Drawing Ducks with Coloured Pencil4th Aug to 6th Aug 2025
Tutor: Jonathan NeweyMonday to Wednesday

"Drawing Ducks with Coloured Pencil" is a fun and creative course designed for artists of all levels. Explore techniques for capturing the beauty and charm of ducks using coloured pencils, focusing on lifelike textures, vibrant colours, and intricate feather details. Learn step-by-step methods for blending, layering, and shading to achieve realistic results. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and art lovers alike, this course helps you bring these delightful birds to life on paper..... read more

"Amazing how far you can get in three days from nothing." (Summer School 2019)

Tai Ji Quan, and Qigong4th Aug to 6th Aug 2025
Tutor: Clare SkeltonMonday to Wednesday

Nurture yourself with three days of gentle exercise to enhance your health and well-being. These traditional Chinese health arts, Tai Ji Quan and Qigong (Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung), create stillness in the mind whilst increasing vitality and fitness. Your ability to relax, your flexibility, co-ordination and balance will improve with practice. Steve Gorwits (instructor with the Longfei Taijiquan Assoc GB, and a BCCMA L2 Coach) will be joining us for one day of the course, bringing his expertise to broaden your experience and to allow us to give you more individual attention. The course is open to everyone, no previous experience is necessary..... read more

"Another weekend in Paradise!" (November 2019)

SMALL DYNAMIC WATERCOLOURS with a hint of ink.........4th Aug to 6th Aug 2025
Tutor: Jackie Devereux Monday to Wednesday

Take a leap into brilliant watercolour painting, making small creative contemporary images whilst discovering the beauty of transparent pigments. Revel in the beauty of the medium and colour whilst discovering your inner creative self through experimenting with shape and composition, developing brush skills and dis overinflated how to be positive about negative space!.... read more

"Loved it. Jackie is a very calm, inspiring and generous tutor whatever level you are at." (Summer School 2022)

Honiton LaceCourse Full - Add me to Waiting List4th Aug to 6th Aug 2025
Tutor: Alison ThoburnMonday to Wednesday

This course is suitable for all levels, from beginners to the experienced. The aim is to tailor the course to the individual. For those new to the discipline, instruction will be given using a project which covers the basic techniques. The more experienced Honiton lacemaker will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in technique, design, and interpretation..... read more

Soooo good to have a honiton lace class back at Missenden and Alison provided lots of help and was very patient.

Mosaic Masterpieces: The Art of Pique Assiette4th Aug to 6th Aug 2025
Tutor: Anya Burzec - NEW TUTORMonday to Wednesday

Pique assiette is a form of art involving the use of broken tiles or pieces of ceramic to form a design. Proponents of pique assiette include the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, who used the pique assiette technique to decorate the elaborate curved surfaces that characterised his work. In this course you will learn the basic techniques of pique assiette along with how to handle the required materials and create beautiful designs..... read more

Woodcarving4th Aug to 8th Aug 2025
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

Japanese Embroidery6th Aug to 8th Aug 2025
Tutor: Janet CroninWednesday to Friday

This course will cater for all level of student. Beginners will have the opportunity of stitching a simple design designed by the Japanese Embroidery Centre. There is a choice of one of four designs that will teach up to about six beginners stitches. Advanced stitchers will be able to carry on with their existing project. For those who have stitched some Japanese Embroidery I have a selection of small and straightforward designs at various levels..... read more

Egg Tempera Painting for All7th Aug to 8th Aug 2025
Tutor: Maz JacksonThursday to Friday

Enjoy receiving expert tuition from a respected professional artist and tutor, Maz Jackson, who will expertly guide and enthuse you to discover both subtle and vibrant qualities of egg tempera painting during this exciting course..... read more

Chinese Brush Painting: Freehand Flowers7th Aug to 8th Aug 2025
Tutor: William CaiThursday to Friday

Through face to face instruction and with demonstrations, this course will study the characteristics of Chinese painting around the subject of freehand flowers. Learning content will include: how to use the Chinese brush; how to draw beautiful brush strokes, and the requirements of drawing line. We will also look at how to use the brush with the special techniques required for painting Chinese colour..... read more

"Another great workshop with William.  There is a lot to learn and it's fun!  William is very skilful and knowledgeable." (Summer School 2019)

Raffia Hat Making7th Aug to 8th Aug 2025
Tutor: Claire RichardsThursday to Friday

Make your own beautiful raffia hat during the two days. Relax with raffia, plaiting and learning the skills to make your own hat and many more for family and friends if you wish. Raffia is a lovely material to work with - natural, sustainable and very flexible, which also means forgiving(!) - these days are good for complete beginners. All materials are provided, please just bring a smile!.... read more

" Claire's course content was spot on.  I would sign up for another class with this excellent tutor without hesitation." (Summer School 2022)

Painting the Sea - Seascapes and Coastlines with Acrylic11th Aug to 12th Aug 2025
Tutor: Jonathan NeweyMonday to Tuesday

"Painting the Sea: Seascapes and Coastlines with Acrylic" is an inspiring two-day course perfect for artists of all levels. Explore the beauty of the ocean, capturing dynamic waves, serene shorelines, and dramatic skies. Guided by expert instruction, you will learn essential techniques for mixing colours, creating texture, and achieving realistic water effects. Experiment with light and movement to bring your seascapes to life. By the end of the two days you will have your own stunning acrylic masterpieces..... read more

Jonathan is a really excellent tutor, thoughtful and friendly. I enjoyed the course hugely.

Ply-Split Braiding - Get Started!11th Aug to 12th Aug 2025
Tutor: Helen Leaf - NEW TUTORMonday to Tuesday

This course is an introduction to ply-split braiding, giving a good grounding in the key structures and techniques that are used. We start simply and build gradually, making braids, mats and small projects - these will all embody certain skills and techniques, which you can refer back to in the future if you take things further..... read more

Botanical Illustration - Seaside Teasures11th Aug to 13th Aug 2025
Tutor: Jackie Isard SBA Fellow CBM RHS GoldMonday to Wednesday

Drawing shells can be more complex than you would expect. All those spirals and curves can send you spinning! I will, of course, be on hand to help you with drawing and painting throughout the weekend. Painting any seaside treasure in watercolour is a great experience and I am certain you will enjoy this workshop. Bring along your own seaside treasures (shells, seaweed, mermaid purses, crabs etc) or select from my boxes full of goodies..... read more

Jackie Isard was really lovely and patient. Excellent tutor! Learnt so much during these two days! Thank you.

Batik - Beautiful trees on tissue and fabric11th Aug to 12th Aug 2025
Tutor: Jenny OLeary NEW TUTORMonday to Tuesday

Using Jenny's contemporary approach to this traditional technique of batik (hot wax resist) we will create pieces of work inspired by trees - the structure, leaves, shape, seasons. We will work on different surfaces - tissue, found papers and fabric. Working with wax, bleach and inks to create fabulous textures and effects, exploring markmaking with different tools. An exciting course allowing for exploration and discovery.The work will be suitable for further development such as adding stitch. .... read more

Knitting: Knit a Fabulous Pair of Socks12th Aug to 13th Aug 2025
Tutor: Anna NikipirowiczTuesday to Wednesday

Anna will teach you how to knit your own fabulous socks. During this workshop we will work on a pair of socks using a lovely easy mosaic pattern..... read more

Hand Embroidery Workshop - Inspired by Hundertwasser13th Aug to 15th Aug 2025
Tutor: Janet EdmondsWednesday to Friday

Hundertwasser was an Austrian artist with a strong individual style. His work shows bright, intense colour and quirky images of lines, spirals and eyes meandering around organic shapes. We will use these characteristics together with an imaginary walk through familiar places to create a spontaneous design. This will be interpreted into a small piece of stitching, with raised areas that could become a small panel..... read more

Another excellent course, I now have plenty of ideas to keep me going, thank you.

Tiny Silk and Calico Treasure BooksCourse Full - Add me to Waiting List13th Aug to 15th Aug 2025
Tutor: Paula WatkinsWednesday to Friday

Using Indian block printing with painting fabric, paper, mixed media, found objects, vintage haberdashery and stitch we will create sumptuous tiny books full of texture and surprises. We will be exploring lots of simple techniques which combine to produce beautiful unique art books to treasure. .... read more

"As always, Paula delivered the course in a very friendly and informative manner.  She really is an excellent teacher and I love her courses." (Summer School 2019)

Innnovative Use of Ink and Watercolour13th Aug to 14th Aug 2025
Tutor: Jackie Devereux Wednesday to Thursday

