COOMBE FARM STUDIOS
Introduction
Coombe Farm Studios is a residential art centre in the South West of England, with direct routes from London Paddington (our train nearest station is Totnes). Established for over 30 years, Coombe is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with a large bright and airy painting studio, a pottery, a print workshop, courtyard & gardens. All our tutors are professional artists making a living from their art. They have a passion for sharing their knowledge and skills through tutorials and demonstrations, providing a relaxed and non-competitive atmosphere. With great food, fantastic company & talented artists to work alongside, Coombe is an ideal creative break. We run courses in painting (watercolour, oils or acrylic), ceramics (Stoneware & Raku) and printmaking. Each course is run for a long weekend (Thurs-Sunday) or a week (Sunday-Friday). All our courses, unless expressly marked, are very suitable for all abilities from beginners to more experienced students. Our lead tutor is internationally renowned watercolourist and author Paul Riley, Coombe is also Paul’s home with his wife Tina and together they opened Coombe Farm Studios in 1983. Other regular tutors include Bettina Schroeder (watercolours) Gerry Dudgeon (acrylics & mixed media) Laurel Keeley (ceramics) Tim Andrews (Raku ceramics) Kate Marshall (printmaking) and Laurie Steen RWA (drawing)
Studios & daily structure Our light and airy painting studio is well equipped with easels, boards and watercolour pans. The painting courses are held in the studio, or, if the weather is fine, on location in the stunning Devon countryside (by the beautiful river Dart, on Dartmoor National Park, in private gardens or out on the coast). In addition to the painting studio we also have a small well-equipped print workshop and a pottery, which are used for regular classes throughout the year. Each course has a specific materials list, which each student is asked to bring with them, these details are listed alongside each course. For watercolour painters we have Saunders Waterford paper stocked in the studio which you can buy at ÂŁ5.00 a sheet if you would rather not carry it with you. Likewise you can borrow small lightweight stools, easels, watercolour pans, pots etc.
Residents arrive for each course between 5-7pm the afternoon/ evening before the course begins i.e. Sunday 5-7pm for our 5 day courses and Thursday 5-7pm for the long weekends. Each tutor works slightly differently, however a general daily schedule runs as follows: 8.30am Breakfast 9.30am Course starts in the studio with your tutor or we drive driving out to locations when the weather suitable. 1.00pm Lunch is served each day either at Coombe or a packed lunch is brought to you on location. 2.00-4.00pm Many of our tutors take a break (the exception being Bettina who stays with the group throughout the day) students can also take a break or continue to work in the studio. 4.00-6.00pm The tutor will then re-join the group to give demonstrations, support and critique. Visits to the local pub at 6.30 are offered & dinner is served each evening at 8.00pm. To book complete enclosed form/call 01803 722 352/ e. lara@coombefarmstudios.com www.coombefarmstudios.com
Accommodation We have on site accommodation which provides a wonderful residential atmosphere for all the courses. The accommodation has single, double and twin bedded rooms. Participants are not required to share rooms unless they wish to do so. However, bathroom facilities are shared with 2 showers 2 baths and 4 toilets, which are shared between a maximum of 12 people. When courses are full the bathrooms and toilets are normally busy on the first morning. However, routines soon establish with facilities proving ample for everyone. All bed linen, towels and dressing gowns are provided.
“I was apprehensive about sharing the bathroom facilities, but once I arrived a realised it was just like staying at a friends house!� Lynn The living room has an open fire, plenty of art books, magazines, wireless internet access, TV & DVD and a long dining table for meal times. The shared bathrooms are situated on the same floor as the bedrooms within short distance from each bedroom. Food is an important part of life at Coombe with many vegetables grown in our vegetable garden and fresh eggs laid by the chickens. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea & coffee throughout the course are all provided within the residential course fee.
Timetable
JAN 26-29th Portraits & life
3 days
Paul Riley
FEB
13-18th
The Way of the Brush
5 days
Paul Riley
MARCH 20-24th APRIL 3-7th 24-28th
The Watercolour Workshop
5 days
Paul Riley
Oil painting in depth Raku Pottery SOLD OUT
5 days 5 days
Paul Riley Tim Andrews
MAY 11-14th Releasing the imagination 3 days Paul Riley 22-26 The Nature of Drawing 5 days Laurie Steen JUNE 5-9th Being bold with colour 5 days Paul Riley 12-16th Thrown & handbuilt (ceramics) SOLD OUT 5 days Laurel Keeley 19-23rd Flowers in Gardens 5 days Paul Riley JULY 3-7th 10-14th 17-20th
Waterscapes: Stream to Sea (watercolour) 5 days Unlocking creativity (acrylics) SOLD OUT 5 days Powerful Pastels & mixed media SOLD OUT4 days
Paul Riley Gerry Dudgeon Sarah Bee
AUG
31st-4th 7-11th 14-19th
Abstracting the Landscape 5 Days Unlocking creativity (acrylics) SOLD OUT 5 days Watercolours with Bettina Schroeder 6 days
Paul Riley Gerry Dudgeon Bettina Schroeder
SEPT
11-16th 25-29th
Watercolours with Bettina Schroeder 6 days The Magic of Watercolour Flower Painting 5 days
Bettina Schroeder Paul Riley
OCT
12-15th 23-27th
Unlocking Creativity Painting Autumnal colour & Skies
Gerry Dudgeon Paul Riley
3 days 5 days
NOV 2-5th Ceramics for the garden SOLD OUT 3 days Laurel Keeley 2-5th Traditional Woodcuts 3 days Paul Riley 16-19th Drawing the process within us 3 days Laurie Steen
NB if courses you’d like to attend are SOLD OUT please do contact us to join the waiting list and to receive information about future course dates.
