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 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 prices.

Maggie Renner Hellmann

‘Colourful & Expressive Oil & watercolour’ (also Travel sketching, acrylics, and pastel)

Maggie Renner Hellmann, from Santa Cruz, California, paints and teaches with joy, passion and enthusiasm. She has more than 30 years’ experience as a professional painter and plein air instructor in many mediums. Maggie loves painting in a quick, expressive, and colourful style, capturing the essence with loose brushwork and exciting drama. In her workshop, she will encourage the budding artists with easy-tofollow steps for improving their confidence and skills, while challenging the more experienced painter to be bolder and explore more choices. Maggie will concentrate on teaching fundamentals in design, simplification, light, value, shape and the ‘joys of color’. She will give her demonstrations in oil and watercolor but is skilled with acrylic and pastel mediums as well and always happy to help in those areas too. This will be fifth of Maggie's watermill workshops.

Maggie’s students love her teaching style. A previous student shared: “Participating in a workshop with Maggie is a delight! She is one of the rare artists who likes sharing her knowledge nearly as much as she likes to paint. Her demos are a delightful opportunity to be a fly on the wall as she goes through the various steps in the process while simultaneously explaining each step. It was great to see the improvement in each artist's paintings though out the week."

*Book before 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 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. (He was taught by James Green, an early proponent of the California School of Watercolor.) But his true passion proved to be to be in sharing his knowledge: enjoying the excitement of travel with fellow painters, helping them to create expressive paintings to enrich their experience. One of his students said: “He knows his stuff and he knows how to teach! Best watercolor instructor I have ever had!”

*Book before 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 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 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 prices.

Michael Solovyev

‘Atmospheric Landscape in Watercolour: Studio/Plein Air’

Born in Russia in 1972, Michael Solovyev has chosen Montréal, Canada as his home since 2011 Michael is often called a “sunny watercolourist” – his airy, transparent artworks look as though they emit the sunlight. His traditional academic art education, extensive experience as a head theatre stage designer, and oil painter career now inform his priority as a watercolor artist – light.

Michael will show you how to paint luminous landscapes and add emotions to artwork. During the course, we will combine exercises and training in the studio with work in plein air to consolidate your skills. Michael will share personal secrets and techniques that allow you to create an impressive emotional watercolor in a few simple steps.

It is the individual approach to each student, as well as the generosity with which he shares all the tricks and professional secrets, that made his workshops so popular all over the planet. You can expect plenty of individual attention and helpful demonstrations all the time

*Book before 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 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 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 prices.

Yong Chen

Watercolours

Yong Chen is a painting professor from Boston, Massachusetts, and an accomplished painter, author, and illustrator. He graduated from the University of Hartford in the US with a Master of Fine Arts in Illustration and has 40 years of watercolor teaching experience. Yong also excels in Chinese traditional painting, acrylic, gouache, oil and digital art.

In addition to using a limited colour palette in his classes, Yong teaches his students a step-by-step and systematic approach to art while also bringing out creativity and making the process more simple and relaxing.

Praise from one of his students: “Yong is not only an amazing artist, but also a caring, devoted, excellent instructor and a kind person with a wonderful sense of humour. Yong provides a safe, happy, supportive environment where you can laugh and learn.”

*Book before 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 prices.

Sue Ford

Watercolours, pastels, collage and mixed media plus acrylic

Sue Ford was born in York in England and has experimented with almost every conceivable media in her career. She says: “I just love creating pictures in any medium – and I love passing on what I’ve learned to other people and to help them release their creativity.”

She adds: “Each student will be guided carefully throughout the day, from initial demonstration to ‘getting started’, followed by patient, professional tuition. I want to help my students to create paintings which will give them the confidence in their abilities and help them to develop their own artistic vision.”

One of our guests on Sue’s previous painting course at the mill said: “I had a wonderful time. Everything was superb – the accommodation, the trips out and the food! Utterly wonderful. It was an experience that I will treasure. Sue Ford is an exceptional tutor with a lovely manner and treats all with respect and kindness.”

*Book before 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 prices.

Fiona Graham Mackay

Painting en plein air (oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel)

Fiona is a highly sought-after tutor, teaching in Italy and France, and running courses at her studio in East Sussex. We are delighted to welcome her to the Watermill, painting en plein air in the glorious unspoiled scenery of rural Tuscany. Fiona teaches in oil, acrylic, watercolour and pastel. She says: “All mediums have their unique quality and I enjoy the flexibility of using a diversity of mediums.”

A comment from one of Fiona's students: The painting course was an excellent time, not only for me, but for all the participants.There was all the time a tremendous feeling trom the moment I came and met you in this wonderful peaceful place. Thank you very much for making my dream come true.

*Book before 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 prices.

Pamme Turner

Watercolours and gouache

Pamme Turner is a professional artist and college professor with multiple degrees in the Fine Arts. She has taught art classes and art workshops all over the world and has more than 30 years of teaching experience. She says: “I am fascinated by the creative art-making process and encourage my students to experience that same joy in all of their works.”

