots of attention. All materials are supplied, so that you can work with artist quality supplies. Your tutor is a professional working artist, with experience in teaching everyone from beginners through to professionals. The workshops are held in a beautiful location, so there is peace and quiet to concentrate on yourself. They are relaxed and fun, tailored to your needs and experience.
