NEW: Portrait Masterclass with James Bland

Dates: 30th, 31st Oct & 1st Nov (£395)

James Bland is an internationally-recognised figurative artist based in Canterbury. He is the winner of several prizes, including the Winsor & Newton Oil Painters Awards (2014), and he exhibits regularly in solo and group exhibitions in galleries in the UK and the USA - most recently the 2018 'Disrupted Realism' exhibition at the Stanek Gallery, Philadelphia. Trained at The Slade School of Art London, home of prolific artists including Euan Uglow, Evelyn de Morgan and Lucian Freud. His paintings are based on direct observation, imagination, and memory. They combine storytelling, abstraction, and acute observation in a unique fusion that makes his work instantly recognisable.

This is a small class with only six student spaces available. On this masterclass, you will be encouraged to develop your own personal style through both analytical and intuitive thinking, inspired by James distinctive painting style. Working from direct observation of the model, on day one you will do some simple warm-up painting exercises looking at tone, colour, and composition, before embarking on a two-day large painting. Friendly one-to-one tuition will be provided with demonstrations throughout. For oil painters of all levels. Includes lunch. Materials not included.

This course has a residential option. The cost includes the course and three nights accommodation with breakfast for £575. This accommodation is within our lovely Edwardian Guesthouse (studio onsite, same building). If you would like to see our accommodation please click here.