BOOK YOUR COURSE
ONLINE, Click on the course title and it will take you to our online booking BY PHONE 01803 722 352 BY POST Use the form at the end of this brochure
Prices & Terms 2017 DAYS ACCOMMODATION DETAILS PRICE inc VAT 5 days Residential Tuition, accommodation & food £640.00 5 days Non residential Tuition and lunch £495.00 5 days Non-Participants Dinner B&B £395.00 6 days Residential Tuition & all meals £670.00 6 days Non residential Tuition and lunch £510.00 3 days Residential Tuition & all meals £445.00 3 days Non Resident Tuition, lunch £335.00 3 days Non-Participants Dinner B&B £270.00 A non refundable deposit of £100 is required with your booking The balance of course fees are due 3 weeks prior to the date your course starts. We reserve the right to cancel courses if they are under-subscribed. However, because courses are kept small this happens infrequently and if this occurred we would refund all monies paid or offer you a transfer onto another course We advise you to take out holiday insurance in case you need to cancel your place because you are unable to attend for unforeseen circumstances.
All our courses, unless expressly marked, are suitable for all abilities from beginners to more advanced participants.
BOOK YOUR COURSE
ONLINE, Click on the course title and it will take you to our online booking BY PHONE 01803 722 352 BY POST Use the form at the end of this brochure
Course Information PAUL RILEY Paul Riley has written four best-selling books on watercolour painting, including several foreign language editions. His fourth book was published in 2015 titled The Magic of Watercolour Flowers. He has also written numerous articles for the Artist magazine and other titles. His images are reproduced as cards and posters Worldwide. As a practising professional painter Paul continues to exhibit widely in the UK and in Europe, Kuwait and the U.S. In addition to his teaching at Coombe, Paul also takes groups of students abroad, previous locations have included the Czech Republic (Prague & S Bohemia) Venice, Bali, Zanzibar & Croatia. His watercolour style is characterised by freedom of expression, colour and vitality, complemented by a deep understanding of draftsmanship and form. Paul is also accomplished in painting in oils, which he has a great passion for, in addition Paul is a competent potter, printmaker and sculptor.
As our lead tutor Paul teaches approximately 60% of courses year-round. Enclosed are specific course details. MATERIALS LIST There are specific materials lists for Paul’s oil painting & printmaking courses - see course details for those lists. The information below is the materials list required for all Paul’s watercolour courses. Essential course watercolour paints in tubes or pan - Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolour 8ml tubes CADMIUM RED, PERMANENT ROSE , CADMIUM YELLOW, LEMON YELLOW, CERULEAN BLUE, ULTRAMARINE, INTENSE BLUE, PURPLE LAKE, RAW SIENNA, BURNT SIENNA, RAW UMBER Essential brushes: Winsor & Newton Cotman Brush SER 333 RIGGER SH NO 3 , Winsor & Newton ARTIST SABLE Brush ROUND NO 3 , Winsor & Newton ARTIST SABLE Brush ROUND NO 5 Winsor & Newton ARTIST SABLE Brush ROUND NO 6 , Pro Arte : Connoisseur Flat Red Sable / Prolene Watercolour Brush Series 99 Size 1/2in Optional extras: Winsor & Newton Artists Watercolour 5ml PERYLENE GREEN, OPERA ROSE, NAPLES YELLOW, Isabey Brush : Kazan Squirrel Quill Mop Series: 6234 Size 2/0 Other items: Natural Sponge 1 inch, W&N Watercolour medium 75ml colourless art masking fluid Low Tack Paper Masking Tape 1,5 inch, Kitchen Roll, Small lightweight stool if you have one (we have spare stools at Coombe if you need to borrow one), Sketchbook for notes and a 2B pencil & sharpener
Course Information Portrait & Life, a drawing & painting weekend Tutor: Paul Riley Jan 26th-29th 2017 This three day portrait & life course, working with both drawing and painting, is designed to allow participants to grips with character. It is particularly suitable for anyone that has some experience in painting and/or drawing that would like a concentrated few days focusing on portraits & life using suitable models and a variety of media.
During the weekend Paul will demonstrate and teach in pencil, charcoal, conté and watercolour, giving considerable attention to composition with particular emphasis on the use of light, understanding facial character and developing a strong knowledge and working use of proportion.
