Mary Padgett

Pastels (and other portable media) en plein air

Mary Padgett is a passionate pastellist from Syracuse, New York, USA. She is noted for her use of colour and for her enthusiasm for painting on location. Mary will work in soft pastel, but is also skilled in oils and acrylics and is happy to help those who would like to paint in those mediums too. She says: “There is no better way to visit Italy than as a plein air artist! We’ll focus on observation with all our senses; looking, listening, and smelling the unique character of the Tuscan landscape to create drawings and paintings from the experience. Our time in Italy will be richer than that of most tourists who simply pass through.”

A comment by one of Mary’s students: “You were instructive, helpful and inspiring as a teacher. You went out of your way to help beginners as well as more advanced artists with technique and enjoyment of the process.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Keiko Tanabe

Watercolours

Keiko Tanabe was born in Kyoto, Japan but now lives in San Diego, California. Her paintings show stories of everyday life in different corners of the world. Keiko is a much sought-after instructor and has led many international workshops. She says: “Watercolour painting is a vehicle to communicate my artistic vision on the joy of living and the ingenuity of human creations.”

Some comments from previous guests: “Keiko was so warm and friendly, so enthusiastic and truly inspirational.” “A wonderful week at the Watermill—it was way and beyond any of my expectations! Caring and warm hosts added to the enjoyment and inspiration of having Keiko as our tutor -- and the gourmet food was not something I had expected, nor was the beauty of the rooms, villa and rose blooming gardens!! I am taking away many happy memories indeed”!

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Maggie Renner Hellman

‘Courageous Color Workshop’ in oils, acrylics, watercolours and pastels

Maggie Renner Hellmann, from California, USA, paints with love, passion and energy. Her work is characterized by a unique blend of loose, energetic brushwork and strong compositions of exuberant colour.

Her workshop will cover oils, acrylics, pastels and drawing, sketching mediums including wax pastels and watercolour. Maggie says: “In this plein air workshop, we will paint in various spectacular Tuscan locations. Our emphasis will be on learning and practicing the core elements of successful paintings.” A comment on Maggie’s last course here: “Excellent accommodation, first class cuisine, wonderful company and outstanding art tuition.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Ruth Korch

Art Journaling

As a visual artist, Ruth Korch, has two particular passions: watercolors and calligraphy. Art journaling allows her to marry these two loves. She says: “On this amazing art journaling adventure in Tuscany, we will fill our pages with vignettes of the gorgeous sites we visit; perhaps a still life of delicious food and wine; we may capture the dappled light and deep shadows on an ancient building; or the vibrant colors from The Watermill’s garden. We will conjure the sights, smells and sounds of the beauty around us - using both imagery and words.”

Ruth, from Santa Cruz, California, USA, has a fine arts degree and more than 30 years ‘experience as a professional artist and instructor. She is passionate about sharing her love for beauty and thrives in helping artists of all abilities develop new skills and confidence. The Watermill will be Ruth’s first painting holiday abroad, and she’s over-the-moon that it sold out in a matter of days with a growing waiting list.

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Randy Hale

Watercolours

Randy Hale is an exciting watercolour painter from Colorado in United States. As well as his workshops in the USA, he has taken painting groups all over the world. After a successful business career, he returned to his first love, watercolour painting.

But his true passion has proved to be in sharing his knowledge as a teacher and workshop instructor. Randy says: “My courses offer students a chance to enjoy the excitement of travel with fellow painters, discovering exotic locations and capturing expressive paintings that enrich their travel experience.”

Randy’s students are full of praise for his teaching. One said: “Randy knows his stuff and he knows how to teach! The best watercolor instructor I have ever had!” Another said: “He’s an excellent artist and instructor, offering clear and positive help.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Ted Dansey

Watercolours and drawing

Ted Dansey, from Melbourne in Australia, has been painting in watercolours for more than 30 years. He believes a painting should be honest and reflect our personality.

He says: “My course at the Watermill will look at the importance of the sketchbook and in planning your work. You will learn to break down complex subjects, simplifying and eliminating the unnecessary. You’ll learn to ‘see’ the image and paint the feeling, while keeping it simple.”

One of Ted’s previous students says: “Ted is a very good teacher, so encouraging, so skilful, so helpful and extraordinarily patient. And when he demonstrates it’s like watching magic!”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Vicki Norman

Oils and watercolours (and other mediums)

English painting tutor Vicki Norman specialises in painting on location. Her paintings seek to capture the essence of the day and the sense of place through the colour and play of the light. Vicki will teach primarily in oils and watercolours, but is happy to help with other mediums, too.

