12-14th July 2024: Three day painting retreat at Acton Scott Hall and Working Victorian Farm
Jul
12
to Jul 14

12-14th July 2024: Three day painting retreat at Acton Scott Hall and Working Victorian Farm

Join expert oil painter and tutor Vicki Norman for 3 days of exclusive access to the incredibly beautiful house and grounds of Acton Scott Hall in rural Shropshire. Take advantage of a rare opportunity to visit and paint the characterful private Elizabethan home of the Acton family. You will be spoilt for choice of subject with stunning architectural features, delightful gardens, summerhouse, Church and woodland walks to choose from. Take your time and unwind amongst the ancient trees and broad Shropshire vistas as you spend a full 3 days painting the beautiful surroundings.

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17-21st July 2024: Westcott Barton Painting Retreat
Jul
17
to Jul 21

17-21st July 2024: Westcott Barton Painting Retreat

Painting on location is one of the most absorbing and exhilarating processes an artist can experience. Capturing the colours of nature whilst enveloped in birdsong and the scent of wildflowers is a truly delightful experience which can have a profound effect on the artworks produced in the moment.

Join Vicki to explore methods of recording your observations on location for use in the studio and as completed artworks in their own right. Over a relaxed long-weekend break you will spend time sketching and recording ideas, planning artworks and completing colour studies around Westcott Barton’s beautiful 95 acre estate and the stunning North Devon Coast.

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8th-13th September 2024: Painting Poldark's Cornwall
Sep
8
to Sep 13

8th-13th September 2024: Painting Poldark's Cornwall

Where better to study painting on location than in the home of some of Britain's best loved plein air painters? West Cornwall offers a unique quality of light and stunning coastline that has attracted artists for two centuries. The fishing villages remain as characterful as ever, and the beaches are still as idyllic as they were when the Newlyn School was founded, almost 140 years ago. This is one of my favourite places to paint, and I can’t wait to share its treasures with a group of up to 10 people.

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Plein Air South
Mar
10
to Mar 14

Plein Air South

  • Apalachicola Florida USA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Plein Air organizations and painting groups across the South are coming together to host "Plein Air South" regional gathering in Apalachicola, Florida. The planning committee is hard at work scheduling 5 days of presentations, demonstrations, instruction, vendor exhibition, and of course, painting outdoors! 

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24-27th January 2024: Online Mastering colour 4 day intensive workshop
Jan
24
to Jan 27

24-27th January 2024: Online Mastering colour 4 day intensive workshop

Take your control and understanding to a higher level with this 4 day intensive course on colour theory and colour mixing.

With a technical, academic approach to colour, first, learn to accurately identify and mix colours using a reliable method that works every time.
Then discover how to use colour to enhance your paintings in this useful practical workshop.

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18-19 November 2023: Two day drawing retreat at Acton Scott Hall
Nov
18
to Nov 19

18-19 November 2023: Two day drawing retreat at Acton Scott Hall

Join me for 2 days of exclusive access to the incredibly beautiful house and grounds of Acton Scott Hall in rural Shropshire. Take advantage of a rare opportunity to visit and draw this unique and historic house, rich in fascinating architectural features with ornately carved wooden panelling in many of the rooms. Home to the Acton family since it was built, the hall remains full of beautiful, interesting objects and artifacts from its 400 year history – and we get the draw them all!

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12th-21st Oct 2023: Morocco Mountains and Medinas
Oct
12
to Oct 21

12th-21st Oct 2023: Morocco Mountains and Medinas

Following in the footsteps of the famous painter of Kasbahs, Jacques Majorelle, a unique and fascinating experience waits for artists and adventure lovers on this new Art Safari.

Your artistic journey starts in the captivating red city of Marrakech and traverses centuries old caravan routes across the high peaks of the Atlas Mountains. Enroute, you’ll encounter Berber mud villages, magnificent Kasbahs, and discover mesmerizing landscapes with dramatic canyons and rock formations, softened by lush valleys and palm groves.

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17th-22nd September 2023: 5 Days Painting on Location in Shropshire
Sep
17
to Sep 22

17th-22nd September 2023: 5 Days Painting on Location in Shropshire

Shropshire's rolling hills, deep river valleys and medieval market towns will be the location for our 5 days of painting on location. Join us to explore one of England's most beautiful and best kept secrets. With it's diverse landscape and wealth of historic buildings, we will base our week around Ludlow and Church Stretton.

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25th-30th June: West Cornwall -5 Days Painting on Location
Jun
25
to Jun 30

25th-30th June: West Cornwall -5 Days Painting on Location

Where better to study painting on location than in the home of some of Britain's best loved plein air painters? West Cornwall offers a unique quality of light and stunning coastline that has attracted artists for two centuries. The fishing villages remain as characterful as ever, and the beaches are still as idyllic as they were when the Newlyn School was founded, almost 140 years ago. This is one of my favourite places to paint, and I can’t wait to share its treasures with a group of up to 12 people.

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6-8th June 2023: Three day painting retreat at Acton Scott Hall
Jun
6
to Jun 8

6-8th June 2023: Three day painting retreat at Acton Scott Hall

Join expert oil painter and tutor Vicki Norman for 3 days of exclusive access to the incredibly beautiful house and grounds of Acton Scott Hall in rural Shropshire. Take advantage of a rare opportunity to visit and paint the characterful private Elizabethan home of the Acton family. You will be spoilt for choice of subject with stunning architectural features, delightful gardens, summerhouse, Church and woodland walks to choose from. Take your time and unwind amongst the ancient trees and broad Shropshire vistas as you spend a full 3 days painting the beautiful surroundings.

View Event →
11-15th May 2023: Westcott Barton Painting Retreat
May
11
to May 15

11-15th May 2023: Westcott Barton Painting Retreat

Painting on location is one of the most absorbing and exhilarating processes an artist can experience. Capturing the colours of nature whilst enveloped in birdsong and the scent of wildflowers is a truly delightful experience which can have a profound effect on the artworks produced in the moment.

Join Vicki to explore methods of recording your observations on location for use in the studio and as completed artworks in their own right. Over a relaxed long-weekend break you will spend time sketching and recording ideas, planning artworks and completing colour studies around Westcott Barton’s beautiful 95 acre estate and the stunning North Devon Coast.

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The Forgotten Coast Paint Out
Mar
17
to Mar 26

The Forgotten Coast Paint Out

  • Apalachicola Florida USA (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Now in the 18th year of documenting the landscape and culture of the last vestige of authentic "Old Florida,” Forgotten Coast en Plein Air, America's Great Paint-out, is among the world's most prestigious plein air events. Artistic excellence and the production of investment quality art continues to be the trademark of this 10-day festival. As the event continues, organizers are honing what makes the Forgotten Coast event exceptional. “With plein air events popping up all over the country, we realize the importance of focusing on quality and relevance. We have developed a three year program, transcending typical event content to focus on the reason why plein air painting is important, as well as how the process and the paintings contribute to a region’s resilience,” states FCenPA Board President, Joe Taylor.

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Finding the Fun in Everything! Workshop for The Forgotten Coast Paint Out
Mar
17
9:00 AM09:00

Finding the Fun in Everything! Workshop for The Forgotten Coast Paint Out

Meet me on Water Street in front of the HCA (Center for History, Culture and Art), 86 Water Street (between Avenues D and E). There is adequate parking along Water Street. The workshop is scheduled for Friday, March 17, starting at 9 am and ending at 4:00 pm with a lunch break. Cost is $95 per person - please register online.

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15th-17th November 2022: Learning to See ONLINE ZOOM WORKSHOP
Nov
15
to Nov 17

15th-17th November 2022: Learning to See ONLINE ZOOM WORKSHOP

Irrespective of their subject choice, the most important skill for any artist is observation. It isn’t all about pure talent; great artists have been taught what to look for! Through innovative and enjoyable exercises, study the traditional elements of line, tone, form and colour in this intensive, rewarding course. All levels, any media welcome.

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12-13 November 2022: Two day drawing retreat at Acton Scott Hall
Nov
12
to Nov 13

12-13 November 2022: Two day drawing retreat at Acton Scott Hall

Join me for 2 days of exclusive access to the incredibly beautiful house and grounds of Acton Scott Hall in rural Shropshire. Take advantage of a rare opportunity to visit and draw this unique and historic house, rich in fascinating architectural features with ornately carved wooden panelling in many of the rooms. Home to the Acton family since it was built, the hall remains full of beautiful, interesting objects and artifacts from its 400 year history – and we get the draw them all!

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15th-16th October 2022: Planning for better paintings ONLINE ZOOM WORKSHOP
Oct
15
to Oct 16

15th-16th October 2022: Planning for better paintings ONLINE ZOOM WORKSHOP

Ever wondered why one artwork attracts your eye whilst another just looks ordinary? The answer is in the design!

Spread over 2 full days, this course will give you an insight into the techniques employed in designing beautiful images. We will anaylse masterworks and learn how to incorporate strong design principles into our own paintings.

An illlustration of a few of the ideas you may consider when designing a painting

Although most of us are unaware of it, the pattern of light and dark shapes in a picture is the single most influential factor in our appreciation of any artwork.  Join me to learn how to plan beautiful light and dark rhythms into your work.

Through a series of exercises and demonstrations we will study master painters to learn how to design more elegant pictures. The placement of key objects and linear elements greatly influences the feel of the finished painting. We’ll look at where to place objects for maximum impact and how to create paintings that look strong yet natural.

This workshop is a real must for anyone looking to improve their understanding of how to make a picture feel balanced, interesting and memorable.

How it works

Sessions will include slide lectures, live demonstrations, group chats and individual feedback. The workshops will run in small groups of no more than 20 people, just like a real workshop, they will operate in ‘real time’ for a whole day, just as though you had joined me in person.

We will meet live on Zoom at 12pm for the first ‘class’ of the day. Then you will be given time to complete an exercise. You may upload your work to a private group chat where I will give feedback on each person’s work before the next session. You will all be able to see everyone’s feedback and can contribute your ideas as well. We will meet again on Zoom for the next part of the course. Each class will be recorded and available for participants to watch later if you are unable to join at that time. 

What you will need:

  • A laptop, Macbook, PC, iPad or tablet

  • A small sketchbook A5 or A4 is fine

  • An HB and a 6B pencil or graphite sticks, or ideally a grey and a black brush pen like these

  • A ruler and an eraser

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5th-9th September 2022: 5 Days Painting on Location in Shropshire
Sep
5
to Sep 9

5th-9th September 2022: 5 Days Painting on Location in Shropshire

Shropshire's rolling hills, deep river valleys and medieval market towns will be the location for our 5 days of painting on location. Join us at harvest time as we explore one of England's most beautiful and best kept secrets. With it's diverse landscape and wealth of historic buildings, we will base our week around Ludlow and Church Stretton.

View Event →
12-14 July 2022: 3 day painting retreat at Acton Scott Hall
Jul
12
to Jul 14

12-14 July 2022: 3 day painting retreat at Acton Scott Hall

Join expert oil painter and tutor Vicki Norman for 3 days of exclusive access to the incredibly beautiful house and grounds of Acton Scott Hall in rural Shropshire. Take advantage of a rare opportunity to visit and paint the characterful private Elizabethan home of the Acton family. You will be spoilt for choice of subject with stunning architectural features, delightful gardens, summerhouse, Church and woodland walks to choose from. Take your time and unwind amongst the ancient trees and broad Shropshire vistas as you spend a full 3 days painting the beautiful surroundings.

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2nd to 9th July: The Watermill, Posara, Italy
Jul
2
to Jul 9

2nd to 9th July: The Watermill, Posara, Italy

Our beautiful and historic watermill stands beside the River Rosaro in the small village of Posara. Peaceful and secluded, yet part of the village, the mill is just a mile or so from the walled medieval town of Fivizzano with its cafés, restaurants and shops. This is the heart of Lunigiana, in the North-west of Tuscany, a truly unspoilt part of Italy.

