Practice your painting skills at this year's Painting Week, which begins on 10th October
If, like me, you have always been drawn to the natural world, with
a deep love of gardens, plants and flowers, these step-by-step courses will guide you through the techniques of drawing and watercolour painting.
The courses, suitable for all levels, from the complete beginner to
the experienced artist, will enable you to learn how to create your
own beautiful botanical paintings.
GIFT VOUCHERS
A Botanical Painting Course makes
a lovely gift! Click
here to find out more
SPECIAL OFFER
Get 3 days for the price
of 2 on a Botanical Painting Course when you book
an Introductory Course!
My aim is to teach you the skills of observation, drawing and watercolour painting, and to increase your understanding and develop your technical know-how. In a small group you will benefit from the one-to-one tuition and acquire skills in a calm, organised and relaxed atmosphere.
My hope is that you will enjoy learning how to draw and paint, and discover the pleasure and satisfaction that this creativity brings.
LATEST NEWS
Click here to read Marianne's latest Botanical Painting Newsletter!
marianne_botanicalpaintingtoday.com
All images © Marianne McPhie 2011
About Marianne
Marianne McPhie is a full-time painter and teacher, running her own courses in botanical drawing and painting as well as tutoring workshops in the UK and abroad.
She has a degree in Art History and diplomas
in teaching and adult education. She has studied under some of Britain's most respected botanical artists, such as Gillian Barlow and Anne-Marie Evans, former director of botanical illustration at the Chelsea Physic Garden.
Marianne's flower prints sell worldwide, and
she has had two solo exhibitions. She also
writes on botanical art for magazines such as
The Flower Arranger, Art of England and Nottinghamshire Today.
Teaching methods
The courses are a structured mix of theory and practice, supported by easy step-by-step exercises, practical demonstrations and well-presented handouts to take home with you to reinforce your learning.
Each stage of the learning process is carefully explained, and individual attention alongside class demonstrations ensure that both the complete beginner, as well as the more experienced painter, will make rapid progress.
Student numbers are deliberately limited (maximum ten people) to guarantee individual attention and tuition. This is as important for the experienced painter who wants to broaden understanding and refine techniques, as it is for those with little experience or the complete beginner who will gain confidence and self-belief from Marianne's gentle guidance and encouragement. Each course day starts at 10am and ends at 4pm.
The courses are suitable for all levels and include:
- Tuition
- Plant material for drawing and painting
- Course handouts and exercises to take home
- 2-course lunch
- Tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day
Botanical Painting Today Newsletter
Marianne produces seasonal Newsletters containing details of forthcoming events, as well as painting tips and techniques and news of Marianne's new courses. If you would like to receive Marianne's Newsletters, email: marianne_botanicalpaintingtoday.com
LATEST ISSUE!
Autumn 2011.pdf
Click on the PDF icon, left, to read the
Autumn 2011 Newsletter
Newsletter archive
Summer 2011.pdf
Spring 2011.pdf
Easter 2011.pdf
Autumn 2010.pdf
Spring 2010.pdf
Summer 2010.pdf
Email: marianne_botanicalpaintingtoday.com
Introductory Course
This three-day course is ideal for complete beginners, or for those who feel they need to go back to basics. It introduces you to the skills and techniques of observation, drawing and watercolour painting, and gives you a thorough understanding of the aims and traditions of this magical and increasingly popular art form.
Over three days we will learn the fundamental principles of observational drawing, with easy-to-follow exercises as well as a step-by-step introduction to the techniques of watercolour painting. With demonstrations and practical advice on equipment, this is the perfect course both for beginners and for those wanting to pick up their drawing and painting skills after an absence.
Course dates
4th-7th October 2011
13th-15th March 2012
Price
3-day course: £265
Special Offer!
For students attending this Introductory
Course, you can get3 days for the price of 2
when you book a Botanical Painting Course!
Botanical Painting Course
This is an opportunity to have some guided painting time with an experienced tutor, either working on a subject of your choice or concentrating on areas you want to improve.
Past students have worked on portfolios of particular plants, for example, or focused on building up a colour library in order to see and use colour more effectively. My other courses are structured to deliver basic know-how and skills. Once you have understood these, it is helpful to reinforce your learning with some individual tuition and guidance, and to build up confidence in your own knowledge and ability.
Over these two or three days experienced painters, as well as beginners, find the shared concentration and interaction of fellow painters encouraging, enjoyable and beneficial.
6th-8th September 2011
17th-19th January 2012
24th-26th April 2012
2-day course: £165
Drawing and Composition Course
This three-day course, suitable for all levels, teaches you the core skills of observational drawing: accuracy to detail, and the importance of learning to see instead of just looking.
Working through some short step-by-step exercises, we will learn how to measure accurately, how to create perspective using scale and tone, and the importance of paying attention to detail.
We will also be discussing the wide approaches in style, mark making and materials, and exploring the important art of how to compose your picture.
1st-3rd November 2011
21st-23rd February 2012
Course materials
Marianne will lend you anything you do not have. You will need:
Marianne will have for you in the studio: drawing boards, daylight lamps, magnifying glasses/hand lens, light boxes, water jars and flower holders.
Gift ideas
A Botanical Painting Course voucher makes an inspired gift for a flower and garden
lover who wants to learn how to draw and paint from nature.
