Historic Buildings of Abingdon

A 2-day plein-air course drawing and painting some of the most interesting buildings in the historic town of Abingdon. All levels welcome, including beginners.

A two-day plein-air course drawing and painting some of the most interesting buildings in the historic town of Abingdon.

You will be shown how to use simple, convincing perspective, create good compositions, and ways in which to create lively and exciting images. There will be plenty of demonstrations over the two days, and everyone will receive as much help and attention that they might require. A course for all levels of experience, from the seasoned plein-air painter to those who have never before ventured outside to paint.

Materials:
Here is a list of basic equipment that you may like to bring.
Please amend it as necessary and include any of your favourite materials.
Paper

Watercolour paper no larger than A3. 300 g/m2 (140 lb) NOT surface (Cold pressed). Arches, Fabriano, or Saunders Waterford are all excellent makes. In the interests of economy, Bockingford or Langton are a reasonable alternative. Or you may prefer to work in a watercolour sketchbook. The school has paper to buy.

Paints:
'Artists Quality' watercolours in small tubes are the best, as these allow you to mix large amounts of colour for washes. Or if you prefer, pans of colour in a folding palette. Winsor & Newton (not Cotman), Jackson’s, Schmincke, Sennelier, or Daniel Smith are among the best quality watercolours.

Suggested colours. You won't need all of these, but these are the colours I generally use. Just bring along those that you have.

Cadmium Yellow
Light Cadmium
Red Alizarin
Crimson
Winsor Violet or Dioxazine Purple
Permanent Rose or Magenta
French Ultramarine
Cobalt Blue or Winsor Blue
Cerulean Blue
Viridian Green or Phthalo Green
Hookers Green
Raw Sienna or Yellow Ochre
Burnt Sienna
Raw Umber
Burnt Umber
Payne's grey
Neutral Tint or Black

Brushes:
Round, watercolour brushes in sizes approx. 3, 8, and 10 or 12.
A square brush approx. 1/4 or 1/2. Synthetic brushes are fine.
A larger brush for washes.

Other Materials:

A small tube of white gouache
HB pencil
Ruler
Lightweight drawing board or watercolour Sketchbook
Putty rubber
Masking tape
Tissues or kitchen towel
Large palette with several mixing wells
Jar with lid or paper/plastic cup for holding water
A bag to carry your materials in
A folding stool or chair. (If you don't have a folding chair the school has some spares.

As an alternative to just watercolour, you might want to work in another water-based medium, for example:

Pen and watercolour wash. For this you will need a couple of waterproof black pens, sizes approximately 0.3 and 0.5.
Watercolour pencils combined with water brushes
Coloured inks or acrylic inks
Coloured pencils, or just pencils.

Parking is available in front of the school in the school car park, on the street and in the village hall car park nearby. Complimentary refreshments are available throughout the day. Please bring a packed lunch.