Chart Your Own Course

Feeling Inspired to Get Outdoors and Go en Plein Air?  Alice Wright Rounds Up Some Amazing Courses and Festivals Around the Country and Beyond Which Will Set You on the Right Painting Path

 

GET A TASTE OF ITALY

After seven years running painting courses in Italy, Arte Umbria found clients wanted something a bit different. So, alongside summer courses in Umbria, it now offers a range of exotic locations through sister site Painting in Europe. Trips this year include a seven-day watercolour masterclass in Venice with Tim Wilmot and a 10-day watercolour course in Udaipur, India, with Grahame Booth. Courses are designed to suit all levels, and also give guests the opportunity to enjoy local culture and food. “Half the battle in painting is conveying a sense of depth, something you can really only see when painting in the open air,” says tutor Grahame Booth. “A little sunshine is a bonus – and great food and wine with your fellow painters perfectly rounds off each day.” www.paintingineurope.com; www.arteumbria.com

CAPTURE THE COAST

“Plein air isn’t about sitting outside, grimly determined to paint whatever the weather, but is an essential part of the creative process,” says Norfolk Painting School’s course director Martin Kinnear. “The central aim of plein air is to gain inspiration by seeing and experiencing a location under various weather and light conditions.”