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: £431 Non-residential: £299

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: £350 Non-residential: £249

A fun course with slideshows looking at work by Van Gogh, Morandi, Giacometti, Seurat. Try different Media, experiment and play! Ceri Allen (Carlisle www.highamhall.com/ceri-allen) Residential: £238 Non-residential: £169 Part of a hop-on, hop-off series with a Fine Arts-trained professional to gently refresh, refine and instil the fundamentals for being a good Artist. Each course includes a contextual slideshow and is ‘observational’ rather than working from photos.