Relax into painting primarily in watercolour alongside JACKIE DEVEREUX who will encourage an alternative approach. Getting better acquainted with your own brushes and learning to wield them with confidence will form a major part of this course. Larning to identify and deal with those 'happy accidents' and developing good practice will enable you to find your own strengths and move forward..... read more

What a wonderful experience . Jackie opened the door to her world to someone without any experience. Thank you.  (Summer School 2023)

Introduction to Traditional Upholstery - Stitched Stool Seat13th Aug to 15th Aug 2025
Tutor: Heather Breed - NEW TUTORWednesday to Friday

Learn traditional upholstery techniques to craft a seat pad on a stool using hand tools, time-honored traditional methods, and natural materials. You will begin by learning how to web the seat, followed by creating a comfortable seat pad with coir (coconut fibre) and animal hair. The hallmark of a traditional seat pad lies in the meticulous hand stitching, which not only shapes the pad but also ensures its durability and longevity.The stool frame and all materials (except top cover) will be provided. .... read more

Create Bloomin' Wonderful Watercolours!14th Aug to 15th Aug 2025
Tutor: Nicky Hunter Thursday to Friday

Watercolour is the perfect medium to paint flowers and blooms. Enjoy creating loose and expressive artworks of bold beautiful blooms. We will capture clear transparent colours, luminous whites and achieve diffused edges using wet into wet techniques..... read more

Nicky Hunter is a very gifted teacher. Our whole group thoroughly enjoyed her demonstrations and were inspired by her artwork. I look forward to next year!

A Watercolour Workout15 Aug 2025
Tutor: Jackie Devereux Friday

HOW TO SEE COLOUR.......and interpret what we see. A unique day in the company of professional artist Jackie Devereux, who will expertly guide you through colour with a relaxed approach, to enable you to actually see colour within colour and to capture more than you think!.... read more

Excellent tutor - lots of information and help. Good food too. (April 2019)

Milanese and European LacesCourse Full - Add me to Waiting List18th Aug to 20th Aug 2025
Tutor: Claire BonitoMonday to Wednesday

This is a three day course with a primary focus on Milanese lace with other European laces supported. This course offers individual tuition to focus on a new project, a new lace or continue and make progress on an existing project. This course will give you more concentrated time than a weekly class to make significant progress. The course is taught through individual learning and group demonstrations of techniques as appropriate..... read more

"I really enjoyed Claire's course." (April 2022)

Reduction Linocut18th Aug to 20th Aug 2025
Tutor: Jessica RoseMonday to Wednesday

In this three day course you will learn how to create linocuts using the reduction method, which allows you to incorporate lots of colours into your prints using just one block..... read more

Great course Jessica was a brilliant tutor and I felt I learnt a great deal from a patient passionate tutor. (Summer School 2021)

Hand Stitching - A Little Piece of Africa18th Aug to 19th Aug 2025
Tutor: Janice Gunner MA MSDCMonday to Tuesday

This course is an introduction into some of the amazing African textiles available today, the techniques used to create them and how to use them in your work. Working by hand you will make a small textile artwork that includes piecing, applique, and simple embroidery. Spend the weekend immersed in some mindful stitching to create a unique piece of work..... read more

"Excellent, enjoyable day." (Summer School 2019)

Quick and Vibrant Sketching with the FUDE Bent Nib Pen18th Aug to 20th Aug 2025
Tutor: Barry HernimanMonday to Wednesday

Come and spend an exciting 3 days sketching out and about in the Missenden Abbey grounds and in Great Missenden village. Each student will be supplied with their own FUDE Bent nib pen and a reservoir full of Carbon Black ink that doesn't clog the pen. The emphasis will be on speed and efficiency and thoroughly enjoying the experience of producing sketches of your chosen subjects in sketchbooks or on flat sheets of watercolour paper.This wonderful sketching tool will allow you to capture complete tonal sketches which you can compliment with some simple watercolour washes if desired..... read more

I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Missenden Abbey is a beautiful location and we made good use of the grounds for our sketching. (Summer School 2023)

Upholstery Restoration18th Aug to 20th Aug 2025
Tutor: Heather Breed - NEW TUTORMonday to Wednesday

This is a project led course with students providing their own upholstery project to work on under the expert eye and with guidance from Heather, our new experienced upholsterer and upholstery tutor..... read more

An Introduction to Pastels and Pastel Pencils18th Aug to 19th Aug 2025
Tutor: Kevin ScullyMonday to Tuesday

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..... read more