“We will examine our subject as never before and see with a ‘clear eye’ so that the sitter’s character can manifest itself.”
Paul is well known for his fresh vibrant watercolours and interesting compositions. He has published a number of books including his most recent ‘The Magic of Watercolour Flowers’, for more information on Paul see his tutor page at the beginning of this brochure.
Course Information The Way of the Brush - watercolour Tutor: Paul Riley Feb 12-17th 2017 “Understanding your tools and their uses will release the potential of your creative mind, for you will paint with greater freedom if you are at ease with the means of getting colour onto your paper” This new watercolour course with Coombe’s lead tutor Paul Riley, has been developed following growing interest in Paul’s extensive use of multiple brushes in each painting. If you want to feel liberated in your watercolour painting, free from using pencil or other medium, to focus exclusively on your brush work, then this is an ideal course for you. “I’m painting in a different way, exclusively using the brush to give more fluidity and expression..it loosens up the method of applying the paint giving an extra dimension to the work” Each type of stroke and each effect is explained together with help in understanding individual brush types. Paul will demonstrate the various grips for specific purposes e.g. flower petals and leaves, water ripples and waves, cloud formations etc. Various brushes are shown in the course list, which will be the minimum used, in addition Paul has an extensive collection that participants can experiment with. They are all made from natural hair, which gives a special touch in use and cannot be compared with artificial hair. Paul will explain the differences and context for using each i.e sable, squirrel goat, wolf, pony etc, including mixed types e.g. sable/squirrel.
“I love to surround myself with the clutter of my trade. I have a large variety of tools and brushes – all good friends that give great pleasure and joy when used”
Course Information The Watercolour Workshop Tutor: Paul Riley March 19-24th 2017 This great all-rounder course “The Watercolour Workshop” will help enable you to create vibrant, colourful watercolour paintings by working on a series of different techniques, taught and demonstrated throughout the week by leading watercolour artist, author and teacher Paul Riley.
This is a great five day workshop because it deals with all the key issues of watercolour painting from tools and techniques (which brushes are great for capturing different effects? How can I effectively using masking fluid?) to mixing eye-catching colour and creating light and mood. If you are an experienced watercolourist and want to advance your painting, this workshop can help you to develop a range of new techniques. If you are a beginner, you will be introduced to key issues & terminology and have the opportunity to try a range of subject areas, so you can start to determine what you enjoy. During the Watercolour Workshop week you’ll be painting flowers, still life and capturing the stunning Devon landscape. It’s effectively the course equivalent of Paul’s best-selling book ‘The Watercolour Workshop’ so each day a day a different subject matter will be explored, with specialist techniques and approaches experimented in each.
Paul will demonstrate extensively throughout the week, time will also be given to experimenting with your own work and for critical feedback if desired.
Course Information Oil Painting in Depth Tutor: Paul Riley April 2nd - 7th 2017 This five day oil painting course will enable you to get to grips with oils, it’s perfect for anyone that would like to advance in their oil painting techniques or for beginners in oils. As with Paul’s watercolour courses guidance and demonstrations will be given in colour, composition and the techniques of brushwork, including in this course, impasto.
Paul will be demonstrating his expressive oil painting style throughout including finishing techniques (glazing) with time given to experimenting with your own work and for critical feedback if desired. Subject matter will include flowers, still life and landscape.
BOOK YOUR COURSE
ONLINE, Click on the course title and it will take you to our online booking BY PHONE 01803 722 352 BY POST Use the form at the end of this brochure
Course Information Raku Pottery Tutor: Tim Andrews - SOLD OUT April 24-28th 2017
As Coombe’s ceramics courses continue to flourish we are delighted to announce Tim Andrews as a new tutor for 2015. Tim is known internationally for his distinctive raku ceramics. He makes individual work -black and white with linear decoration or burnished muted coloured slips. The pieces are usually thrown, although some work is hand-built. During this exciting course, for the first two days we will concentrate on clay work, making finishing, burnishing using porcelain slip and terra sigillata. The second half of the ceramics course will concentrate on glazing, decorating and firing techniques with particular emphasis on using the resist slip method (often known as naked raku). Some of the processes we will be using are relatively slow: applying and burnishing slips for example – and especially the ‘naked raku’ which requires more glazing time. Obviously therefore it is difficult in the time available to raku all the pieces made on the course. To avoid the focus of the course being rushing to get work dry and through the kilns, Tim will bring a selection of bisque pieces for you to experiment on. Anyone attending the course is also encouraged to bring their own bisque-fired pieces. If possible, please bring a selection with you to glaze and fire.
We will raku as many pieces as we can in the time available, with the aim of everyone completing the week with at least a few completed pots each!
