Calendar of Courses
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2 events,
SKETCHING AND PAINTING THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Explore the varied and wonderful landscapes of the northern Lake District from stream and riverbank to lakeside fell by way of woodland through plein-air sketching and studio painting. Lionel will help you develop more powerful ways to express your feelings about the outdoor world, seen from afar or close-up, using traditional drawing and painting media
BEGINNERS AND IMPROVERS UKULELE
The course will cater for beginners (starting from scratch, learning together with fun and accessible rock and pop songs) and anyone who has already got to grips with the basic chords and would like to improve and develop their skills with new chords, alternative fingerings and tablature. Richard Sabey & Jennifer Pugh Residential: £400 Non-residential:
3 events,
LIFE DRAWING
This course offers an opportunity for learners of all abilities to develop drawing direct from a life model. Life drawing is a traditional skill that increases accuracy within observational drawing and feeds into all areas of art practice. You will explore drawing techniques that develop both mark-making and measuring skills. You will be encouraged to
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: EXPRESSIVE SEMI-ABSTRACT SEASCAPES IN MIXED MEDIA
This short mixed media seascape course offers an opportunity to explore lots of creative and expressive art techniques in a really exciting way with seascapes! Robert will teach you how to engage with your subject in greater depth, incorporating meaning and feeling with a semi-abstract approach. You will work both in the studio and (weather
3 events,
MUSICAL DEDICATIONS
This course will take a different slant, unveiling a series of classical works inspired by, and dedicated to, a particular person. This may be another composer, a great performer (pianist, violinist, singer, conductor) or a romantic connection. A wide historical range will be covered, from the 16th to 20th centuries, and a wealth of beautiful
3 events,
FULLY BOOKED: LAKELAND BIRDS
Magnificent scree-covered slopes, tranquil lakes, hanging oak woodlands and dramatic sea cliffs are just a few of Cumbria's habitats which we will be exploring throughout this five-day course. We will take short local trips to sample the best of Cumbria's summer birdlife, including Wheatears, Ring Ouzels, Redstarts, Dippers, Pied Flycatchers Wood Warblers and Ospreys to
3 events,
CHINE COLLÉ PRINTMAKING
Chine collée is a collage technique that adds extra layers to your prints. It is a great method for introducing areas of specific colour, text or photographic images into your prints. Chine collée can be incorporated into many different types of relief and intaglio printmaking, so whether you are doing drypoint, collagraph, lino or woodcut
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION – HERBS AND SPICES USING COLOURED PENCILS
Herbs are the forgotten ‘poor relations’ of the botanical painting world. They may not be as ‘showy’ as the more flamboyant flowers, but they are nevertheless beautiful – and very interesting. On this course we take the opportunity to study a few herbs in detail and record them in coloured pencils and graphite. We will
5 events,
SUMMER LANDSCAPES IN MIXED MEDIA – AN EXPLORATORY APPROACH
This course will introduce a variety of creative ways to approach landscape in the summer months. We will examine different aspects of the summer landscape through observation, memory, and process. The course will cover expressive techniques and ways of working that will lead you to find that initial idea and explore it using colour theory,
IDENTIFYING FERNS
This is a course for anyone who would enjoy gently walking through woodlands looking for and observing this generally little know family of plants. You will learn to recognise where ferns grow and how different environments play host to different fern species. Course members will become familiar with the variations that exist in the shapes
5 events,
ILLUSTRATING SHELLS, FOSSILS AND INSECTS USING COLOURED PENCIL
After this three-day course, you may think again about some of the smaller things that often escape our notice in the natural world. Shells offer up the most amazing colours and patterns and fossils allow us to see millions of years in a fragment whilst insects have the most intricate shapes and iridescent colours that
5 events,
FULLY BOOKED: A DECADE OF HIT OPERAS
The 1870s began with Verdi’s spectacular Aida, the epitome of Grand Opera. Bizet moved in a different direction with the low-life realism of Carmen in 1875. Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin (1878) brings Pushkin’s tale to life in a series of lyric scenes, one of which is Tatyana’s moving letter scene. Ian France Residential: £350 Non-residential: £245
ENAMEL BOWLS LARGE AND SMALL
This course will focus on making fired enamel copper bowls of different sizes. While there will be a range of sizes available to work with, those who have not made an enamel bowl before will be encouraged to start with a small bowl. Those with some experience of making small enamel bowls will have the
4 events,
SUMMER LANDSCAPE IN DRY COLOUR: COLOURED PENCILS AND OIL PASTELS
A chance to work in both these rewarding media – neither apt to run out of control. Coloured pencil is a delight! The process of building colour can be exciting and contemplative according to the technique used. Oil pastel produces an effect of oil painting without the problem of drying. It’s rich colouring is vibrant.
