Exploring Botanical Art in Watercolours with Dawn Wright SBA
New Venue!
Join us for an immersive art break as we celebrate the floral delights of early June on this delightful residential workshop, learning the fascinating art of botanical illustration in watercolours, with professional artist Dawn Wright SBA.
The course is aimed at both complete beginners and those who are already experienced. Using mainly watercolours and working directly from a choice of natural specimens, you will develop your knowledge and skills of botanical art, learning how to bring a flat representation on paper to life in three dimensions.
Expert tutor Dawn Wright will take you through an exploration into pigments and paints, and you will learn to apply a basic colour theory to understand the relationships of colour and tonal values to add realism to your work. There will be opportunities to try different techniques and gain an understanding into the makings of a good composition.
Whether you are already a keen botanical illustrator or are completely new to the field, the course is an ideal place to work alongside other like-minded artists, share ideas and see work in progress first-hand.
Arrive from 5 pm on Monday 1st June, departing at 4:00 pm on Thursday 4th June 2026. You are also welcome to arrange your own accommodation (non-residential option, see below for price) and join us during the daytime to enjoy two meals a day with us.
The programme details, along with a suggested list of materials to bring will be forwarded around 4 weeks prior to the workshop start date.
Your accommodation
New to Field Breaks Art, Cliff College near Chatsworth in Derbyshire is a very spacious, warm and friendly residential centre where you will have your own single-occupancy en-suite room. Our classroom is in our own block, separate from other college buildings, so as well as enjoying lots of peace and quiet at night times, you won't have far to walk to your paints in the morning. We also have our own break-out lounge and useful little kitchen, where you can sit and enjoy a drink at any time. Meals are set out in the communal restaurant area in the lovely arts and crafts Cliff Hall right oppisite, with our spacious car park very close-to. Please note that our studio and bedrooms are on the first floor, however there is an access ramp round the side for easier entry, and you will be able to unload any bulky items right outside before parking up in our alotted area. The teaching room is very spacious with plentiful tables and chairs, and secure key-fob entry. Surrounded by the wonderful Derbyshire countryside, views overlook the College orchard, past a surrounding of mature trees and away to the edge at Curbar and Baslow.
All diets are catered for, please do let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies, intolerances or special requirements. Please note that no alcohol is allowed on site at Cliff College, however the Bridge Inn at Calver is only a short walk away from us.
Non-painting partners are also welcome, please enquire for availability and pricing options. All different dietary options are catered for, so please advise or ask when you book your place. We hope that you will enjoy your stay!
Price Options:
Fully residential en-suite places £780
Non-residential places £469 (including unlimited refreshments, lunches and evening meals)
An £80 deposit is payable to secure booking (Please see How to Pay ) with balance fees payable 8 weeks prior to the start date. Terms and Conditions apply.
Above - the lovely rural setting of Cliff College showing our front entrance and classroom, the arts and crafts window in the dining hall, and some of the many places to relax outdoors in the area.