Tim Andrews’ works have been exhibited in many group and solo exhibitions throughout the UK and abroad, including: Japan, China, India, USA. The Netherlands. France. Italy Germany. Belgium and Sweden. Works are in many public and private collections including: Stoke on Trent and Liverpool Museums. Ashmolean Museum. St John’s College, Oxford. Donna Karan, New York. Lord Chancellor Lord Irving. Imerys. The Royal Bank of Scotland (2006). Abromavich Collection. Coutts Bank. Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. He is the recipient of several awards and has been featured in many books and publications on ceramics, he is the author of two books on ‘Raku’, the second published in 2005 by A&C Black. Tim also writes occasional reviews and articles for Ceramic Art and Perception and Ceramic Review and regularly curates exhibitions. He is a Fellow of the Craft Potters Association (CPA), a Member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen and Honorary President of the West Country Potters Association.
Course Information Releasing your Imagination Tutor: Paul Riley May 11-14th 2017 Paul Riley leads this exciting course designed to release your imagination, so if you are interested in bringing some originality to your watercolour painting and releasing your imagination on to the page then this course is perfect for you. Although mainly aimed at watercolour painting you are welcome to use, and will be encouraged to experiment with, other media
“The aim is to release our imagination to find alternative ways of seeing the world around us and represent it in a new and original way.�
Various methods of expression will be explored and demonstrated in detail including abstract and collage. The end results should be stimulating, provocative and exciting to work on, freeing your imagination and playing with a vast array of techniques. Paul will demonstrate throughout the weekend as well as ensuring plenty of time for your own experimentation and for critical feedback if desired.
Course Information The Nature of Drawing Tutor: Laurie Steen May 22-26th 2017 Our objective is to draw without inhibition; while focusing on finding and nurturing each persons own unique line and mark making ability, through the discussion and testing of a variety of drawing mediums and surfaces.
Lose your inhibition to draw through large movement and shadow drawing, emotive sketching, and experimental mark making within nature. The act of drawing while moving, and shadow-drawing positive and negative shapes, allows us to loosen up and explore the concept of Edges, Space and Shapes, in a way that doesn’t continually reference our stored symbolic concepts of a subject. Sometimes learning to draw is about knowing that your only job is to record information and shadow-drawing allows us to do this brilliantly. Also sometimes our hands have yet to find the perfect drawing mediums that enable us to draw with confidence and intent! We will set out to explore and develop our drawing language, all of which is aimed at exploring the way in which we draw, while losing our inhibitions to push our drawing processes. When we talk about finding our own drawing language, it can involve many things such as selecting the right materials, deciding on the best type of marks to make and choosing the right drawing discipline for us. The fun lies in the exploration of working with both wet and dry drawing techniques in order to find the most naturally suited drawing medium for you. By navigating our way through a series of exercises involving shadow-drawing, contour and analytical drawing, experimental mark making, and emotive sketching we might be able to further clarify what drawing means to each of us. We will also aim to use the natural environment, not only as our subject, but also as a resource for some of the tools and mediums we use to draw. Much of which will be in response to our chosen surroundings and conditions on the day. All of which looks at the very nature of how we draw. Raised in the foothills of Alberta, Canada. Laurie grew up with a deep understanding of and respect for nature; specifically the relationships we as human beings have with it. A purist in many ways, Laurie’s drawings area as emotional as they are intellectual.
“I have been drawing shadows of trees in my garden since I was a teenager. I think this was perhaps the beginning of my need to make. Looking back it was about capturing the fleeting nature of trees, positive and negative spaces and forms in the landscape.”
...Laurie Steen...continued... After studying fine arts at the University of Calgary, Laurie graduated with an Honors BID and thesis prize from the University of Manitoba, in the Faculty of Architecture in 1993, where she also taught sketch camps and drawing classes. A complement to the fact that she has been drawing throughout her life and that drawing remains the genesis of her work today. Laurie has also been involved in leading specialised adult drawing workshops with organisations like Dartmoor Arts and has also recently helped to found and run with a partner, an Art and Forest School for children during school breaks.
Laurie has been a part of many solo and group exhibitions in Canada, Switzerland, and England including collaborating on interdisciplinary, performance and design based projects. During the past year Laurie has shown at the Royal West of England Academy, the London AAF, the Mall Galleries, Badcocks Gallery, and CCANW, as well as being a part of the Dartmoor Arts Summer School. During this course Laurie will work with students during the week to look at different drawing methods, materials to draw on, ways to layer and capture the natural landscape, and all the glorious details within it. MATERIALS LIST Please bring with you a selection of any and all drawings mediums as this course encourages experimenting and using multi mediums. These should at least include: • A woodless pencil, 8b, or 9b • A selection of graphite pencils • 1 or 2 kneadable Erasers (Cretacolor are great) Sanding board is useful or sandpaper • Thin sticks of willow charcoal, (we will also have these at the studio) • Conte (black, white and any colour) • Chunky black charcoal (Cretacolor at Great art) and/or condensed charcoal • Any wet drawing tools including, favourite water soluble brushes. • Wirobound Sketchbook for multi media, preferably A3 or A4, in thick grade paper or water colour paper. (approx. min. 200gm.+) check out: http://www.artway.co.uk/a3-wiro-xl-mixed-media-pads or http://www.jacksonsart.com • Paper Pad or Wirobound Sketchbook for dry media, preferably size A3 or A2 in a good quality and smooth grade paper, as well as some larger sheets of misc. good quality paper.