4 events,
ACOUSTIC GUITAR – BASICS AND BEYOND
This course will aim to help each student improve their playing. We will cover aspects such as warm ups and technique, learning the notes on the neck, expanding your chord knowledge, developing your strumming and rhythm, fingerpicking and how to learn a song or solo tune. We will also look at music theory to help
4 events,
RUSKIN LACE
Ruskin Lace is a distinctive form of lace which originated as a cottage industry in the Lake District in the 1880s. You will be working on linen fabric using a combination of drawn thread and cut linen work, with the geometric designs being created using needlelace techniques specific to this type of lace. The course
4 events,
MIDSUMMER YOGA AND WALKING
A perfect mix of hatha yoga sessions (working on postures, breathing exercises and relaxation) and guided hill walks of up to 5 miles, sometimes over rough and steep ground (requiring a reasonable level of fitness) among the peaceful northern fells - which will leave you feeling supple, relaxed and refreshed! Suitable for beginners and experienced.
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: UPHOLSTERY
You will learn to strip a small item of furniture (e.g. a chair, stool, ottoman or headboard), tackle interior paddings and rebuild it using traditional or modern upholstery techniques as appropriate. You bring the item of furniture you want to restore and the fabric you would like to use; all the fillings, specialist tools, technical
FINDING MY VOICE: HOW I RELATE TO OTHERS
FINDING MY VOICE: HOW I RELATE TO OTHERS
This session offers an introduction to understanding how individuals behave in relationships. Using Transactional Analysis concepts, we will explore how learned behaviours become repeated and how we can begin to break the cycle of negative and adverse relationships. Lina Mookerjee £95 incl. lunch and refreshments
3 events,
GLORIOUS GOUACHE
The course explores how flexible and useful gouache can be as a painting medium. Gouache can be delicate and watercolour like or used to make highly detailed images. It can appear flat, precise and poster-like or bold, splashy and expressive. You can also paint on coloured papers as well as the usual white watercolour paper.
3 events,
ARTISTS’ GARDENS
Join our horticultural expert Louise and resident art historian Lizzie on this special course looking at artists’ gardens. Over 2 full days we will visit a diverse selection of gardens in Cumbria and the Scottish Borders, from John Ruskin’s garden at Brantwood and the garden at Lawson Park created by artist and filmmaker Karen Guthrie
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: TORCH-FIRED ENAMEL BEADS
Make your own enamel beads then create beautiful jewellery from them under the expert guidance of Sharon Ford, leading enameller and restorer in enamels and gilding. Enamelling involves the fusion of jeweller's quality vitreous enamel with copper and silver through firing. When heat is applied, the enamels soften and flow, and the varying presence of
PAINTING THE SUMMER GARDEN
A joyous course using your own choice of media - with the inspiration of Paintings of gardens from many eras, we will work in the studio from a wide selection of reference material and your own garden images. We will also work in the beautiful garden at Higham Hall – weather permitting! The course will
5 events,
THE PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY: PHILOSOPHY, SCIENCE AND THE ABSURD
Is there an answer to the question of life, the Universe and everything? If the answer is 42, then what is the question? In this course, we will look seriously at what it means to question everything. From scientific attempts to provide a “theory of everything” to comedic responses to the inexplicability of “it all”.
