This course is designed for all painters who would like to use water-soluble pencils to their full potential. Through simple step-by-step demonstrations you will be shown varied techniques for painting buildings, landscapes and still life as well as refreshing some essential drawing skills and concepts. It will be suitable for all abilities.
The course will include exercises for painting textures, dry and wet techniques, trees and skies, still life, using masking fluid, as well as using water soluble graphite for tonal sketching. Most activities are studio based, but weather permitting there may be opportunities to practise the skills you have learnt working outdoors.
Friday evening - A general introduction to the course: Carole will talk about the various types of Water Soluble pencils (eg, standard WSP’s, Inktense, Graphitint, water soluble graphite etc), paper and brushes and what can be achieved, using examples of her work to help illustrate techniques and demonstrating where necessary.
Saturday - We start by colour mixing, blending and generally ‘playing’ with the pencils before working on a range of step-by-step exercises to learn many techniques for using this interesting medium. Students can chose from a variety of still life objects to paint, or work from photos to create their own paintings.
On Saturday evening Carole will do a demonstration.
On Sunday students will work on their own choice of subject using photographic reference, or from sketches in the grounds at Flatford Mill. There will be a group appraisal at 3.30pm
If you would like to discuss the course content further, you are welcome to contact the tutor direct on 0033 296 30 37 41 or email her at may also like to see examples of her work on her website at
Carole Massey has been a professional artist for many years and has tutored courses at the FSC for over 10 years in addition to painting holidays in Europe. She has appeared on many regional TV arts programmes and has written six teaching art books as well as articles for various artmagazines. “Drawing Masterclass – Portraits” is her latest book, published by Search Press. Carole is a Professional Associate of the SAA demonstrates widely to Art Societies. She works in a variety of media and her own work includes portraiture, still life and landscapes. She lives in Brittany, France.
Please note that the Centre shop does not stock art materials.
WATER SOLUBLE PENCILS
- Bring a good colour range (minimum 18) of Artist quality water soluble pencils or Inktense pencils
- A 2B graphite pencil
- Water soluble Graphite pencils (distinguishable from conventional graphite pencils by a brush or water drop symbol on the shaft) – Derwent (medium and/or dark wash)
- Optional – Graphitint, Aquatone, Aquatint, Inktense blocks
PAPER
- A4 or A3 good quality, medium surface cartridge pad, (ie with a slight “tooth”) 150 or 220gsm for sketching and colour mixing exercises.
- Watercolour paper e.g. Bockingford ‘Not’ (semi rough) watercolour paper, 300gsm (140lb) Langton, Cotman, Canson etc, approx 14” x 10” in a pad or in loose sheets or HOT PRESS watercolour paper.
NB The Centre shop does stock loose sheets of Bockingford 14here0lb paper.
BRUSHES -Nos. 5, 8 and 12 round – synthetic or synthetic/sable blend brushes are quite suitable for using with water soluble pencils.
OTHER MATERIALS
- plastic rubber
- craft knife or pencil sharpener
- masking tape
- masking fluid and suitable applicator (eg, cocktail sticks, dip pen or colour shaper)
- kitchen roll
- photographic reference of your choice
If you wish to stretch paper, please bring some brown gummed strip and a household sponge. The Centre will provide drawing boards. We also have small sketching stools and easels for hire at a modest charge if required.
Afternoon tea is available from 1600 on Friday, but the first formal activity is dinner at 1900 (with the bar open from 1845!).
Residents: Please aim to arrive between 1600 and 1800 on Friday to allow us sufficient time to show you to your accommodation and around the communal areas.
Non-residents: You do not need to arrive quite so early but please can you be here by 1800 as we need to show you the communal areas as well.
The course will end at 1600 on Sunday.
Residential course fee includes:
- Full board accommodation including cooked breakfast, picnic lunch, homemade cakes and an evening meal. Vegetarian and other dietary option available.
- Up to 8 hours teaching time a day, plus relaxing breaks for meals and refreshments.
- Tea and coffee making facilities available throughout the day.
- Use of resources including library, workrooms, studios and the Centre grounds.
- Transport during the courses.
- Insurance to cover cancellation, personal belongings, personal accident, legal liability and medical emergency.
If you choose to be a non-resident on a residential course, the fee will include all the above except accommodation and breakfast.
Bookings can be made by telephoning the Centre; we are open 0930 – 1700 weekdays and most weekends. Alternatively, bookings can be made via our website: