Nick Bodimeade

Your Course

On this two day practical course you will make  eight 20x30cm landscape acrylic  paintings on prepared board as well as studies and experiments on paper.

You will work from both your drawings and photographs taken here in the landscape on Cross farm

Overview

In this intensive two-day practical course, you will create eight 20x30cm landscape acrylic paintings on prepared boards, alongside a series of studies and experiments on paper. Working both from your own drawings and photographs taken on Cross Farm, you will develop essential skills to strengthen your landscape painting practice.

What You Will Learn

Day 1

• Gathering Resources: Sketching and photographing directly in the landscape.

• Simplification Techniques: Learning to identify and focus on the essentials of a scene.

• Building Confidence: Using simplification as a tool to adapt and change paintings with ease.

• Creating Space and Atmosphere: Exploring layering, colour mixing, and transparency.

• Tonality and Light: Understanding how tonal values convey depth, light, and atmosphere.

Day 2

• Composition Principles: Strengthening your understanding of balance, rhythm, and focal points.

• Underpainting & Coloured Grounds: Experimenting with under layers to influence mood and structure.

• Developing a Series: Painting multiple works to make comparative judgements and transfer learning across pieces.

• Refinement and Experimentation: Applying techniques from studies to final paintings.

Outcomes

By the end of the course, you will:

• Have produced a series of eight completed acrylic landscapes.

• Understand how to use simplification, layering, and tonal values to enhance atmosphere.

• Gain confidence in applying compositional strategies.

• Build a personal workflow for developing paintings as a connected series.

Equipment

Paper, boards and primer will be provided by the tutor at cost price.

You will need to bring your own acrylic paint, brushes and drawing materials.

A large pallete is recommended. A sheet of plastic, or plastic tray, the bigger the better.

I recommend broad, cheap  flat brushes. From 25mm – 50mm wide. They are easy to clean and their large size encourages boldness and inventive handling. There is not much a large brush can’t do but a small brush can only make a small mark.

Please bring a tablet or laptop for viewing your photographs.

I don’t recommend very cheap acrylic paint as its weak pigment load makes for dispiriting coverage and colour. Daler Rowney system 3, Winsor and Newton Galeria, Lukas Cryl Studio and Jacksons Studio acrylic are all good value, mid quality, acrylic paint. If you feel like splashing out artist quality paint has a noticeably greater intensity. On line suppliers like Jacksons and Great Art are a good source for all materials , with Jacksons own brand good value and quality.

Key Information

• Suitable for: Intermediate
• Timings: 2-Day masterclass from 10am – 4.30pm
• Catering: A light lunch and refreshments will be provided each day.  Please specify any dietary requirements at time of booking.
• Venue: The Waldron Gallery & Studio, TN21 0RA
• Essential materials to bringHere are some colours you might wish to have.Titanium whiteProcess yellowProcess magentaVioletUltramarine blueSap greenPthalo greenRaw umberVenetian redPaynes grey