One of the essential skill sets for artists, focusing on the human top third, including live subjects. Be guided to experiment towards a freer, yet meaningful style using paint. Expand, refine and challenge yourself reinforcing all the essential fundamentals in a small group. Catherine MacDiarmid (Cumbria www.highamhall.com/catherine-macdiarmid) Residential: £355 Non-residential: £254

*NEW* Monet, Degas et al worked from landscape and still life, experimenting with ways of rendering subjects. Using any materials, work from these motifs, with support and encouragement throughout to develop all aspects of image making. Suitable for artists with some basic experience. Mike Stewart (W Yorkshire www.highamhall.com/mike-stewart) Residential: £499 Non-residential: £329

Winter landscapes can look glorious under certain weather conditions and light. This course will look at the colour effects of sunrise and sunset under winter conditions. Additions of easily acquired texturing materials will be used to achieve stunning effects. Linda Birch (Co Durham www.highamhall.com/linda-birch) Residential: £242 Non-residential: £172

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 developing skills under the diligent tutelage of a practising fine artist. Ceri Allen (Carlisle www.highamhall.com/ceri-allen) Residential: £242 Non-residential: £172

Irrespective of subject, the most important skill for any artist is observation. It isn't all about pure talent; great artists have been taught what to look for! Through innovative and enjoyable exercises, study the traditional elements of Line, Tone, Form and Colour in an intensive, rewarding course. All levels, any media welcome. Vicki Norman (Shropshire www.highamhall.com/vicki-norman) Residential: £436 Non-residential: £304

Total beginner or developing artist, be inspired to use watercolours to their full potential with demos, paint-alongs and individual tuition to develop skills and confidence. Produce an amazing amount of quality work! Mike Dobson MBE (N Yorkshire www.highamhall.com/mike-dobson) Residential: £340 Non-residential: £239

We try some fun projects to shake off winter constraints. Big bold use of colour, tiny rich small works, and some experimental collage work to kick start your painting year. Any medium. Frances Winder (S Cumbria www.highamhall.com/frances-winder) Residential: £340 Non-residential: £239

Finding the botanical winter wonders: the not-to-be-underestimated evergreens, the very early rising winter bulbs and corms, along with some wonderfully-scented winter twigs, and more. Susan Christopher-Coulson (Lancashire www.highamhall.com/susan-christopher-coulson) Residential: £606 Non-residential: £424 (incl. optional minibus trip