This relaxed, evocative en plein air workshop is part of the re-envisioned festivities brought to you by Holt Art Projects and coincides with the Art Awards. It is intended to give you and opportunity to look closely at the wildflowers in the churchyard or the avenue of trees lining the walkway to the front of the church and respond to the landscape through expressive, painterly sketching. We will look at Matthew Rice sketches, Susan Isaacs haunting paintings and other points of departure for inspiration. As always, Mary likes to start with gentle warm-up exercises, time to paint and a wrap up with an opportunity to share and reflect as a group. Participants are encouraged to bring materials they already own, but we will also have a variety of materials on hand for you to try.

Led by artist Mary Blue, the sessions focus on quick sketches and mixed-media painted drawings. Working in your own sketchbook or we will have paper on hand, you can explore gouache, ink or charcoal, and acrylic using simple mark-making techniques to capture light, atmosphere and feeling.

No prior drawing or painting experience is needed. This workshops is as much for complete beginner as it is for those wanting to loosen up their practice. Just come have fun and enjoy the day whilst creating colourful sketches in the churchyard.

Mary creates a warm, non-judgemental space where curiosity is encouraged, perfection is left behind, and participants are supported to surprise themselves. Much of the learning is about letting go of fear and simply beginning – hand, eye and heart working together. Sketching outdoors allows you to experience the landscape in a deeper way. In the churchyard we will gather in a contemplative way and allow the fellowship and history to imbue our work.