Join landscape artist Helen Lloyd-Elliott for a day of charcoal drawing in the beautiful Oare valley.
Although the process of creating a drawing in charcoal appears so simple, the artistic possibilities in terms of mark making and conjuring what we see and feel are limitless. Before heading out into the landscape, Helen will share her inspiration and techniques including paper preparation, the importance of sketchbooks, of composition and simplifying and abstracting shapes in the landscape. Once outside, Helen will work with you as you create your own pieces.
Oare House, and the Lorna Doone valley:
Your base for the day is Oare House, a regenerative working farm that sits withing a 169 acre family estate with free roaming sheep, two donkeys and quite often a herd of grazing deer. Nestled in the heart of rolling Exmoor countryside and the idyllic hamlet of Oare, with a view of the church that famously featured in R D Blackmore’s romantic novel Lorna Doone. A stunning visual and backdrop for your day of drawing.
On the menu:
Food will include freshy baked biscuits on arrival, a homemade lunch enjoyed around the table embracing the best of the season, and tea and tisanes served with cake in the afternoon. Please let us know if you have any food allergies when you make this booking.
Your inspiration:
You might recognise Helen as a finalist in Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the year 2023, when armed with sketch books and a brush she travelled around the UK painting a range of different views and backdrops. Primarily a landscape and portrait painter, Helen’s work is her visual diary; a recording of the light, colours, space and form found in the objects and places that make up the living world. “The act of putting charcoal to paper and oil to canvas is a compulsion that give me great joy”.
What the day includes:
We provide you with all the materials you need for the day: charcoal, soft putty rubbers, fixative, a selection of paper including a piece of hot-pressed water colour paper, boards, clips and easels. Please bring your sketchbooks, cameras and any favourite pencils, charcoals or paper that you might like to use.
It’s very much dependant on the weather, but please check before you travel to make sure you have appropriate footwear and clothing for a wander on the hillside. You may wish to bring a water bottle too.
