ABOUT THE workshop
A hands-on, beginner-friendly painting workshop where participants will explore woodland wildlife through acrylic techniques using different sizes of recycled wood panels as a 'canvas'. The course blends art instruction with natural inspiration - perfect for nature lovers, art enthusiasts and anyone seeking a relaxing, creative escape. The focus for this workshop looks at local animals, small creatures and birds which we all share our outside spaces with. Gain inspiration from our native hedgerows and forest species in wintertime.
In the morning: Welcome to the woodlands
In the morning: Welcome to the woodlands
- Overview of hedgerow wildlife: inspiration images and short walk in the natural woodlands sketching session (dependant on weather conditions)
- Introduction to painting on wood (types of wood, prepping surfaces, sealing, etc)
- Colour mixing demo with a woodland palette on cartridge paper to explore tones and depth (mossy greens, rich browns, soft neutrals)
- Techniques & Textures: your tutor will demonstrate brush techniques and how to paint natural textures (fur, feathers, bark) tailored to images students bring on the day. Participants will then practise techiniques of dry-brushing, layering and fine detail on paper
- Compose your woodland subject (i.e fox, owl, dormouse, badger or hedgerow details like brambles, berries, fungi) on cartridge paper. Your tutor, Andy Lean, will work round the class to give one-to-one guidance on layout, focal points, storytelling before the sketches are transferred to the recycled wood panels
- Step-by-step painting time with guidance from Andy
- Tips on layering and achieving depth
- Optional embellishments: adding metallics/gold/copper highlights, painted borders
- Finishing Touches: final detailing and touch-ups and how to seal and finish your painting at home
- Adding D-rings to hang on the wall at home
THE COURSE WILL GIVE YOU
- Basic acrylic painting techniques suitable for wood surfaces
- An understanding composition, colour mixing and layering for naturalistic effects
- Students take home their own piece of artwork
- A handout summarising the techniques you have learnt
THIS COURSE IS SUITABLE FOR
All adults who would like to explore tips and techniques to use acrylics on wood. Whether you are a complete beginner or more practised, this friendly workshop will build your confidence and show you how to produce your very own nature-inspired piece of art - you do not need to be an artist to enjoy this course!
This workshop will be held mostly indoors with a walk included (weather permitting)
This workshop will be held mostly indoors with a walk included (weather permitting)
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR
- Stout shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for outside walk
- A photo of animal or bird you would like to paint - optional
- Notepad and pen - students are encouraged to take notes of each stage
- Phone to take photos
- Apron or clothing you don’t mind getting paint on
- A packed lunch or buy from our Beech Café
ABOUT THE TUTOR
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Andy Lean is an experienced artist and art educator with over 23 years of teaching in secondary schools. In addition to classroom teaching, he has also led adult education art classes at Haywards Heath College, where he enjoyed helping learners of all levels develop their artistic confidence and creativity. He holds a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Chichester University (2002) and completed his PGCE at Brighton University, training as an art specialist. In recent years, Andy has exhibited widely, including multiple groups shows at the Contemporary Oxmarket Gallery and a solo exhibition at Chichester Artisan Gallery (2024–present). Andy is passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities explore their creativity.
Facebook: andyandrachael Instagram: @andyandrachaelnatureart |
Check Out Accommodation
You can get 10% discount when you stay with us during your course in our campsite or eco lodge. Please call us on 01730 823166 to make your accommodation booking. Our reception is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.