For more information email: marianne_botannicalpaintingtoday.com
Gift Voucher
A Botanical Painting Course with Marianne McPhie
To:
From:
Terms and Conditions
1. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
2. Your place on the course is not secured without full payment
3. Cancellations received within 14 days of the start of the course will receive
a refund of 80% of the course fee
4. In the unlikely event that your course is cancelled, Marianne's liability is limited to the course fee paid only
5. Marianne regrets that she cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings
6. Data Protection Act 1988: No personal data will be shared with any third party or used for any other purpose than for course administration
About the venue
The botanical painting courses are run throughout the year at Rampton Prebend, an historic prebendal house overlooking the Minster in the centre of the delightful Nottinghamshire market town of Southwell.
Southwell's shops, restaurants, pubs and excellent accommodation to suit every pocket are all within easy walking distance of the house.
There is so much in this friendly town for you and non-painting partners and friends to explore. The glorious 13th-century Chapter House in Southwell Minster has some of the finest medieval stone carvings in Europe, and a tradition of daily Evensong sung by the Cathedral choir.
A leisurely stroll will take you to The Workhouse, the best surviving Victorian workhouse in existence. Sherwood Forest Country Park and two excellent golf courses are on the doorstep, as well as numerous garden centres and gastro pubs. Newark with its fine Georgian architecture and Trent River cruises is only a short drive away.
Some of the greatest country houses in England, such as Burghley, Chatsworth and Hardwick Hall, are all within easy driving distance from Southwell for an unforgettable day out.
Where to stay
The Old Vicarage Boutique Hotel
Within easy walking distance to Rampton Prebend, this is
a small, beautifully appointed hotel. Anyone on my courses will be given a discount - ask for Suzanne Edgington when making your booking.
The Old Vicarage, Westhorpe, Southwell, Notts NG25 0NB.
Tel: 01636 815989, email: reservations_vicarageboutiquehotel.co.uk
The Saracens Head Hotel
Situated in the heart of Southwell, this
historic coaching inn is AA3-star listed.
Market Place, Southwell, Notts
NG25 0HE. Tel: 01636 812701,
email: info_saracensheadhotel.net,
www.saracensheadhotel.net
Sacrista Prebend
Conveniently situated next door to Rampton Prebend, this is run by Southwell Minster as a retreat house and conference centre, with bedrooms/bathrooms offered on
a B&B basis. 4 Westgate, Southwell, Notts NG25 0JH.
Tel: 01636 816833, email: mail_sacrista-prebend.co.uk
The Old Forge
This 3-star B&B is a short stroll up the main street in Southwell, close to Lord Byrons former home.
2 Burgage Lane, Southwell, Notts NG25 0ER. Tel: 01636 812809, email: theoldforgesouthwell_yahoo.co.uk
The Old School
This offers one double bedroom with ensuite bathroom on
a B&B basis, and is an easy stroll down Queen Street to the course venue. 10 Kirklington Road, Southwell NG25 0AY. Tel: 01636 815382, email: mowbrayam_yahoo.co.uk
Ashdene
This 3-star B&B, just outside Southwell, is featured in Alistair Sawdays Bed and Breakfast for Garden Lovers.
Radley Road, Halam, Notts NG22 8AH Tel: 01636 812335, email: david_herbert.newsurf.net
Grange Cottage
A 3-star B&B in Farnsfield, outside Southwell, and
offering a discount for more than 2 nights stay. MaIn Street, Farnsfield NG22 8HF Tel: 01623 882259, email:
jo_grange-cottage.co.uk, www.grange-cottage.co.uk
Getting there
By road
Southwell is situated 8 miles from Newark and 12 miles from Nottingham. It is easily accessible from the A1 and M1 motorways.
www.theaa.com
By rail
Newark is one hour and 20 minutes by train from London King's Cross on the East Coast mainline service.
www.eastcoast.co.uk
By air
East Midlands Airport has over 90 direct worldwide destinations, with shuttle bus links to Nottingham.
www.eastmidlandsairport.com
By bus
There are regular bus services to Southwell from Newark and Nottingham.
www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk
Testimonials
"Thank you for a wonderful three days - I really enjoyed my time with you, and being able to visit the wild flower meadows and paint British wild flowers was a total joy." Anne, Australia
"I am really looking forward to another course with you. It was lovely to meet your other beginners, and I couldn't believe the quality of their work after three days' teaching - they were truly inspirational, as is their teacher."
Julia, Nottinghamshire
"Without doubt the three days with you last week were the most informative, enthralling and enjoyable days.
I now dearly want to continue with botanical painting."
Paul, Leicestershire
"I have learnt more from you in two lovely and instructive days than in the previous two years, and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. You will see me again!"
Jane, Yorkshire
"Your course in botanical painting was sublime, instructive, inspirational and probably life-changing! Under your tuition studying auto mechanics would be a stimulating experience, so extraordinary are your gifts as a teacher."
Bobbie, London
"Before my courses with you I couldn't draw any flowers
at all - my dream was to paint them with the same passion
I feel for them. Now I can see how much I have learned."
Loubaina, Egypt
"I was inspired by your wonderful tuition; you have the rare gift of being a natural teacher and I enjoyed every moment. Thank you for your sensitivity and generosity."
Jean, Shropshire
"I had a really enjoyable and instructive time, and learnt
a good deal on the course - I am inspired to continue with botanical painting... I intend to return next year."
John, Kent
Contact us
To make a booking, or to make an enquiry about the courses, please fill in the box below,
or email: marianne_botanicalpaintingtoday.com
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PAINTING DAYS
Summer 2011
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