CLASSES and WORKSHOPS

The DRAWING and PAINTING courses in the ben mcleod FINE ART studio are a great way for you to learn new skills, develop existing skills or rekindle a love and ability for art that may have sat dormant for some time. Spring, Summer and Autumn termly CLASSES have previously been structured on a 10-week timetable to coincide with schools and their holidays - but from 2025 each term will consist of X2 lots of 6-weeks and the option of booking weeks A or B or both. It will remain the same step-by-step hands-on approach with lots of personal instruction, together with time and space to complete work at ones own pace. These CLASSES are on a Monday morning, Monday afternoon and a Tuesday evening - all with an emphasis on developing observational skills and furthering painterly expression. They are for all abilities (with the exception of specialist Tuesday morning and afternoon CLASSES - which are by invite only) and differentiated to accommodate the different stages that people are at. This all means there is greater flexibility regarding days and terms to attend - including booking the full day on Mondays which some people opt for.

There are also 2 day WORKSHOPS done in July, August and September - and various full-day or half-day 1-2-1 options available. All CLASSES and WORKSHOPS are for all abilities. Sessions are in-person in the studio unless specifically stated otherwise. Further information can be found below or in the 'SHOP' section or click HERE

CLASSES are run on termly 10-week blocks and cost £175 (with the exception only of the TUESDAY AFTERNOON group) - a price that will be kept throughout 2024. Changes are in place for 2025: the terms being split into X2 lots of 6 weeks - with the option of doing one block or both. An important feature is learning together which often leads to making new friends for mutual encouragement - as part of this in the late summer we have a STUDENT EXHIBITION - together with a Private View including wine and nibbles and work for sale, as shown in the images below. In the winter we have previously also had Christmas Socials at a nearby Lakeland Hotel

Numbers are limited - but if you want to be part of a group learning together and developing painting skills directly with the artist then book yourself on. Or you can contact me if you require individual lessons... 

'Finding expression in painting the landscape' is a one day workshop I will be leading at the National Trust property of Allan Bank in Grasmere on Monday 19th August 2024. Be inspired by the same unique Lakeland views from the house and grounds which influenced Wordsworth. A chance for sketching and developing ideas with acrylic or oil paint.

To celebrate its 120th anniversary year and coinciding with its annual Summer Exhibition at Grasmere Village Hall, The Lakes Artists Society is running a series of day long workshops at Allan Bank across July and August. Each session is run by a different Society member artist. 10-4pm with limited numbers: £70 each. Tea and coffee is provided but bring your own lunch

 

       ** THIS SERIES OF WORKSHOPS IS NOW COMPLETED - WITH OUTDOOR AND INDOOR PAINTING DEPENDING ON THE WEATHER ON THE DAY!**

There are various 2 day workshops available in July, August and September. With closely guided tuition and the option of booking multiple days these WORKSHOPS are a chance to do some sketching and drawing in the plentiful space around the studio - and to develop the studies into a painting. 10-4pm each day with limited numbers: £150 - although there is a 50% discount available for a second person if two book on for x2 days together using the code WORKSHOPX2 (therefore two people booking for X2 days will pay £225 instead of £300). These can be booked in the 'SHOP' section... or SEE BELOW

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP YOUR PAINTERLY KNOWLEDGE AND EXPRESSION - IN THE ARTISTS OWN STUDIO

It is also possible to purchase some painting sessions as a gift for someone else - or even for personal use. And a VOUCHER has been developed for exactly this (as well as other VOUCHERS in the 'SHOP' section). Once purchased and received the recipient can simply contact me directly and times can be arranged for x3 sessions in the studio. They can even be bought for a group to have their own private classes. This could be with an emphasis on observational DRAWING... OR an opportunity to have a go with oil paints... OR  a chance to develop skills in finding some PAINTING expression. The sessions will be individually tailored to suit the need

For various reasons these 'TASTER SESSIONS' work better for some. It could be that it is a great and unique gift idea, or it maybe someone lacks confidence in their own work, or it may be that time is very limited and x3 sessions are more suitable before joining a termly 10 week class

These VOUCHERS work out at £50 for each 2 hour session and therefore £150 in total. These and others can be bought in the 'SHOP' section... or by clicking HERE

I frequently travel within the Lake District and beyond to do demonstrations and workshops in oil painting at various Art Societies - with emphasis on finding painterly expression

• 2 HOUR DEMO - that can be simply myself talking and working live through a painting and discussing step by step how the layers are built up and how expression of mark-making in my work is achieved OR some groups have the capacity for members to also have a go - and therefore emulate techniques there and then. This all depends on the needs and numbers in attendance. Some groups have had up to 70 or more - so space for all to work has not been possible.  In some of the larger groups filming the work which is then projected on a screen for all to see is used and I am comfortable to work with or without this. I have experience with larger or smaller groups - talking or teaching... and this can be discussed. Charges are £150 (with travel costs also if outside the area)

• WORKSHOPS - which usually work around a 10-4pm timetable and provide a chance for members and guests to have a go at either oil painting for the first time or extend their knowledge and skill to find greater confidence in their painterly marks and techniques. This is all in a guided session that may also consist of demonstrations. There will be plenty of time given to discuss ideas and needs - as well as giving hands on experience. Charges are £300 (with travel costs also if outside the area)

 

Please get in touch directly to check availability and to book