Course Information Being Bold with Colour Tutor: Paul Riley 5-9th June 2017 This specialist course with Paul Riley, known for his vibrant, fresh and loose watercolours – is intended to familiarise participants with all aspects of colour, both chromatically as it affects all mediums and more specifically with regard to watercolour pigment behaviour.
Various exercises involving still life and or landscape will be indulged in for the purpose of liberating the students’ sense of colour. The course is designed to stimulate both beginners and advanced students where much of the technology of colour is explained through demonstrations and explanation.
“We wondered at times whether we were mad to travel so far for a few painting lessons, well there was nothing that could possibly prepare us for how much every last detail of our trip would exceed our expectations! Our course was awesome, and in terms of painting , life-changing! Paul’s attitude to colour was inspirational, and a revelation to us both, and will certainly result in clean clear bold colours from now on. Thank you Paul for all the tricks, tips, but mostly for the gift of colour.” Althea, student, South Africa
Course Information Ceramics Thrown & Handbuilt SOLD OUT Tutor: Laurel Keeley 12-16th June 2017 This week-long course with established potter Laurel Keeley focuses on throwing and handbuilding, what you make is decided by each individual student with guidance from Laurel so it’s a great course for everyone from beginners to professionals.
Laurel is an internationally recognised ceramicist who works with coloured slips and drawn line in Stoneware and porcelain clays, with glazes and oxides applied, often enhanced with Gold Lustre.
Laurel graduated with BA Hons in English and American Arts and an MA in Commonwealth Literature. She studied ceramics at Exeter College of Art and Design and has been working as a potter for 30 years, selling work throughout the UK in selected galleries and exhibitions. Laurel has received two Arts Council England Major Awards for her work and is a member of The Devon Guild of Craftsmen. Her ceramic pieces are owned worldwide. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside and interact with Laurel through her work.
...Laurel Keeley - ceramics course continued SOLD OUT The course is designed to allow both experienced potters and beginners exploring clay for the first time to do slab and coil work as well as throw pots on the wheel. Students will work in stoneware with coloured slips and drawn line. The scale of Laurel’s ceramics ranges from tiny pieces that fit in the palm of the hand, to coil built forms a metre high and students will have the chance to make and fire, both small and large-scale work according to their own ambition.
My first go with clay - what an enjoyable experience, what an inspirational teacher! Zoe I wanted to find a new way of decorating my pottery and have discovered a new world of decoration. Nora Laurel is also teaching a ceramic weekender - Ceramics for the Garden, 2-5th Nov 2017 - SOLD OUT
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ONLINE, Click on the course title and it will take you to our online booking BY PHONE 01803 722 352 BY POST Use the form at the end of this brochure
Course information Painting Flowers in Gardens Tutor: Paul Riley 17-21 June 2017 Paul Riley is well known for his love of flowers and his ability to capture them in fresh, clean and vibrant watercolours. In this classic and hugely popular course you will have the opportunity to explore the myriad shapes and colours presented by nature both in the gardens around Coombe and in stunning private gardens owned by our friends and other artists overlooking rolling Devon hills and on the banks of the river Dart.
From unusual perspectives, to mixing eye-catching colours, from creating light and mood to using abstraction and pattern, there are plenty of exciting ideas for being more adventurous with your flower painting. There will be many demonstrations to indicate the use of appropriate brushes, how to deal with differing leaf shapes, wild-flowers, petal variations and composition. In addition to sharing a wealth of techniques Paul you will enjoy some stunning local gardens and if the weather is poor we’ll bring the gardens into the studio with vibrant and imaginative studio arrangements.
This is a wonderful course particularly suited to anyone with a love of gardening as well as painting!
Course Information Waterscapes - from Stream to Sea Tutor: Paul Riley 3-7th July 2017 This unique course makes the most of the stunning local landscape and allows participants to explore the tricky nature of water, capturing it in numerous states, exploring it’s reflective nature and it’s focal point in the landscape.
“It seems that watercolour painting was almost invented for waterscapes. Many of the peculiarities of water can be best expressed by it. Ripples, waves, scattered light and reflections are easily rendered. Like all aspects of watercolour painting the secret lies in sequences - what to do first” Paul Riley
Paul adores painting waterscapes and the accompanying skyscapes that go hand-in-hand. Attention is also given to the rendering of boats and their elusive perspective. This course offers a great opportunity for you to get to grips with both as well as the chance to explore the stunning River Dart. This unique course follows the water each day starting with the stream flowing through Coombe Farm then on to the nearby creek, the village of Dittisham, the mouth of the Dart at Dartmouth and culminating at the sea at nearby Blackpool sands.