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13th-17th June: West Cornwall -5 Days Painting on Location
Jun
13
to Jun 17

13th-17th June: West Cornwall -5 Days Painting on Location

Where better to study painting on location than in the home of some of Britain's best loved plein air painters? West Cornwall offers a unique quality of light and stunning coastline that has attracted artists for two centuries. The fishing villages remain as characterful as ever, and the beaches are still as idyllic as they were when the Newlyn School was founded, almost 140 years ago. This is one of my favourite places to paint, and I can’t wait to share its treasures with a group of up to 12 people.

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6th-10th June: West Cornwall Fully Booked
Jun
6
to Jun 10

6th-10th June: West Cornwall Fully Booked

Where better to study painting on location than in the home of some of Britain's best loved plein air painters? West Cornwall offers a unique quality of light and stunning coastline that has attracted artists for two centuries. The fishing villages remain as characterful as ever, and the beaches are still as idyllic as they were when the Newlyn School was founded, almost 140 years ago. This is one of my favourite places to paint, and I can’t wait to share its treasures with a group of up to 12 people.

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24-26 May 2022: 3 day painting retreat at Acton Scott Hall -FULLY BOOKED
May
24
to May 26

24-26 May 2022: 3 day painting retreat at Acton Scott Hall -FULLY BOOKED

Join expert oil painter and tutor Vicki Norman for 3 days of exclusive access to the incredibly beautiful house and grounds of Acton Scott Hall in rural Shropshire. Take advantage of a rare opportunity to visit and paint the characterful private Elizabethan home of the Acton family. You will be spoilt for choice of subject with stunning architectural features, delightful gardens, summerhouse, Church and woodland walks to choose from. Take your time and unwind amongst the ancient trees and broad Shropshire vistas as you spend a full 3 days painting the beautiful surroundings.

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25th-30th April 2022: St Ives Sketchbook Break
Apr
25
to Apr 30

25th-30th April 2022: St Ives Sketchbook Break

Join me on this brand new Art Safari trip for a springtime sketching break with stunning views in St Ives, Cornwall.
Famous for its dramatic coastline of rugged cliffs, sweeping white shell beaches, pebbled coves and turquoise waters – Cornwall is one of Vicki’s favourite painting destinations for its wonderful, moody light and contrasting colours.

This sketching break is all about improving our observational skills, and Vicki will be on hand to help you capture the light, colour and movement in our Cornish surroundings. She will work in pencil and watercolour, as well as charcoal and pastels. The emphasis will be on filling our sketchbooks with lots of different material to keep us inspired and happy painting for months to come…

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4th-6th March 2022: Mastering Water
Mar
4
to Mar 6

4th-6th March 2022: Mastering Water

Join us for a deep dive into the study of painting water!
This 3 day live workshop will enable you to better understand what to look for as you begin a painting of a water. With lectures to explain what you actually see when you study water and demonstrations on how to capture its colours, shapes and movement.

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15th-19th December: Seeing with Artist's Eyes
Dec
15
to Dec 19

15th-19th December: Seeing with Artist's Eyes

Irrespective of their subject choice, the most important skill for any artist is observation. It isn’t all about pure talent; great artists have been taught what to look for! Through innovative and enjoyable exercises, study the traditional elements of line, tone, form and colour in this intensive, rewarding course. All levels, any media welcome.

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14th December: Painting with a knife
Dec
14
10:00 AM10:00

14th December: Painting with a knife

A playful, relaxed and informative day spent learning the art of painting with a knife. Using either oil or acrylic paints you will learn how to create the distinctive look and texture of a ‘knife painting’ through a series of simple, enjoyable exercises and demonstrations. Suitable for all levels.

Please book this course through Westhope College

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27th & 28th November: Online NOTAN: THE ART OF LIGHT AND DARK
Nov
27
to Nov 28

27th & 28th November: Online NOTAN: THE ART OF LIGHT AND DARK

‘Notan’ is a Japanese word used to describe the balance of light and shade in a painting. Although most of us are unaware of it, the pattern of light and dark in a picture is the single most influential factor in our appreciation of any artwork.  Through a series of exercises and demonstrations we will learn how to design successful pictures every time.

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