This course on a small mixed Organic Farm in Dorset has become a firm favourite with students over the past few years. The farm is full of wild flowers, butterflies and wildlife in an idyllic location in Dorset's Blackmore Vale and excellently hosted by the farmers, my very good friends Tom and Mark.
This is an outdoor painting course and as the farm is quite small it offers you the chance to draw and paint wide landscapes, closer studies of trees and water as well as the animals on the farm all within a short distance. We also have the use of a barn on the farm for dining and shelter.
Teaching takes place in groups working in the same location and individually.
Suitable for all levels of experience, my teaching takes account of your current ability and offers tuition designed to take your painting forward.
The full cost for this course (excluding accommodation) is £600. Your deposit of £150 is refundable up to 1st March 2026.
The balance payment for your course (£450) will be payable on or before 8 weeks before the start of the course. (4th May 2026.) You will receive a Stripe invoice and payment information for this payment.
Accommodation is not included in the course fee. You can stay on the farm , camping in a bell tent on a B and B basis or stay in local hotels , B and Bs or self catering holiday lets. Please see the event attachment for suggestions of where to stay, and if you would like to attend but don't drive there is also advice on how to attend this course without a car.
Arrival day is Monday 29th June. The course starts with lunch at 1pm. You are welcome to arrive from 12pm to unpack your painting things or to settle into your bell tent or the retreat hut if you are staying on the farm. We can then paint until supper or stop whenever you choose if you'd like to settle into your accommodation. Supper will be cooked for you on the first night.
We will normally paint from 9.30 am till 5.30pm and will finish after lunch at 2pm - 2 :30pm on the last day Friday 3rd July
Tuition, teas and coffees, lunch each day and supper on the first night are all included in the course fee.
The course is primarily focusing on the use of oil paints, but you are welcome to bring any painting media you would like to use. In addition, Haddon Copse is a great place to draw so bring a sketch book and drawing materials.
The following is a suggested list of oil colours:
Winsor and Newton artists oils:
Titanium white
Winsor lemon
winsor yellow
yellow ochre
permanent alizarin crimson
French ultramarine
winsor blue green shade or Prussian blue
raw or burnt umber
ivory black
Winsor and Newton Winton (student) oils:
Titanium white
Cadmium lemon
cadmium yellow pale hue
yellow ochre
permanent alizarin crimson
french ultramarine
pthalo blue/Prussian blue
raw or burnt umber
ivory black
If you are using Michael Harding oils most of the names are similar: Titanium white No 1 , Bright yellow lake. yellow lake, yellow ochre alizarin crimson raw umber red umber,Ultramarine Blue Blue Lake,Prussian Blue and Ivory black
Bring surfaces to paint on .A range of sizes and depending on how quickly you paint between ten and fifteen surfaces.
You can work on a white surface or colour the painting surface with a thin coat of raw or burnt umber or other earth colours.
Thin down a lot with white spirit paint on and then wipe excess off with a soft cloth. Aim for pale to mid tones.
Also the following equipment:
a viewfinder
sketching easel
artists hog brushes in long flat
paint rags – cotton (old towels are best)
white spirit
a flat palette and palette knife
a bottle or jar for used thinners
Double dippers to attach to a palette
If you like to paint sitting down bring a folding stool or chair
Make sure you have warm and waterproof clothing including wellies just in case. A brolly can also be invaluable,
but we have had hot weather in previous years so hats and sun cream advised too. I would also recommend some insect repellent
for that time of year.
| Cost | ||
|---|---|---|
Deposit for Haddon Copse Course Summer 2026
The balance of £450 will be payable 8 weeks before the start of the course. You will be sent an invoice with details of how to pay.
8 available
|
£150.00 |
Haddon Copse Farm
Woodrow, Fifehead Neville
Sturminster Newton
DT10 2AQ
What3 Words - ///riverside.envisage.ally
Amenities