Course Information Unlock your Creativity Tutor: Gerry Dudgeon 5 day courses: July 10-14th 2017 SOLD OUT or 7-11th August 2017 SOLD OUT 3 day course: October 12-15th 2017 - places available Back by popular demand Gerry Dudgeon will be returning in 2017. Gerry Dudgeon was born in India in 1952, where his father was a tea planter. Resettling in England in 1953, Gerry studied Modern Languages at Emmanuel College, Cambridge from (1970-74) following which he worked for the Museum of London as an archaeologist, developing an interest in uncovering the past by excavating layers of human occupation. Gerry’s courses are designed for students who are seeking ways to unlock their own creativity. Gerry works intuitively, albeit with references to the observed world. This way of working, which will be encouraged during the course, enables students to free up their self-expression and lose their inhibitions. This is a particularly useful course for people who feel that they want to find a new direction for their work or for those who have not painted for a while.
Gerry went on to study Fine Art (Painting) at Camberwell School of Art from 1975-79, graduating with a First Class B.A. Hons degree, and continued his studies in painting as a postgraduate on the M.F.A course at Reading University from 1979-81, which he chose because it was run by Terry Frost and Adrian Heath. On graduating in 1981, he was awarded a Boise Travelling Scholarship from the Slade School of Art, and chose to visit New York to pursue his interest in contemporary American painting. On his return, he worked as an artist in London before moving to West Dorset in 1987.
..Unlock your creativity - continued
Gerry has taught throughout his professional painting career most recently one day master classes from his studio in Dorset. As a regular exhibitor at Coombe Gallery since 1995 we are delighted to build on those one-day courses by offering this intensive residential course at Coombe. An admirer of the St Ives painters Peter Lanyon and Roger Hilton, Ivon Hitchens, the Scottish colourists, and 18th century Indian miniatures. Dudgeon’s experience of working on archaeological excavations manifests itself both in the scraping and wiping back of the paint surface to reveal underlying layers and in his fascination with Dorset’s ancient geological past. He draws parallels between Jurassic fossil forms and the shapes of the hills, and he enjoys finding rhyming shapes in man-made tracks, hedgerows, field systems and hill forts observed while walking high up along footpaths, often with a distant view of the sea. He likes to combine a scrutiny of close-up forms with a feeling for deep space in these acrylic on canvas paintings.
MATERIALS LIST FOR GERRY’S COURSES Please bring paints in your preferred painting medium (e.g. acrylic, oil, watercolour, tempera or gouache). You may bring more than one medium if you like (e.g. oil paints and acrylic paints). - Bristle brushes in various sizes for acrylic and oil - Soft brushes for watercolour, gouache or tempera - Painting supports (prepared canvases, boards or large sheets of paper) - Graphic tools for drawing into the paint surface i.e. 2 or more of the following items; Oil pastels, oil bars, soft pastels, charcoal (medium size sticks) & coloured pencils - A selection of tools to make marks other than brushmarks i.e. 2 or more of the following items; Painting knives, chisels/screwdrivers, combs (homemade combs can be useful, cut out of hardboard or tin sheet, sandpaper & a small paint roller - Drawing materials for preparatory work including an A5 sketchbook, Graphite sticks (preferably soft - 9B grade) pencils of various grades, a Berol water soluble sketching pen or similar, eraser & a craft knife - Other miscellaneous items required are a sponge, cloth, cotton rags, kitchen roll, masking tape and a small lightweight stool
Course Information Powerful pastels - a mixed media approach Tutor: Sarah Bee - SOLD OUT 17-20th July 2017 We are delighted to be adding a pastels tutor to our stable of professional artists who share their skills and knowledge with you, enabling you to advance your work in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Sarah Bee moved from working as a graphic designer into makeup and body painting for the film, photography and advertising industries. Later she studied watercolour at The Heatherley School of Fine Art in London and began to develop her individual style after she was introduced to pastels whilst painting with the Blockley Group. Whilst her methods and techniques are constantly evolving, Sarah’s work is always inspired by, and an interpretation of, colour, texture and light. Working on mount board Sarah builds layers of Gesso, acrylic paint and chalk pastel to achieve a lively and textured image of the landscape. A member of the Pastel Society, Sarah exhibits regularly at the Mall Galleries, London and has received several awards including the Caran d’ Ache award in 2014. She has completed corporate commissions and has her work in private collections in the UK and in Europe. During this course Sarah will take students through her approach to mixed media and producing strong vibrant pastels. As with all Coombe courses Sarah has a hands-on approach so she will demonstrate throughout the week and there will be an emphasis on individual tuition. The group will paint in the studio after making sketches of the local landscape, do also bring any of your own existing sketchbooks if you have them to use as additional source material.
Course Information Abstracting the Landscape Tutor: Paul Riley 31st July - 4th August 2017 This course is designed to explore the process of abstracting from the figurative world of nature and to careful editing and composition to leave space for your watercolours to ‘breathe’. The landscape tradition in watercolour has been long established. The methods and techniques are familiar to beginners and advanced alike. This course proposes a refreshing new way of tackling the much loved English and even International landscape. An exciting and adventurous new method of looking involves abstraction. To abstract needs a form of distillation a paring down to essentials whilst giving free range to individual expression.