SCULPTURAL NEEDLEFELT
Create a characterful sculpture c.12-18 inches in size using wool fibres based on a wire armature. There will be plenty of sources of inspiration and support to try one of a range of stylistic approaches, from art deco abstraction to stone carving and caricature. Sympathetic, patient and knowledgeable guidance from an outstanding felt artist (http://www.furzie.co.uk).
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: SUMMER STRING ORCHESTRA
Join us at Higham to experience the glories of the string orchestra repertoire. We will study Mozart’s Adagio and Fugue, Heinrich Biber’s Battalia, John Ireland’s Concertino Pastorale and Samuel Barber’s ever popular Adagio for Strings. You should have some orchestral experience for this course. Please state your instrument when applying and whether you prefer 1st
4 events,
FULLY BOOKED: WATERCOLOURS WITH CONFIDENCE
Paint in a variety of settings utilising the studio and Higham’s grounds. Enjoy demos, paint-alongs and working en plein-air. You can bring your own reference materials, work from life or follow tutor-led demonstrations. Come along to develop skills and improve your confidence. For all levels. Jane Beech Residential: £585 Non-residential: £380
SUMMER QUILTER’S RETREAT
Bring your own project to work on or choose from a selection of projects available to try…perhaps a lap quilt or appliqué which could make a cushion or bag panel. Relax with new friends and old as you sew your day away. Lis Binns Residential: £585 Non-residential: £380
3 events,
SOUNDS EASY
Easy listening music for voices in 2 or 3 parts depending on ability, but particularly aimed at those who want to sing in harmony at an easy level. We will sing a variety of music drawn from the Great American Songbook, pop classics, ballads etc. The emphasis is on a relaxing but fun course. Chris
5 events,
SEWING ACCESSORIES
Every quilter needs their accessories. Choose from making a board bag, pincushion and thread/scrap keeper, a needle park, a block keeper, a clip cushion, a machine mat, a sewing machine cover, and an ironing pad. Students can also bring their own project if preferred. Lis Binns Residential: £485 Non-residential: £330
FOLK SINGING
A gentle introduction to singing folk music in three- and four-part harmony! Can’t read music? No problem - folk is an oral tradition, and we teach everything by ear. Learn how to warm up your voice, then sing in rounds and in parts, as you become acquainted with a wonderful folk repertoire with two tutors
2 events,
2 events,
2 events,
JANE AUSTEN – A CELEBRATION OF ONE OF OUR GREATEST NOVELISTS
This year is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, perhaps the best and certainly the most loved of English novelists. From her Hampshire cottage she wrote six novels of family and social life in her time, with such fidelity and human understanding that her work seems to touch upon profound truths of
3 events,
WEDDING FLOWERS: SUSTAINABLE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
Gain the knowledge, experience and confidence to create your own unique beautiful wedding florals using local and British seasonal flowers. This course will touch on growing, sourcing and sustainability and help with tips and techniques for creating mood boards, cutting and designing, planning and practicalities. Sarah is an eco-friendly freelance wedding and events studio florist
STOICISM RETREAT: IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY
In this retreat you will explore the origins and principles of Stoic philosophy through engaging sessions on resilience, the dichotomy of control, and the role of virtue in adversity. Participate in guided meditations, group discussions, and practical journaling exercises to deepen your understanding. Discover modern applications of Stoicism and build supportive networks. Conclude with personal
2 events,
TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO BOREDOM
TALK & TEA: A PHILOSOPHER’S GUIDE TO BOREDOM
In this talk we will explore insights from Bertrand Russell and Fernando Pessoa. Russell views boredom as a barrier to happiness, urging us to seek meaningful pursuits, while Pessoa invites us to embrace boredom as a space for introspection and creativity, leading to self-discovery. Throughout the session, we’ll encourage participants to rethink their experiences with
1 event,
FULLY BOOKED: WIND SERENADES SUMMER SCHOOL
Wind Chamber course for high-advanced amateur players (diploma-standard level 1 minimum) to work in-depth on substantial original repertoire with the highest level of tuition. All works studied will be performed complete in informal concerts on the last day. The course includes a mid-week Tutors' concert. Laurence Perkins with Philippa Davies, Colin Honour and Jan Willem