Extra nights B&B (incl dinner), prior to course start: Sun 16th or Mon 17th or Tues 18th Aug16th Aug to 18th Aug 2026
Sunday to Tuesday

Bed and Breakfast for the night before your course start, including dinner in the restaurant (6.45pm for 7pm). Available for either Sunday 16th, Monday 17th or Tuesday 18th August. Please state which night/date you are booking for on the booking form..... read more

Birds on Water with coloured pencil17th Aug to 18th Aug 2026
Tutor: Jonathan NeweyMonday to Tuesday

Birds on Water with coloured pencil is a two-day drawing course exploring how to draw water birds with realism and colour. Students will learn techniques for layering coloured pencils, blending tones, and capturing feather texture. The course also focuses on reflections, ripples, and the movement of water around birds. Using reference images of a Black Swan and an Avocet, participants will develop a finished drawing while building confidence in colour, shading, and composition in a relaxed and supportive environment..... read more

"Thank you.  Learnt more than anticipated thanks to Jonathan's skill, patience and experience." 

Design - Inside- Outside, cut and fold17th Aug to 18th Aug 2026
Tutor: Janet EdmondsMonday to Tuesday

A course for all those interested in forming creative and textural 3 dimensional structures using decorative paper..... read more

"Janet is an experienced tutor who always provides excellent examples of her work, which I personally find very inspirational." 

Mini Stitched Treasure Art Books17th Aug to 20th Aug 2026
Tutor: Paula WatkinsMonday to Thursday

Using block printing with mixed media, wool, silk and other textiles we will create wonderful tiny stitched books. We can incoporate precious found objects and materials within the pages. Many techniques will be taught as part of this very popular course.... read more

"A very enjoyable course delivered in a very friendly and informative way'

Woodcarving17th Aug to 21st Aug 2026
Tutor: Ernest RiallMonday to Friday

The course aims to introduce complete beginners to the basic skills of carving, chisel sharpening and wood behaviour. In further sessions you may follow a structured course of set projects or develop your own ideas.At every stage you will add to your skills and knowledge of all aspects of carving and develop design skills. Experienced carvers will be helped to develop their own projects and skills.PLEASE NOTE: This course is being held at Wooburn Craft School - see below...... read more

Excellent weekend, as ever. Resources and teaching very helpful. Thank you.

Driven to Abstraction ... A Watercolour journey18th Aug to 20th Aug 2026
Tutor: Jackie Devereux Tuesday to Thursday

If you ever thought that abstract painting is an easy option, hold on to that thought. This course will help guide and unlock ways to discover pathways to success, creating small dynamic compositions loosely based on reality..... read more

"Wonderful experience.  Jackie provides a wonderful course, with a friendly atmosphere which is fun and really useful and challenging." 

Mushrooms and Toadstools with coloured pencil19th Aug to 20th Aug 2026
Tutor: Jonathan NeweyWednesday to Thursday

Mushrooms and Toadstools is a two-day coloured pencil course focused on capturing the rich colours and textures of woodland fungi. Students will explore layering and blending techniques to create depth, subtle shading, and realistic surfaces. The course will also cover drawing delicate details such as gills, stems, and forest-floor textures. Using reference images, participants will develop a finished piece while gaining confidence with coloured pencils in a relaxed, supportive setting..... read more

Really enjoyed the artistic and social content of the course.

The Travelling Sketchbook comes to Cookham Village19th Aug to 20th Aug 2026
Tutor: Barry HernimanWednesday to Thursday

A great chance to hone up your 'sketching' skills working 'en plein air' in and around the Cookham environs. Learn some new techniques as you explore the area and respond to your own chosen subject. Spend an exciting two days sketching in your desired medium be it watercolour, pastel, coloured pencils or anything that will make a mark!! A super opportunity to 'loosen up' and enjoy your art. There are subjects galore in and around the Centre and the Thames is a short walk away so there is a wide choice of sketching projects..... read more

Extra nights B&B (incl dinner), prior to course start: Monday 31st Aug, Tues 1st or Wed 2nd Sept31st Aug to 2nd Sep 2026
Monday to Wednesday

Bed and Breakfast for the night before your course start, including dinner in the restaurant (6.45/7pm). Available for Monday the 31st August or Tuesday 1st or Wednesday the 2nd September. Please state which night/date you are booking for on the booking form..... read more

Chinese Brush Painting - On The Wing: The heroic spirit of wild birds1st Sep to 2nd Sep 2026
Tutor: Paul MaslowskiTuesday to Wednesday

The Soaring Brush: Capture the predatory grace and commanding presence of the world's most majestic raptors. Under the expert guidance of Paul, this course explores the dual nature of birds of prey: their explosive energy in flight and their quiet, watchful intensity when perched. You will master the 'iron-wire' calligraphic strokes required for sharp beaks and powerful talons, while learning to use fluid ink-washes to suggest the softness of plumage. By integrating traditional settings - such as the gnarled branches of ancient pines or rugged mountain crags - you will learn to create a complete composition that balances the bird's fierce spirit with the stillness of the natural world..... read more

"The best course I've attended. Very engaging tutor, subject and group. Greatly increased my understanding and application of Chinese brush painting." 

Ink & Watercolour behind the scenes - a wildly extravagant course1st Sep to 3rd Sep 2026
Tutor: Jackie Devereux Tuesday to Thursday

An absolute must for discovering the 'creative animal' in you. Unleash your creativity during this lively course, where there are no boundaries as you jump through hoops enjoying the spills and thrills whilst exploring ink and watercolour on another dimension!.... read more

Excellent value for money. Beautiful environment.

Willow Basketmaking01 Sep 2026
Tutor: Jordie Reay NEW TUTORTuesday

Make a simple willow basket approximately 20cm wide and 12cm tall, ideal for keys, plants or small household items. This one day course includes lunch, tea, cake and plenty of friendly chatting. All materials, tools and safety equipment are provided, and no experience is needed. Please note that willow weaving requires manual dexterity, so the class may not suit people with limited hand mobility..... read more

Mastering Soft Pastels2nd Sep to 4th Sep 2026
Tutor: Kevin ScullyWednesday to Friday

Pastel is a versatile medium that can be used to create detailed drawings, as well as lively and spontaneous paintings. A variety of subjects will be covered and may include still life, landscapes, seascapes, and portraits. Colour harmony and composition will feature strongly in our approach to using this exciting medium. A variety of techniques will be covered, and you will be introduced to the different sorts of pastels available on the market and the variety of papers and surfaces to choose from..... read more

Botanicals with Coloured PencilsCourse Full - Add me to Waiting List3rd Sep to 4th Sep 2026
Tutor: Jill WinchThursday to Friday

Jill will introduce the use of coloured pencils to depict Botanical subjects. Initially Jill will explore ways of creating an accurate drawing to work with and the importance of this in Botanical illustration. Different techniques will be explored, creating textures, shine, depth of colour, creating hairs onto stem.....Discussion will be encouraged for any difficulties while working and Jill will demonstrate over the two days how to achieve success..... read more

"Excellent.  Jill was lovely and very helpful.  Great teaching and very nice atmosphere."