Our Watermill tutors are nothing if not generous in sharing their knowledge and skill with our painting guests – and none more so Mike Willdridge, who urges you to take a sketchbook with you everywhere, to record those fleeting moments which will bring back memories forever.
Mike says: “Without a doubt, my greatest pleasure in being an artist is drawing. It was my first love as a child and despite many years to working in other media, remains to this day, my favourite activity.
“I particularly enjoy observing and drawing people. My drawings are nearly all made very quickly. For me, it’s about catching ‘a moment’. Mostly I draw directly (usually into a sketchbook) but sometimes I’ll use a camera. In any case, I nearly always complete my drawings whilst I’m observing an activity – balancing sketchbook, pen/pencil, paints and camera.”
Mike made these three drawings at a campsite near Carrara, where Mike stayed last year before joining us at the Watermill. He says: “ The ladies were peeling borlotti beans. At first, they didn’t notice me, then they explained what they were doing and allowed me to continue drawing. They were, of course, delighted with the drawings and all photographed them before I departed.”
Why not come and capture the moment yourself with Mike on a week-long painting holiday at the Watermill, whether it’s people or places: we visit castles, convents, market towns and mountain villages in the glorious scenery of Lunigiana, Tuscany’s secret unspoiled region.
Mike’s week this year is completely full up, but we are now taking bookings for 2024. And now is the time to book for inspiring teaching, warm hospitality, delicious food and wine, stunning locations and the convivial company of like-minded people. We look forward to welcoming you here and we’ll make sure Borlotti beans are on the menu, too.
Mike Willdridge
7 – 14 September 2024
Watercolour and drawing (also gouache and acrylics)
To learn more, please visit our 2024 Courses review page
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