Jan runs on-going art courses throughout the year based at her studios at Leath Barn, West Somerton (click to view map). The classes specialise in the painting of flowers, gardens, plants, fruit and landscapes, and demonstrations are given of all the different techniques of watercolour art, designed to suit both beginners and improvers. Jan also organises Painting Holidays in Greece.
The one-day and three-day courses held at Leath Barn run from 10:00am to 4:00pm (see below for list of dates). The sessions are very relaxed but a lot of work is completed over the three days. For those who wish to refresh their skills, or for complete beginners, these courses will show all the basic techniques for painting beautiful flowers and gardens in watercolour or pen, ink and wash. Demonstrations and individual tuition will inspire you to develop your own style and enable everyone to go home with paintings to be proud of.
Lunch is taken together at Leath Barn. Materials can be purchased from Jan or from any good art shop. Jan supplies many flowers and plants, but if there are any particular flowers students would like to paint they are welcome to bring them along. Jan can also mount pictures ready for framing if required. If you would like accommodation, a holiday cottage which adjoins the studio is available during off-peak times from £25 per person per night (including cleaning, laundry, electricity, etc.). See the Leath Barn page for further details.
Details, dates and prices 2013
One day taster days and card making days are held regularly in the studio at Leath Barn. All classes run from 10.00-4.00. Please email for latest dates.
Three day courses: dates for 2013:
| April | 24th 25th 26th (Wed-Thurs-Fri) - Line & wash - buildings, flowers |
| May | 10th-17th - Painting Holiday in Corfu - Limited Spaces |
| June | 12th 13th 14th (Wed-Thurs-Fri) - Loose & Free - Water colour |
| July | 17th 18th 19th (Wed-Thurs-Fri) - Line & Wash - buildings, flowers |
| August | 7th 8th 9th (Wed -Thurs-Fri) – Loose & Free -Water colour/flowers |
| September | 6th -13th - Painting Holiday in Corfu - Limited Spaces |
| October | 9th 10th 11th (Wed-Thurs-Fri) - Water colour - flowers, plants |
| November | 14th & 15th (Thurs & Fri) - Card Making |
| December | 11th 12th 13th (Wed-Thurs-Fri) - Loose and Free - Still life, etc |
Prices
| 2013 | |
| Weekly Classes | £7.50 |
| Improvers Monthly Classes | £37 |
| Paint-ins for Improvers | £37 |
| Card Making & Taster Days | £40 |
| Three Day Courses | £140 |
All day classes run from 10.00-4.00
Weekly classes (Mondays) run from 10.00-12.00 and 1.00-3.00
(bring a packed lunch and stay for both)
Course fees all include a substantial lunch, tea, coffee, etc. and supply of flowers
Art materials available for purchase
Excellent accommodation at Leath Barn available from just £25 per person per night
Weekly Watercolour Art Courses
These consist of two-hour sessions held at Leath Barn, West Somerton
Mondays 10.00-12.00 am or 1.00-3.00 pm (numbers limited to ten per course)
| January | The benefits of a sketchbook |
| February | Painting small flowers/leaves and painting a vessel (mixed media) |
| March | Painting a botanical study and layering paint |
| April | Wet in wet, backgrounds and the use of masking fluid |
| May | Introducing inks and more backgrounds |
| June | Painting in or from the garden, using line and wash |
| July | Looking at perspective |
| August | Oversized flowers and cutting down paintings |
| September | Loose and Free |
| October | Concentrating on leaves |
| November | Shadows/shine, reflections and transparency |
| December | Painting a Christmas still life using many techniques |
Other subjects to be covered will include painting white flowers, the value of space, balance, composition, colour mixing, using complimentary and harmonious colours, light and dark (capturing light)
These classes are designed to encourage students to attempt new techniques using various mediums, explore different avenues and work on weak areas – or just paint for enjoyment!
We will also create a book of techniques and will cover two each month - and I hope these will feature in your paintings.
Cost £7.50 per week
Watercolour and Mixed Media 'Paint-Ins' for Improvers
This course is for improvers who wish to paint something specific with tuition. Cost: £37/day
Held on a Friday each month, 10.00-4.00 Including lunch and beverages.
2013: May 24th; Jun 21st; Jul 26th; Aug 30th; Sep 27th; Oct 25th; Nov 29th
Watercolour and Mixed Media Classes for Improvers
This course follows a similar timetable to the weekly classes apart from painting outside at local venues during the summer months, weather permitting. Held on first Friday of each month, 10.00-4.00
Includes lunch and beverages.