She has been teaching professionally for more than 15 years and offers plenty of help and individual attention. Here’s a comment from a guest on one of Vicki’s previous weeks here: “An excellent painting and holiday week. All the trips out to painting locations were well organised and Vicki was very good as a teacher and an inspiration due to her wonderful paintings.” And another student says: “Vicki’s enthusiasm is infectious! I learned a great deal about many aspects of painting, design, composition, colour values and a whole lot more besides.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Carl March

Drawing and watercolours en plein air

Carl March, an English painter and printmaker, has studied in Milan and lived in Dubai: a truly international artist! Drawing and design are his passions and he likes to experiment with various drawing mediums, combining them with traditional watercolour painting processes to create distinctively subtle works. His course at the Watermill will concentrate on drawing and watercolours en plein air. Carl says: “I enjoy working with different media and particularly enjoy sharing my knowledge with others.”

As one of his students says: “Carl has a gentle but effective way of teaching and we have learnt a lot from him. Most importantly, however, under his guidance the class becomes a very sociable and happy group. Quite simply, his classes are not only well planned and informative but also great fun.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Paul Talbot-Greaves

Watercolours

Paul Talbot-Greaves is a professional English painter who works primarily in watercolour. He says: “I seek out compositions employing patterns of light, shade and contrast and I aim to achieve vibrancy in the colours that I use.” As well as receiving many accolades for his work, Paul is also an inspiring and sympathetic tutor. He says: “I get an enormous amount of pleasure seeing people improve and enjoy their own work.”

As one of his students said: “You are immaculately prepared, but more than this you understand intuitively how people learn. All this added to the fact that you are an amazing artist makes you an inspirational teacher.” And here’s a comment from a guest on Paul’s recent course at the Watermill: “The combination of the place, the excellent art course with Paul Talbot-Greaves and the care from you and your staff made a really lovely experience.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Rebecca de Mendonça

Pastels

Pastellist Rebecca de Mendonça’s unique style is the result of a varied career in the arts. After gaining her degree in Theatre Design, she worked on projects ranging from Harrods Food Hall to the Phantom of the Opera and has been commissioned to paint dancers at English National Ballet and actors in West End shows.

Rebecca’s friendly and generous approach to teaching helps her students to relax and really achieve their potential. Subject matter varies: people, portraits, animals, landscapes, still life and architecture, but whatever the subject, Rebecca feels that pastels can capture its life, emotion and energy.

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Mike Willdridge

Watercolour and drawing (also gouache and acrylics)

Mike Willdridge works in a wide range of media and is an enthusiastic and energetic tutor, often encouraging his students to be bold and to take chances. His classes are always light-hearted and fun. Mike will concentrate on watercolours, but is also happy to help with gouache and acrylics too.

Mike is particularly keen on all forms of drawing as a way of recording and responding to everyday events. He constantly uses a sketchbook and will encourage you to do the same, gathering speedy impressions and building up a visual record of your time at the watermill and among the mountains, castles, walled towns and hilltop villages of this unspoiled region of Tuscany.

A comment on Mike’s tuition from a previous guest: “Mike Willdridge is a most inspiring tutor whose energy and enthusiasm encourages students to develop both their visual awareness and confidence. His patience and good humour create an enjoyable atmosphere in which students thrive.”

And the ambiance? One guest said: “A wonderful holiday. You were such generous and friendly hosts.” Another said: “The food was exceptional and the mill itself is great, in such a beautiful setting. A truly wonderful week.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Varvara Neiman

Water-based oils, acrylics and watercolour

Varvara Neiman, who now lives in Buckinghamshire, England, was born into an artistic family in St. Petersburg, Russia, where art and teaching were professions passed on from generation to generation. Her work combines classical discipline with a modern imagination. She is enthusiastic about painting en plein air and passionate about Cezanne's famous quote: "Painting from nature is not copying the object; it is realizing one's sensation.”

Varvara has been a popular and inspiring teacher for many years. She is skilled in oils, acrylics and watercolours and will teach in any of those mediums. (Water-based oils for easier transportation.)

