Mad about art weekend workshop

Mad about art is a painting workshop weekend organised by well-known artist Simon Hemsley.

The workshop is to be held in the picturesque surroundings of Wildwood Valley Cottages. The workshop will take place from Friday, 23 May to Sunday, 25 May. Simon is the artist in residence. The workshop is suitable for both beginners and experienced artists. Simon covers the fundamentals of expressive drawing, as well as demonstrates more advanced approaches to the subject matter. He will mainly use watercolour; however the fundamentals of this workshop apply to all mediums.

The following topics will be covered in the workshop:

1. Fundamentals of drawing and painting. Application of washes.
2. Design and composition
3. Light and dark, tonal understanding, juxtaposing opposites – the Yin and Yang of painting
4. Reflected light, often poorly understood, but so important for connecting various elements in a painting.
5. Embracing your mistakes. This is the fun side of painting where your errors lead you down another path. A bit like getting lost in a new city you have never been to.
6. Use of highlights which can be dark lights when added to light areas
7. Plus more if there is time.

You need to bring your paints, paper, or boards that you are comfortable using. The organizers will provide acid-free cartridge paper and charcoal for drawing. A materials list will be sent closer to the workshop.

The workshop weekend includes a Friday evening demonstration from Simon, outlining the weekend’s activities, followed by a welcome dinner. Morning tea will be served on Saturday, and a working lunch on Saturday and morning tea on Sunday.

Accommodation is available for the workshop weekend. Please contact Wildwood Valley Cottages directly if you would like to stay on-site in one of the 4 self-catering cottages.