2026 Summer Classes Available
Click here to load my 2026 brochure Charles Hickson 2026 Summer Schools
Learn a skill that will bring you years of pleasure or improve on the skills that you already have, in lovely surroundings and with like-minded people.
Landscape painting summer schools for all levels, from novice to experienced artists. If you wish to book on one of these courses please either call me or complete the contact form here. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
| Gawsworth Hall | Tues 7 to Thurs 9 July – 3 days | £145 |
|---|---|---|
| Arley Hall | Mon 13 to Thurs 16 July – 24days | £195 |
| Styal Village | Mon 27 to Thurs 30 July – 4 days | £195 |
| Capesthorne Hall | Tues 4 to Friday 7 August – 4 days | £195 |
| Arley Hall | Tues 1 to Fri 4 September- 4 days | £195 |
Please note that subject to demand there may be opportunities to attend for part of a Summer School – please discuss with the artist.
The venues will provide rooms for studio work in the event of poor weather.
The day follows a theme with references to other painters and to the artist’s own work in order to stimulate activity. Sessions begin with a demonstration by the artist covering composition, starting the painting, brush techniques and colour mixing.
Subjects include: buildings and structures; with guidance on viewpoint and perspective. trees and plants; to include colour mixing. skies and all the basic elements of a landscape composition. A variety of media will be covered, from pencil. charcoal, ink and wash through to watercolour, acrylic and mixed media.
Specific sessions during the week covering:
Tree studies in pencil, charcoal and pastel.
Trees in context with surroundings in watercolour.
Buildings or building detail – basic perspective and mark making.
Selective composition placing a building into its environment.
Plants in detail – study sheet of varieties & species.
Identifying a plant’s unique character – watercolour / oil / ink and wash.
Pen and ink study of landscape.
Pastel drawing of an alternative panoramic landscape.
Putting it all together.
Painting in watercolour showing detail versus a contrasting looser background of brush strokes.
Completing the painting followed by group critique of the weeks work.
All the following items are optional. It may be advisable to bring them in the car just in case you need them.
Watercolours (acrylics optional)
A selection of brushes
HB, 3B, 4B, 6B pencils
Drawing board / hardboard / card
Masking tape
A3 or A4 sketchbook (optional)
Watercolour pad – 300gsm Bockingford
Drawing paper
Folding stool / chair
Easel – handy but not essential
Some of the above can be borrowed – please check with the artist
Clothing
Bring a showerproof jacket, jumper and sun hat
Food and drink *
Bottle of water / fruit juice (easy to dehydrate)
Flask of tea / coffee Packed lunch – some venues provide food
* Please be aware that some of the venues may not have refreshments available.
Bookings will require a deposit of £35, cheques should be made to: C.Hickson and sent to:
Art Summer Schools,
19, Lincoln Grove,
Sale ,
M33 2JG.
Please include your name, contact details, the chosen venue / date and any special requirements.
I learned so much during the week that I am now confident to paint landscapes on my own.
Charles is an excellent tutor and really takes the time to show you how to achieve great results.
Joan, Bowdon