A key part of my art practice is mixed media sketching / painting out in the landscape. After an initial quick & loose sketch using drawing pen I will paint in a water colour wash to establish the sky, background and foreground. The next layer is in acrylic adding texture, detail and colour to the key elements of the landscape, typically trees & foliage.

The final step can be going back to drawing pens in different colours to add final interest details and highlights.

The result is an expressive, colourful and vibrant landscape in mixed media. A great reference for future development.

These workshops are open to all abilities where I demonstrate each stage providing all the materials and guidance you need.

These are really enjoyable, relaxing sessions and the perfect way to spend time absorbed in nature.

We meet in the Parsonage near the main cafe in Clumber Park for a drink and a chat about what we are going to do. Then head out into the park to set up and draw. I provide everything you will need to take part in the workshop and Clumber lend us camping chairs. Then return to The Parsonage for another brew and a debrief.

The price for the 3 hour workshop including materials, a welcome hot drink and entry to the Park is £30.

These workshops are facilitated by the Clumber Park Team and form part of their events program.

They are bookable through the Clumber Park events page of the National Trust website. The events page works in date order so you have to scroll through to find the workshop date.

Just click on the button below and it will take you to the Clumber website page.

Each workshop will be at a different location in Clumber so you could attend more than one and complete a different picture.

The workshops start at 10am finishing at 1pm.

The dates for the upcoming workshops are:

Weds 3rd June 2026

Weds 1st July 2026

Weds 5th Aug 2026

Feedback from a recent workshop participant:

Hi Ian,

I was on your course at Clumber park yesterday morning and I just wanted to say thank you. I really liked the way you took us so carefully through the stages step by step -reassuring us that it was all about the process and not the finished product.

I’ve been really inspired by your beautiful sketchbooks and the class and I hope to get out into the countryside this summer to do some sketches!

Thank you again, you were great and it was a lovely way to spend a morning!
Best wishes,
Pippa

I am also running a watercolour class in The Parsonage. This course takes place over 3 sessions on the following days:

Weds 6th May 2026

Weds 13th May 2026

Weds 20th May 2026

Each session starts at 10am until 12:30pm.

The total cost for all 3 sessions is £75 which includes all materials.

I will lead you through the basic watercolour techniques and move on to workshop style picture making.

A fun course aimed at beginners but perfectly fine for those that wish to improve their technique.

Book through the Clumber Park website events page.