Elevate your artistic practice with the timeless craft of illuminated manuscripts.  Join us for an immersive, hands-on workshop where you will master metal leaf gilding techniques and intricate metallic embossing to create stunning, radiant artwork. What You'll Learn: The delicate art of applying genuine metal leaf and creating raised, textured embossing inspired by historic illuminated manuscripts. Who It's For: Designed specifically for adult learners of all skill levels—from curious beginners to practicing artists seeking to add a luxurious dimension to their work. We will also look at the traditional colours and illustration style of the times to enhance your work. Space is strictly limited to ensure individual guidance.

With David Pasfield. Using an underpainting technique to apply a first impression painting, followed by texture build-up using a palette knife with heavy body acrylics in an impasto style. Equipment & Materials -    Acrylic paints – vibrant colours (Winsor & Newton Galeria range are good) – do not worry if you do not have a large range of colours, the tutor can provide some extra. -    Extra heavy matt gel (impasto). -    Canvas or MDF or hardboard, pre-primed with white gesso.  At least 50x50 cm in size. -    Large bristle brushes and palette knife -    Easel – preferably free-standing but a table easel will suffice. -    Palette – stay-wet palette or greaseproof paper sheets clipped to cardboard backing is adequate. -    2 water pots and roll of kitchen towels. Free refreshments provided, but bring or buy your own lunch. Please arrive around 9am to set up your equipment.

Illustration 101- A Beginners Guide to Traditional Illustration. A five week course aimed at beginners with no industry experience. We will look at different traditional illustrative styles from graphic novels to Ladybird book artists, and hands on experience with graphite, ink, alcohol inks, watercolour and gouache paints. Create a fully realised traditional illustration based on a short story, passage or poem, gently guided by your experienced tutor who is also a published artist and illustrator. Practical knowledge tips of how to create a portfolio, query publishers, pitch to authors and navigate basic illustration contracts.' Refreshments and biscuits are provided at a cost of £1.00 every four weeks payable in class. Please note, this may not be a nut free environment, lactose free milk, herbal teas, and decaf ‘options are available.  if you require more specific dietary allowances please feel free to bring them along. Prospectus: For all sessions bring an HB pencil, an eraser, a sketchpad, masking tape. (If a painting session) additionally bring a couple of containers for your water, at least one palette knife for mixing paint and paper towel or cloths if you’d prefer. It would be very helpful to have a drawing board. WEEK SUBJECT RESOURCES REQUIRED WEEK 1   Foundations of Line & Shadow Illustration Focus: Basic shape breakdown, contour drawing, value shading, and controlling line weight Introduction to traditional tools and observational drawing principles Industry Insight: Understanding the Publishing Landscape—overview of trade publishers, self-publishing, and what editors look for in a traditional illustrator . […]