An inspiring time to observe emerging buds and flowers with colours and textures fresh and ready to show! Capture a single specimen or create a composition. Relaxed atmosphere, individual attention, techniques explained for both beginner and experienced to work at their own pace. Lots of pencil types to try plus some new introductions and various paper surfaces. Susan Christopher-Coulson (Lancashire www.highamhall.com/susan-christopher-coulson) Residential: £445 Non-residential: £310

A practical grasp of Perspective makes it easier to render buildings, interiors and even landscape - a foundational skill many shy away from. Jason will make the process less daunting and more understandable and fun. You will be able to render in 1, 2 and even 3-point perspective models, recognising which form of construction is best applied when looking at photographs. Gain a solid grounding of the basics for greater confidence to render things with substance. Jason Skill (Northumberland www.highamhall.com/jason-skill)…

The early summer garden is full of the most amazing subjects. Use this very forgiving medium, enjoy a relaxing few days of creativity. Draw your subject to show it at its best, choose the right colours, learn tricks to create a beautiful botanical illustration to be proud of. Demos and individual tuition throughout from an RHS gold medal award-winning Tutor. Janie Pirie (Suffolk www.highamhall.com/janie-pirie) Residential: £539 Non-residential: £372 Note: This course has been accidentally listed online as being in July.…

The Lakes abound with water in all forms. This course looks at moving water, how it falls and arranges itself as it flows. There will be a sketching trip to sketch and record information towards making a painting in the studio. Linda Birch (Co Durham www.highamhall.com/linda-birch) Residential: £450 Non-residential: £315

For those looking to develop their skill in the medium. With demos and tips along the way, practice new techniques in a relaxed environment. Bring your own pastels and photographs, together with a larger than A3 folder, an apron or old shirt. Tutor has a few surfaces available. Paul Holmes (Staffordshire www.highamhall.com/paul-holmes) Residential: £356 Non-residential: £254 (Board/paper provided)

A starter, or refresher, to get to grips with the basics in drawing. Be set projects to work on. Experiment with a variety of drawing media and develop skills under the diligent tutelage of a practising fine artist. Ceri Allen (Carlisle www.highamhall.com/ceri-allen) Residential: £250 Non-residential: £180 ESSENTIAL ART SKILLS is an on-going series to dip into as you wish.

Chicago artist Ed Hinkley hopes to return this year. A unique chance for water-media artists to receive mentoring for anything from Realism to Abstraction. Group and 1:1 demos, critiques and encouragement to broaden your personal boundaries. Ed Hinkley (Chicago, USA www.highamhall.com/ed-hinkley) Residential: £505 Non-residential: £335

Using Helen's unique method of integrating pen and artist-quality coloured pencil, create meadows full of fresh colours, light and shade and seasonal flora. Inspired by Dubwath, your own favourite meadows or Helen's image bank, you will combine creative mark-making in ink with coloured pencil skills such as blending, embossing and lifting out. Techniques are easy to learn, and you will be encouraged to develop your own style. This is slow, small-scale art but therapeutic; the highly individual results could surprise…