Many aspects of the process will be explored from the geometric to the passionate. Each individual will have the opportunity to discover their own interests from the simple to the complex relating to the environment in a new way that will excite beginners and provoke the advanced. Although there is an existing tradition in abstract painting it is not hidebound. Each individual has the opportunity to be themselves all be it as rebels. Paul has been experimenting with ideas for a long time he will demonstrate many of the techniques and methods needed to loosen up the mind. Analysis of student work will be constant and sensitive to individual development. Dive in!
Course Information Painting with Bettina Schroeder Tutor: Bettina Schroeder 14-19th August or 11-16th September 2017 Bettina’s painting holidays are suitable for all, from absolute beginners to accomplished painters. They are designed to help you to make the most of your abilities and to find a personal approach. The emphasis is on how to capture the initial excitement on first spotting a subject, without getting too bogged down in technicalities. Tuition will be in watercolour mainly but you can work in other media if you would prefer. Daily demonstrations (in the studio or on location) are tailored to the particular needs of the students and to help you to get started. The tuition will also deal with general painting problems such as basic perspective, choice of colour, composition, shadows and many other tricks of the trade. Above all, Bettina’s courses aim to enhance the pleasure of painting whilst improving your skills.
Particular attention is given to wet-in-wet technique as well as some of the ground rules for beginners. Groups are kept small so you can visibly advance within the course duration irrespective of your ability. For complete beginners Bettina teaches a simple, easy to follow a step-by-step approach. Tuition is typically arranged in day sessions lasting from 10.00am until 4,00pm, so there is time to relax before dinner and explore the locality. Timings may change slightly from day to day depending on the weather and excursions. If you are keen paint in the early morning, late afternoon or into the night, as with all courses at Coombe, you are welcome to use the studio, gardens and courtyard at any time during the course. Bettina is a huge advocate for painting outside in the landscape, this course, along with Paul Riley’s Stream to Sea course, is therefore an ideal opportunity to discover the heavenly river Dart, to explore scenic coasts, and to capture lush green Devon fields and hedgerows. During evening meals Bettina is also available for discussions about particular painting problems when you can be assured of individual attention and lively discussion! MATERIALS LIST FOR BETTINA’S COURSES A selection of good watercolour paints or oil paints turpentine and linseed oil. Watercolour paper and lightweight board or canvas/Daler board and rags. Sketching paper and pencils. A selection of watercolour brushes including, if possible, a large sable synthetic No 16 and a chisel top 1/2" wide brush or your usual selection of oil painting brushes. Masking tape. Water bottle, small jar / cup. Lightweight portable easel and stool if required [if travelling from abroad you can borrow these] We suggest you also include some sturdy outdoor shoes and waterproof jacket.
Course Information The Magic of Watercolour Flowers Tutor: Paul Riley 25-29th September 2017 Following a series of bestselling books on watercolour painting including “Flower Painting”, “Intimate Landscapes” and “The Watercolour Workshop”, Paul Riley published a new book & instructional DVD in 2015. The title of the book is the Magic of Watercolour Flowers and this is the accompanying course to the title. During the five days Paul will take students through the processes of painting watercolour flowers including brush techniques, colour mixing, the use of different paper, and the exciting aspects of composition. Studies will be made in the studio and, weather permitting, in the landscape. The purpose of the course is to acquaint beginners with the basic methods of depicting flowers and at the same time stimulate the more practised into new directions. Flowers mean different things to different people therefore the course recognises the different ways of seeing them. For example some people love the pattern quality inherent in flowers; others that extraordinary variety of forms. No particular way is the way; all the possibilities are explored.
The more advanced, or even the precocious beginner has the option to see flowers with figures a or portrait. This is a very interesting way a way of seeing flowers in context. Paul has a distinctively free, loose way of handling the paint using a variety of brushes with bold colour content. These techniques will be explained and extensively demonstrated. All work in progress will be analysed and sensitively assessed in order that students can progress at a pace to suit them. Come aboard and enjoy!
Course Information Painting Autumnal Colour & Skies Tutor: Paul Riley 23-27th October 2017
Autumn provides a rich palette of colours: deep rich reds, golds,yellows..and incredible skies. Devon is a great place to paint both, out in the landscape beside the river or on majestic Dartmoor National Park. These are explored both in the landscape (taking quick sketches and photos if the weather is bad) and in the studio. The main emphasis will be on capturing the rich colours of autumn and the expansive skies, the course will also focus on trees and their leaf colours and how they can be incorporated into imaginative settings to enhance their beauty. Demonstrations of techniques will be frequent as with all of Paul’s courses.
Just a quick note to you all to say how very much Katherine and I enjoyed our week with you. It was a little piece of heaven. Everything was perfect, the tuition especially but also the food, the company, the scenery, the setting and most of all, the welcome. Thank you so much for a truly memorable visit....I drove away with huge reluctance.
Jackie
Course information Ceramics for the Garden Tutor: Laurel Keeley 2-5th November 2017 SOLD OUT During this course there will be a focus on ceramics for outside spaces be it a garden, patio, balcony or driveway, however it’s not essential to make work for outside if you would prefer to make pieces for the home that’s fine also. Similarly to Laurel’s course in June, this course is designed to allow both experienced potters and beginners exploring clay for the first time to do slab and coil work, as well as throw pots on the wheel. Students will work in stoneware with coloured slips and drawn line. The scale of Laurel’s ceramics ranges from tiny pieces that fit in the palm of the hand, to coil built forms a metre high and students will have the chance to make and fire, both small and large-scale work according to their own ambition.
Laurel is an internationally recognised ceramicist who works with coloured slips and drawn line in Stoneware and porcelain clays, with glazes and oxides applied, often enhanced with Gold Lustre.
Laurel graduated with BA Hons in English and American Arts and an MA in Commonwealth Literature. She studied ceramics at Exeter College of Art and Design and has been working as a potter for 30 years, selling work throughout the UK in selected galleries and exhibitions. Laurel has received two Arts Council England Major Awards for her work and is a member of The Devon Guild of Craftsmen. Her ceramic pieces are owned worldwide. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside and interact with Laurel through her work. MATERIALS LIST FOR LAURELS COURSES If you have them, bring pottery tools, otherwise we will provide a basic selection.You will need a sketchbook and drawing materials. Please bring sources of inspiration such as photographs, magazine cuttings and drawings. There will be a charge of £5 per kilo of clay to include materials and firing to stoneware temperature in an electric kiln. Finished work can be sent on for a small charge.
Course Information Japanese Woodcuts Tutor: Paul Riley 2-5th November 2017 Paul Riley is best known for his vibrant watercolours, is he also a master at oil painting, ceramics and printmaking. Wood Cuts have a very long and fascinating tradition going back to early Japanese and Christian forms of illustration and Paul has been exploring the oriental methods using watercolour printing as opposed to the more usual oil based ink method, which will be demonstrated on this course. The course is suitable or beginners or advanced printmakers, it will include the cutting of the block using a variety of knives and gouges. Explanation of the safe use of the tools and their sharpening will be given. Design ideas will be developed and transferred to the block and finally printing using traditional methods in a new way, will demonstrate the versatility of this medium. Advice will also be given remounting and presenting the final image. This is also a great course for anyone who has attended Paul’s watercolour or oils courses and interested in exploring a new medium. Likewise experienced printmakers that want to try something new and particularly at a time of year when cards or gifts could be made in preparation for the festive season.
MATERIALS LIST FOR THIS COURSE You will be required to bring a set of wood cutting tools which are readily available from www.lawrence.co.uk under Relief Printing/Tool Kits and Sets/Japanese Woodcut Set Ref 0930 priced ÂŁ29.95. All other materials will be supplied within the course cost.
Course information Drawing, discussing the process in each of us Tutor: Laurie Steen, RWA 16-19th November 2017 This short intense course with Laurie Steen will use the winter landscape as our subject and the catalyst to explore a variety of monochromatic mediums. The course will also focus on how we find and translate inspirations in the shapes and landscape around us. We will aim to work quickly exploring a variety of line and mark making media while focusing on the natural series of changes that come with pushing the boundaries of our own drawing methods. Thus leading us to discuss and work through how each of us become inspired and how we translate our inspirations from life as well as many multidisciplinary art forms into our own working processes. Our aim is to not only push our own artistic boundaries but to also inspire and challenge each other, and to have at the end a clear idea about the way in which we work and how to access that which inspires. With much focus on honing and nurturing each persons own unique line and mark making ability.
I would love for these few days to be a platform for ideas to germinate and grow. How do we best use that which inspires us and what is it that truly moves each of us to make work?. We will also talk about different ways of working, and compare a variety of different styles of drawing, whilst working around a roaring studio fire. There will be an informal critique at the beginning and end of the course. All artists are urged to bring some previous work, as well as mediums and books for discussion, and contemplation. We all have specific methods and tools to the way we work and sometimes it is just figuring out how to use them! So before coming perhaps ask yourself what is the one tool that feeds your creativity and is essential to your creative process. If you aren’t sure then we will work to figure it out. This course will focus specifically on drawing but can be used in to push your drawing ability within other artistic practices.
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ONLINE, Click on the course title and it will take you to our online booking BY PHONE 01803 722 352 BY POST Use the form at the end of this brochure SURNAME/s FIRSTNAME/s ADDRESS
TELEPHONE/S EMAIL AGE (roughly) COURSE DATES RESIDENTIAL or NON-RESIDENTIAL HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT COOMBE? DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
DEPOSIT PAYMENT £100 per person Cheque enclosed [all cheques payable to Coombe Farm Studios]
_________ IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES WHATSOEVER, OR WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT WHICH COURSE MIGHT SUIT YOU BEST CALL LARA ON 01803 722 352 OR EMAIL lara@coombefarmstudios.com