Robert Dutton Fine Art

SGFA
Member of The Society of Graphic Fine Art

UK and international award-winning artist

FEBRUARY 2025 - Expressive pastels at Higham Hall

Higham Hall, Cumbria
Just 3 places left!

This exciting 4 day pastel course Higham Hall is ideal for artists who want to take the next step along their creative journey and discover the true versatility of soft pastels and use them in a really expressive way.

For experienced artists wanting to become more expressive and also semi abstract when using soft and hard pastels (with fixative) on different surfaces. Weather permitting, Higham's grounds will provide direct inspiration for an outdoor pastel morning working directly from nature but the main emphasis is on studio based pastel direction creating pastel paintings of YOUR OWN landscape subjects with a semi abstract direction.  Some of the taught techniques on this workshop are not for complete art beginners but artists with lots of previous experience with other media who may be new to pastel will gain the best from this art course.

i have to admit, pastels of any description are amongst my favorite to work with as an artist - especially soft pastels. They are an incredibly versatile media and create all sorts of wonderful expressive effects in very exciting ways which I'm looking forward to sharing with you on this art course.

I have been using them for years and I’m delighted to say, I have won some distinctive awards with them - I have even had several pastels accepted with ’The Pastel Society’ (Federation of British Artists at Mall Galleries London) for annual exhibitions over a number of years…and so on.

Working with both soft and hard pastels on different pastel and paper supports of your choice (to bring with you), this exciting course will teach you how to become more responsive to landscape subjects (your own to bring with you to work from) in new and rewarding ways.

Although the short art break is aimed at artists with some previous painting experience (not the humble beginner), being a ’newbie’ to pastels is OK - in fact, it’s a very good thing as I don’t have to unravel all the bad habits you may have picked up with all those ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ along the way!

Complete with an on-site well equipped studio, Higham Hall offers the perfect get away from it all painting retreat in a stunning setting in the heart of The Lake District within its own natural garden landscape and great views. 

Please note: Pastel paper or watercolour papers are not included on this course, nor are pastels. Students are advised to bring their own. A good set of dark pastels and a bright white and tinted colours are a MUST!
 

Equipment highly recommended for you to bring

Soft pastels (artists quality such as unison Colour) and Rembrandt and highly recommended. 
Invest in some dark pastels (essential)  such as Unison colour Dark 24 for example to bring with you. Unison colour ‘Midnight Set’ and ‘Moorland Colours Set’ highly recommended. Buy a few artist quality pastels rather than a big box of cheap dusty ones! The pigmentation in the pro brands never disappoint.  

Fixative is essential (not Hairspray).

Papers suggested to bring Clairefontaine Pastelmat or Sandfix  ‘Sait’ P500, Fisher 500, Cason Mi-Tientes – Touch 350gms. Watercolour papers - any weight, surface texture or brand. Each have their own unique effect on pastel painting.

Blending sponges (‘Sofft’ Pan Pastel blending Tools) and other tortillons of your choice - should you so wish. I will be demonstrating with them.

Your own favourite landscape views for studio painting. 
PLAN AHEAD! think about what you want to paint but don’t be over ambitious.
I will be using an iPad mounted on a ‘gooseneck’ attached to the desk to visually display my reference photographs.
 shall be painting from or alternatively print outs on gloss A4 paper may be used. These I stick to a rigid piece of card and clamp next to me on my easel board to work from.
Two options for you to think about and plan ahead for - downloading images of choice to the iPad (or similar) and printing out on gloss photo paper before you attend the course.
Print outs on ordinary photocopier paper dull the colours.

Masking tape.

Bulldog clips or similar.

Scrap A4 photo copier paper or similar for masking techniques

Please note
Higham Hall will provide you with my full detailed lesson plan to include everything that I recommend you bring with you for maximum creative benefit you will get from the art course once you have booked.

 

For further information and to book please contact the administration team on

Tel: 017687 76276

admin@highamhall.com

Office hours 09:00 to 17:00

Higham Hall, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9SH

www.highamhall.com

Costs

  • Residential : £376.00
  • Non residential : £274.00

Location: Higham Hall, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9SH

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