Painting the Threshold: The Landscape At Dusk
Painting the Threshold: The Landscape At Dusk
There is something particularly compelling about a landscape at the point where day turns towards night. Colours become deeper, familiar shapes begin to disappear and the distinction between drawing and painting becomes much less clear.
In this two-day workshop we will explore the expressive possibilities of dark skies, shadows and a restricted blue-based palette, using charcoal, ink and acrylic paint to create atmospheric contemporary landscapes.
The first day will focus on expressive drawing as a starting point for painting. Rather than treating drawing as something separate from painting, we will explore how charcoal and ink can create marks, shapes and textures that naturally lead into paint. We will experiment with working quickly and intuitively, allowing lines to become edges, marks to become shadows and drawings to evolve into painted landscapes.
What to Expect
I will provide you with paints, paper, boards and some brushes as well as dry media such as soft pastels, coloured crayons, and drawing tools like carbon pencils and charcoal.
Participants will work both in sketchbooks and on larger surfaces, combining structured exercises with opportunities for experimentation. All essential materials are provided, though you are welcome to bring your own sketchbook and preferred tools and brushes. Please remember to wear clothing suitable for creative work and bring something to cover the table, you will also need a board to rest your paper on. You are also welcome to bring along an easel if you prefer to work standing up as there is plenty of space.
We will also explore:
Expressive drawing using charcoal, ink and mixed media
The relationship between drawing and painting, and how one can naturally become the other
Dark skies, silhouettes and simplified landscape shapes
Working with restricted, atmospheric colour palettes
Exploring dark blues alongside unexpected warmer or contrasting colours
Soft, scruffy and broken transitions between areas of paint
Layering, wiping back and allowing earlier marks to remain visible
Using contrast, lost edges and negative space to create atmosphere
Developing small studies into more considered compositions
On the second day we will take the drawings, marks and colour ideas developed on Day 1 and begin to translate them into larger painted studies. We will experiment with different ways of applying paint, allowing some areas to remain loose and suggestive while bringing others into sharper focus.
The emphasis throughout will be on process rather than polish. You will be encouraged to work experimentally, to respond to what is happening on the surface of the painting and to allow unexpected marks and accidents to become part of the work.
By the end of the workshop you will have developed a collection of drawings and paintings that explore the conversation between drawing and painting, representation and abstraction, and the familiar landscape and something more mysterious.
This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience and particularly for anyone who wants to loosen up their approach to landscape painting, develop more expressive marks or discover new ways of allowing drawing to inform their painting practice
About the Location
The venue, Hook Norton Memorial Hall, is conveniently located on Chapel Street in the picturesque village of Hook Norton (postcode: OX15 5JT). The village offers a tranquil escape and serves as the perfect backdrop for a weekend of creativity. Please note, on-street parking near the hall is limited, so it’s advisable to arrive early. Additional parking can be found on the High Street or on Sibford Road—both are just a short stroll from the venue. Make sure to allow yourself a little extra time to find parking and settle in comfortably before the sessions begin.
These workshops tend to fill up quickly, so I encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment. Whether you’re embarking on your first steps into painting or looking to invigorate your existing practice, this course offers the perfect blend of practical skills, supportive guidance, and creative inspiration.
Note
All booked places are non-refundable, except when a workshop is cancelled or in exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances include but are not limited to medical emergencies, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events that prevent attendance. If the class is sold out and I can your resell your spot to someone on the waiting list, you will receive a credit for the ticket value minus the booking fees.
Booking your place
Places are limited and bookings are confirmed once payment has been completed. To keep the booking process fair to everyone, I’m unable to reserve places while payment is arranged or pending.
You can pay securely through the website using a debit or credit card or PayPal. Once your payment is complete, your place is confirmed.