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Sketching in the Open Air (4-week course)


  • Yardley Arts, The Old School Hall The Square, Yardley Hastings Northampton, England, NN7 United Kingdom (map)

This four-week course is designed to build confidence in your ability to work spontaneously in a sketchbook.

You will receive a warm welcome from your tutor Cathy Burnett and, as we will be drawing outdoors, there will be plenty of space for you to work safely.

Images of outdoor sketches by Cathy Burnett

Our mornings will be spent in the quiet and picturesque village of Yardley Hastings, where we will learn to select a subject and effectively record observations. Support and guidance will be on hand to equip you with skills to overcome challenges and make the best use of your time.

Hints and tips will be provided in a general way with more personal instruction as required. Examples will also be provided, illustrating various approaches to the activity.

Drawing outdoors requires a flexible approach, as the comforts of the studio are left behind. We will be walking to local areas of interest and will typically need to stand to draw or prop sketchbooks on a wall or fence.

In case of wet weather, the session will take place in the main space at Yardley Arts.

Sketchbook, watercolours, brush and pen

What to bring

Please bring along your own favourite materials to draw with, plus a small hard-backed sketchbook, A5 is perfect, or larger if you have a strong preference.

You are welcome to bring a portable, lightweight, collapsible seat of your own, if you prefer.

Our advice is to travel light, as too much kit can hamper your enjoyment and remove spontaneity as you change viewpoint or location.

In addition, you might like to bring:

  • A small pot of water

  • Watercolour brush with a good point

  • Drawing pencil

  • Water soluble fine liner/biro

  • Watercolours

We can provide you with water soluble graphite.

It may also be a good idea to bring a showerproof jacket, and a carrier bag is handy to sit on if benches prove to be damp.

What’s included

You are encouraged to bring your own media as guided, however Yardley Arts has basic drawing materials for those who need to access that on the day.

Dates

Thursdays, 10am to 12noon, for four weeks commencing 3 September 2020.

Cost

£60 per person. Suitable for ages 16+. Spaces limited to 8. Experience is not necessary as support and guidance will be on hand. If you have creative experience, you will have the opportunity to apply and develop your media handling, colour selection and compositional skills.

Fully booked

How to book

Booking is made direct through Yardley Arts. You can email bookings@yardleyarts.org or book online below.

Contact the tutor

If you have any questions at all about the course, which cannot be answered by Yardley Arts please get in touch with the tutor Cathy by email: cathyb_63@hotmail.co.uk

Cathy Burnett, artist and tutor

About the tutor

Cathy is an experienced art practitioner who exhibits locally and undertakes commissioned work. There is a continual strand running through her work exploring memory. She has taught art and design for over 30 years across Northamptonshire to a wide range of age groups, and is able to foster confidence and enthusiasm in others. If you wish to see Cathy’s artwork, check out her Instagram gallery (@cathyb_63)