Add-Ons
Colin Joyce – Beginners’ Workshop
Date: Friday 28th May
Time: 11am - 3pm
Cost: £40
Venue: Smithy Studios & Garden
New to painting outdoors, or looking to build your confidence? Join artist Colin Joyce for a relaxed and practical beginners’ workshop at Smithy Studios & Garden.
Colin will guide you through the basics of plein air painting, helping you look at your surroundings with fresh eyes and turn what you see into a painting. Expect plenty of helpful tips, demonstrations and hands-on painting, with time to experiment and ask questions along the way.
A friendly workshop designed to get you started and, most importantly, enjoy the process.
Includes light lunch.
Artist's Welcome BBQ
Date: Friday 28th May
Time: 6pm onwards
Cost: £15
Venue: Local County Pub
Round off the first day with a relaxed evening of good food, good company and a few drinks at a lovely local country pub.
Our artists’ Welcome BBQ is a chance to put the brushes down, swap stories from the day and get to know the people you’ll be painting alongside over the weekend. Expect a laid-back evening, plenty of chat and a warm Weardale welcome.
Loose figure drawing with Charles Knights
Date: Sunday 30th May
Time: 9.30am - 12 noon
Cost: £20
Loose Figures, Inspired by Norman Cornish
Inspired by the wonderfully spontaneous drawings of renowned North East artist Norman Cornish, this relaxed and enjoyable session explores how to capture people quickly, loosely and expressively.
You’ll experiment with gesture, movement, line and shape, learning to suggest a figure with just a few confident marks rather than getting caught up in detail. Through a series of playful exercises and demonstrations, you’ll explore ways to loosen up, respond to the character and movement of the people around us…
Designed for beginners and intermediate artists, the session is all about taking the pressure off, trying something different and enjoying the process. No perfect figures required!
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An afternoon in a cottage garden with David Curtis ROI, RSMA
Date: Sunday 30th May
Time: 12.30 - 4pm
Cost: £40
Join David Curtis ROI, RSMA, one of the UK’s best-known plein air and landscape painters. David will demonstrate his painting skills, sharing his approach to capturing light, atmosphere and the character of the garden. Following his demonstration, David will be available to offer expert guidance and individual adviceto those who would like to discuss their own work, techniques or approach to painting outdoors.
We’ll take a break to enjoy a light picnic lunch and traditional cream tea, giving you the chance to relax, chat and soak up the peaceful surroundings.
A unique opportunity to spend time with David Curtis in an intimate garden setting, watching him paint, learning from his experience and enjoying the simple pleasure of a summer afternoon surrounded by art and nature.
An afternoon in a cottage garden with Peter Woolley
Date: Sunday 30th May
Time: 12.30 - 4pm
Cost: £40
Join popular watercolour artist Peter Woolley for a relaxed and inspiring afternoon of painting in a beautiful cottage garden.
With 40 years of experience as an artist, teacher and demonstrator, Peter has spent decades teaching and inspiring painters of all abilities around the world. His enthusiasm for watercolour and his friendly, approachable teaching style make this a wonderful opportunity to learn and develop your own painting.
Set within the peaceful surroundings of a cottage garden, Peter will share his knowledge and experience, offering encouragement, practical advice and guidance to help you get the most from your own painting.
There will also be time to relax and enjoy a light picnic lunch and traditional cream tea, surrounded by the beauty of the garden and in the company of fellow artists.
Whether you are an experienced watercolourist or simply looking to build your confidence, Peter's warmth, experience and passion for teaching promise to make this a memorable afternoon.
An afternoon in a cottage garden with Stuart Jones
Date: Sunday 30th May
Time: 12.30 - 4pm
Cost: £40
Spend a relaxed and inspiring afternoon painting in a beautiful cottage garden with popular North East oil painter Stuart Jones.
Stuart Jones, a popular North East oil painter, founder of NE Plein Air Society, whose gentle guidance, knowledge and experience have made him a much-loved figure amongst fellow artists. Stuart has also been a prize winner at the WPAF for the past two years, making his return to the festival especially fitting.
During the afternoon, Stuart will provide gentle, individual guidance to those who would like advice on their own work. Whether you're looking to develop your understanding of oils, improve your composition or simply gain confidence painting outdoors, Stuart will be there to encourage and support you.
A light picnic lunch and traditional cream tea will be provided, giving you time to relax, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and meet other artists.
An intimate and enjoyable afternoon for anyone wanting to paint, learn and spend time in the company of a talented and approachable artist.
Life Drawing with Wine & Cheese
Date: Sunday 30th May
Time: 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Cost: £30
Enjoy a relaxed and sociable life drawing session featuring a live model, giving you the opportunity to capture the character and movement of the human form in a welcoming, informal setting. The evening will be complemented by a delicious selection of quality cheeses, paired wines and artisan charcuterie. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, get creative, savour good food and wine, and enjoy the company of other like-minded artists.