In this week-long workshop you’ll learn to paint with both transparent and/or opaque mediums “en plein air”, with an emphasis on beautiful watercolor techniques. As well as painting in the glorious Tuscan countryside you will also be working in the light and airy Watermill studio. The course is designed for painters of all levels. A previous student says: “An incredible workshop; more educational than a whole college semester! And so much more fun!”

*Book before 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 prices.

Mike Willdridge

Watercolour and drawing (also gouache and acrylics)

Mike Willdridge works and 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, with the ‘teaching’ tailored to individual needs. He will concentrate on watercolours, but is also happy to help with gouache and acrylics too.

Mike constantly uses a sketchbook and will encourage you to do the same. A comment from a previous guest: “A wonderful holiday... you were generous and friendly hosts and Mike was an excellent painting tutor.”

*Book before 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 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 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 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 particularly likes painting landscapes in a loose or impressionistic style. Tim is also an inspiring teacher. He has been a tutor at the Watermill for several years and his weeks are always inspiring and fun. Tim’s course is suitable for all levels, and 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. One of last year’s guests said: “Unrivalled hospitality and total good fun. I love Tim Wilmot’s style.”

*Book before 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 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. His YouTube channel now has nearly 40,000 subscribers. Grahame only started to paint some 35 years ago, and, because he clearly remembers the problems of learning to master watercolours, he is a particularly sympathetic tutor, Painting en plein air, he will show you how to translate the landscape into watercolours full of light, excitement and impact. One previous student said: “Grahame can teach people of all levels, and everyone learns and improves. Most importantly it’s always fun.”

*Book before 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 prices.

Susan Crawford

Knitting and La Bella Vita

Susan Crawford is a knitwear designer, author, fashion historian and entrepreneur – running her own business, creating and manufacturing yarn and publishing her wellknown book titles including A Stitch in Time Volumes 1 and 2, Evolution and The Vintage Shetland Project, and which are cherished by knitters worldwide. Susan's love of textiles, vintage fashions and wool come together in her knitting pattern designs, her books and her yarns, which are spun locally to Susan from British breed sheep. Susan is particularly well-known for her Fair Isle designs and her love of colour. She has combined these twin passions for the special project for you to knit during her your week here: a beautiful colour-work cowl, inspired by the Tuscan countryside surrounding the Watermill.

*Book before 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 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 latest book, Knit Fold Pleat Repeat.

And as ever, your knitting week at the Watermill will combine expert tuition, likeminded 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 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 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 her own yarn brand Yarnelle, which specialises in Yorkshire spun Cashmere as well as designing and selecting yarns for her eponymous yarn line, Louisa Harding Yarns. Among the projects for her week here is a beaded lace edge cowl where you can draw on colours, textures and designs in the Tuscan countryside and incorporate them in your knitting.

And as ever, your knitting week at the Watermill will combine expert tuition, likeminded 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 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 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 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 prices.

Sylvia Watts-Cherry

Knitting and La Bella Vita

Sylvia is a British designer who loves bold patterns and striking colours. She learned to knit at an early age and is a prolific knitter. Her identity is important to her, and she likes to draw influence from her African heritage and Scottish upbringing in her designs.

As well as self-publishing patterns, Sylvia has patterns published in Vogue Knitting Magazine, Laine Magazine, Pompom Quarterly, By Hand Serial, Taproot, Knit Now and other publications. Before diving into the world of knitwear design Sylvia and her husband ran a company offering maths and science tuition, a useful background for her new foray in pattern writing and grading! She loves working wit, and teaching, cables and colourful intarsia colourwork. Sylvia lives and works in Hertfordshire in the UK with her husband and enjoys walking, family life and socialising.

For her week at the Watermill, Sylvia has created a project to explore some of the different techniques and stitches in intarsia. You will also spend time getting creative and using inspirations from the Watermill and surroundings to create your own unique project.

*Book before 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 prices.

Giulia Ballestri

Learn Italian from the Italians

Learn Italian immersed in one of the most beautiful and interesting regions of Italy, nestling between the Apuan Alps (where Michelangelo found his precious marble) and the majestic Apennines, the mountainous backbone of Italy. Enjoy your stay at a beautiful ancient watermill, lovingly restored, with views over the river, the gardens and the mountains. Savour a journey through history, nature and rural traditions in unspoilt Lunigiana and visit the stunning seaside villages of the Cinque Terre.

Giulia Ballestri, who was born, and now lives, in Pisa, is passionate about Tuscany and about the Italian language. She says: “We favour a communicative approach, which allows people to learn in a comfortable and stimulating environment, despite the different linguistic backgrounds of the students and sometimes also their different starting levels.”

*Book before 1 September 2022 to come on this 2023 course at 2022 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.

*Book before 1 September 2023 to come on this 2024 course at 2023 prices.