Painting in a Cornish Garden

Learn how to paint Cornwall’s gardens with artist Victoria Gillow

Trebah is a large mature garden, which offers lots of opportunities to play with composition ideas. So whether you are interested in painting detailed flowers and foliage, or enjoy larger scapes, such as looking over the garden to the Helford river, it offers many perspectives. If the weather is inclement, there is an option to work from a beautiful covered area that offers shelter but is still outside – so you can experience the feelings of the weather and light. There are also amazing views from Trebah House that you will be working in and using as a base.

Workshop itinerary

Throughout the day Victoria will show you how an artist works, breaking this down into easy steps:

1) After a brief introduction at Trebah House, you will spend a good part of the morning working in the garden.

To begin, Victoria will demonstrate how an artist works – to walk and take in the space, the feel of the gardens and how you respond to it.

You will use sketchbooks preliminary drawings and small painted studies in the form of thumbnail sketches to get an idea of what compositions to expand into a larger paintings in the afternoon. Using your sketchbook also gives us scope to try out marks making, composition, rapid drawing and mapping ideas. You will also have the opportunity to work with 3 colours to sketch in paint to help inform a larger painting or paintings.

Lunch ( a short lunch) – with reflective time

2) The second part of the day will allow time for a more sustained study in paint.

Victoria will again work through demonstration and offer technical help on how to work with acrylic paint:

• Guidance on how to set up and use a palette and some handy tips on how to keep the acrylic paint from drying out.
• How to mix colours.
• How to map out your composition (chosen subject) with paint.
• Under painting and glazing.
• Building colour and wet into wet techniques
• How to balance colour
• How to develop a truly immersive art practice where process becomes intuitive

The results should be as fresh and vibrant as the garden and Helford Passage, and capture the light and colour of the day. You will have your sketch book and small canvas to take away.

Further information

Refreshments will be provided at intervals in the day, but please supply your own packed lunch, or purchase food at Trebah Kitchen, which can be eaten in the workspace at Trebah House.

All basic materials will be provided: one small sketchbook, a small art canvas board, graphite sticks and basic acrylic colour. Please supply your own portable easel, if desired. You will be using sketch books in the garden so an easel is not essential.

Please wear suitable clothing, footwear and bring a small cushion to sit on as there will be some time spent outside (rain or shine!).

This workshop will involve walking through the garden on paths with steps and a steep gradient. If you have any accessibility needs, please call us on 01326252205 to discuss if this workshop is suitable.

Run by: Artist and teacher, Victoria Gillow

For examples of my work look and follow me on @victoriagillowart