Be introduced, step by step, to this charming art with an original design created by Helen, inspired by C17th pieces depicting the allegorical sense of smell. Learn to create 3D hands, faces and body forms, applied fabric and needlelace slips, supporting surface stitch embellishments. Stumpwork newbies welcome. Helen McCook (Royal School of Needlework www.highamhall.com/helen-mccook) Residential: £340 Non-residential: £239 (Materials kit purchasable from Tutor) Helen's GOLDWORK precedes

*NEW* Create amazing art with something botanical as a main subject plus anything else you fancy (pot, plate, folded cloth, vase) for a picture to be proud of: bowl of fruit on a tablecloth, grapes with glass of wine, fresh vegetables on chopping board with kitchen knife. Backgrounds may be added. Choose your medium: coloured pencil, water-based coloured pencil (a new Janie favourite) or watercolours with pencil. Exciting and experimental, try new things. Pure botanical illustration also included in a…

Explore contemporary acrylic techniques using lots of different acrylic media. We may venture outdoors (weather permitting) to gain inspiration from Higham's immediate surroundings, so you will be amongst the Lakeland landscape, but this course focuses on a Studio response to all sorts of source material (sketches, photographs, drawings and so on) with a semi abstract and exploratory direction. Robert Dutton (Yorkshire www.highamhall.com/robert-dutton) Residential: £544 Non-residential: £380 (incl. field trips)

A course suitable for beginners and improvers. Complete a tutor-led portrait of a hare. Learn about the various types of pastel and surfaces; we will practice layering, blending and adding texture. Bring a larger than A3 folder, together with an apron or old shirt. Paul Holmes (Staffordshire www.highamhall.com/paul-holmes) Residential: £262 Non-residential: £192 (incl. box of pastels to keep)

Helen takes the rich autumn colours of the Lake District as a start for exploring a unique combination of ink and coloured pencil. Render fells, trees, water and sky with pen and artist-quality pencil, using rich, blended colour, mark-making and easy techniques like embossing and lifting out. Slow, small-scale art with scope for creativity and results to delight and surprise! Helen Hanson (Kent www.highamhall.com/Helen-Hanson) Residential: £407 Non-residential: £261

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 ESSENTIAL ART SKILLS is an on-going series to dip into as you wish.

Using colour harmonies and contrasts to create interesting work. The emotional qualities of colour, drama or tranquillity, vitality and the use of the unexpected. As well as using contrasts and ways to amplify your work. Any medium. Frances Winder (S. Cumbria www.highamhall.com/frances-winder) Residential: £340 Non-residential: £239