As a guest on her previous course at the Watermill said: “I have achieved my dream of painting in Tuscany and it was everything I hoped for and much more. The locations have been stunning, the attention to detail in all aspects of the holiday have been incredible, including amazingly supportive and considerate staff, the beautiful setting of The Watermill, the attentive tutor and even the food has been ‘Art on a plate’!”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Milind Mulick

Colourful watercolours

Milind Mulick is a watercolour artist from Pune in India who was gained a remarkable reputation in his own country and, increasingly worldwide, for his atmospheric watercolours. He’s been painting in watercolours for more than 30 years, his artistic journey beginning in childhood following his father, also a painter. As well as being influenced by the great British watercolourists like Edward Wesson and Edward Siego, Milind has absorbed the styles of Indian artists too. He has won many awards and written a dozen books on watercolour painting.

Milind has been teaching for many years. He says: “Teaching gives me great pleasure: I love meeting new people and helping them realise their artistic potential.” A previous student says: “Milind pours his heart and soul into his paintings and believes in spreading his knowledge.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Cynthia Armstrong

Watercolours

Cynthia Armstrong has a degree in Science Illustration from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a Master’s in Education from Stanford University. She has been a freelance illustrator/artist for more than 25 years, and a teacher for the past 20 years. Cynthia has traveled and journaled extensively throughout her career, with a client list that includes the New York Botanical Gardens, U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service

Her course will offer insights into capturing the lovely Italian scenes we will be immersed in while on holiday. Through demonstrations, exercises, and gentle critiques students will develop confidence in a variety of watercolor/ gouache techniques as well as creating a travel journal. A comment from one of her students; “Cynthia teaches us to open our eyes to the beauty around us.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Tim Wilmot

Watercolours

Tim Wilmot is an artist from Bristol in the UK, specialising in watercolours, exploiting the medium with tone and light. He says: “I prefer a loose or impressionistic style when I paint my watercolour landscapes, and I hope you like their informality.”

As well as an exciting artist, Tim is also an inspiring teacher and on his course, suitable for all levels, he’ll help you to improve your drawing skills, loosen up your style, learn how to incorporate figures in a landscape as well as nurturing you own artistic ambitions. As one student of Tim’s says: “I can’t help being inspired by the careful and wonderfully measured strokes of a genius"

And here’s a comment from a student on Tim’s course here last year: “Thank you for making my visit to Italy so enjoyable. Everything was perfect, your welcome, the luxurious accommodation, and the food, which was always delicious. Tim’s tuition was first class and it was lovely to be able to sit and paint all day.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Grahame Booth

Watercolours

Grahame Booth paints only in watercolour and his success is reflected in the numerous awards he has won over many years. Also, his YouTube channel now has more than 30,000 subscribers. Grahame only started to paint in his early 30s, some 30 years ago, and, because he clearly remembers the problems and frustrations of learning to master watercolours, he is a particularly sympathetic tutor.

Grahame believes that plein air painting is the key to success in this beautiful medium and he will show how to use a logical approach to translate the landscape into watercolours full of light, excitement and impact. One previous student said: “Grahame can both paint and teach. He can manage a group of all levels and everyone learns and improves. Most importantly it’s always fun.” Another said: “Grahame is inspirational. No matter what skill level you have he can give you the confidence and encouragement to put paint to paper in a way which makes learning and improving a very enjoyable experience.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Norah Gaughan

Knitting and La Bella Vita

Norah Gaughan is an independent knitting designer working out of her studio in historic Harrisville, New Hampshire, USA. She has spent her life immersed in knitting, including stints as design director at JCA and Berroco. She says: “I'm inspired by nature and science, while at the same time keeping an eye what's happening in the fashion world. My teaching style is rather relaxed. After I’ve explained the basics, students dig in and start knitting. I'll give pertinent information as we go along, and questions will spur on more advice. My goal is to have the class be fun and interesting.” Norah will bring two special projects for her week, based on her new book, Twisted Stitch Sourcebook, which will be out in 2021.

And as ever, your knitting week at the Watermill will combine expert tuition, like-minded company, wonderful food and the delightful ambience of the Watermill, it's gardens and riverside walks, and outings into the surrounding unspoiled Tuscan countryside of Lunigiana. As one guest said: “The Watermill is an idyllic setting for a knitting course - beautifully situated on the river, you are lulled to sleep in your comfortable room by the sound of the millstream. Your every need is catered for: good food and drink, and visits to local places of interest, including a convent, village market and a mountain-top restaurant.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Louisa Harding

Knitting and La Bella Vita

Louisa Harding is a celebrated knitter, designer and yarn producer. She worked for many years as an ‘in-house’ designer for Rowan Yarns. Louisa has recently established a new brand, called Yarntelier, combining the finest yarns from the English county of Yorkshire with beautiful designs, to make each item a piece of hand-crafted couture. Among the projects for her week here is a cashmere shawl where you can draw on designs in the Tuscan countryside and incorporate them in your knitting.

And as ever, your knitting week at the Watermill will combine expert tuition, like-minded company, wonderful food and the delightful ambience of the Watermill, it's gardens and riverside walks, and outings into the surrounding unspoiled Tuscan countryside of Lunigiana. As one guest said: “The Watermill is an idyllic setting for a knitting course - beautifully situated on the river, you are lulled to sleep in your comfortable room by the sound of the millstream. Bill and Lois are perfect hosts and your every need is catered for: good food and drink, and visits to local places of interest, including a convent, village market and a mountain-top restaurant.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Debbie Abrahams

Knitting and la bella vita

Debbie Abrahams has been designing and teaching handknitted textiles for more than 20 years and is a specialist in the field of colour work and beading. Throughout her entire career she has worked alongside renowned handknit company Rowan Yarns, both as a Designer and a Design Consultant for the brand. She has tutored workshops across the UK, Europe and USA.

Debbie is best known for her Mystery Blanket and Cushion Clubs which have been become a global success with more than 1,000 knitters from all over the world signed up to her annual projects. "Blanket squares are the perfect vehicle for my designing, giving me the freedom to explore colour, texture and embellishment within a set number of stitches and rows for each block – it’s just pure adventure!"

A comment from a guest on Debbie’s previous course here: “The Watermill is an idyllic setting for a knitting course - beautifully situated on the river, you are lulled to sleep in your comfortable room by the sound of the millstream. Your every need is catered for. During the week you are plied with an abundance of good food, and drink, and there are visits most days to local places of interest. This is a beautiful area of Italy and much recommended”.

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Rachel Wright

Embroidery at Posara

Rachel Wright is an embroiderer and blogger based in the North-west of England. A degree in French and Linguistics, and an MSc in Textile Design Technology and Design Management led her into other waters, but eventually true North pulled, and she enjoys writing about the hows and whys of stitch and thread choice, and the highs and lows of a semi-unplanned style of pictorial embroidery.

Her Grandmama first taught her embroidery when she was a child, but Rachel often wonders what Grandmama would make of the goldwork, raised work, and experimental adventures with textured threads that have marked her more recent work. As Rachel says: "It surprises me, sometimes, and I'm the one who's done it!"

Now, Rachel is enjoying devising a series of embroidered "Postcards from Posara" that will provide opportunities to experiment with stitch and thread textures. They are structured around some of the excursions of a painting course she joined at The Watermill, and they are providing a wonderful opportunity to revisit her memories of those adventures.

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Francesca La Sala

Italian Language

This exciting language course is suitable for all levels of ability, because of the special approach our tutor Francesca la Sala has developed based on the philosophy and method of Professor Bertrand Schwartz of Paris University, the educationalist who overturned the concept of teaching to adults, proposing an approach that develops not only theoretical knowledge but practical know-how as well. Francesca La Sala has run a number of successful language courses here and loves meeting people of all ages and cultures. She is also a nature lover and a cognoscente of Lunigiana, the land of her ancestors surrounding the Watermill.

Some comments from previous guests: “I can honestly say it was the nicest week I have had for a long time. Although I was the least proficient in the group, Francesca was charming and very patient.”

“I have come back feeling quite rested and relaxed. Francesca was great fun and has inspired me to further my interest in the Italian language. It is a beautiful place and I really enjoyed the wonderful food. The trips for me were particularly enjoyable. Perhaps a little more time for shopping next time!”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices

Jo Parfitt

Write the stories of your life

Jo, a highly experienced writer and teacher, will give you the tools to write the stories of your life in a vivid and engaging way. She'll explain how to find your writer’s ‘voice’, about writing in themes; developing your characters so your readers can 'meet' them, too; and how to let your writing flow, particularly when looking back and writing about things that may have happened a long time ago. Among other things, you'll discover the secret of SPICE, the seven steps to writing life stories and put this into practice right away. There'll also be lots of time for writing exercises and feedback.

A comment from a guest on Jo’s previous course here: “It was just wonderful. The setting magnificent, food sublime, and our hosts charming. The attention to detail and beauty are a sure recipe for a wonderful stay. This week has been an absolute delight. Your hospitality has known no bounds, and Jo has been an inspirational teacher. I am heading home with a head full of writerly plans.”

*Book before the end of the year to come on this 2022 course at 2021 prices