Introduction to Botanical Watercolour
Four Night Residential Check-in from 3pm Monday 21st September 2026 with Sandrine Maugy
Available spaces
Embark on a captivating four-night residential journey into the enchanting world of botanical art, set amid the serene and historic surroundings of Cober Hill in North Yorkshire. Nestled within the breath taking North York Moors National Park, with its rolling landscapes and proximity to the heritage coast, Cober Hill provides the perfect inspirational backdrop for observing and capturing the intricate details of plants, whether from the mansion's stunning grounds or nearby natural treasures. Led by the celebrated botanical artist Sandrine Maugy, a respected tutor, fellow of the Society of Botanical Artists, and author known for her ethical art practices and vibrant, light-filled watercolours, this retreat offers an immersive introduction to the delicate techniques of botanical watercolour and drawing. Sandrine’s passion for respecting the natural world, vibrant colours, and precise yet expressive portrayals will guide you every step of the way. Botanical Art, the precise and beautiful depiction of plants has a rich history spanning over two millennia. Its origins trace back to ancient times, with the earliest surviving examples appearing in illustrated manuscripts like the Vienna Dioscurides (early 6th century) and the foundational De Materia Medica by Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides (around 50–70 CE). This residential is designed for beginners and those with some artistic experience alike, providing a supportive, nurturing environment to build confidence and skill. The programme features three structured daytime workshops, each honing essential techniques from foundational drawing and composition to mastering watercolour washes, layering for luminosity, capturing texture, and rendering accurate botanical details like veins, stamens, and subtle light effects. By the end of the course, you will: - Understand the different characteristics of working studies and finished pieces - Gain theoretical knowledge as well as practice - Be able to apply the skills learned to produce better paintings - Improve the identification of colours and be able to reproduce them - Gain a stronger understanding of paints and colour-mixing - Produce several finished colour sketches The residential package includes full board, en-suite accommodation in Cober Hill’s historic mansion house. All equipment provided and materials included. Check-in from 3pm Monday 21st September. Check-out by 10.30am on Friday 25th September.
Cancellation Policy
All residentials are priced including VAT charged at 20%. By completing this purchase you are securing a place for a residential, including full board accommodation at Cober Hill. We understand that plans can change, so we’ve outlined our cancellation and rescheduling policies for our residentials to ensure clarity and flexibility. At North Yorks Art School (NYAS), we incur a number of costs as soon as a residential booking is made — including venue, tutor, bank charges and administration fees. Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of cancellations, we now need to pass on a portion of these costs to customers when cancellations occur. Rescheduling Your Booking You can reschedule your booking up to 8 weeks before the start date of your residential free of charge — provided you transfer your place to another NYAS residential event taking place at Cober Hill (subject to availability). Reschedules outside of this time will be subject to a 10% booking fee. We will confirm the change in writing and transfer your place accordingly. Cancellations & Refunds If you choose to cancel your booking rather than reschedule, the following cancellation fees will apply: Over 6 Months 90% Refund 4 to 6 months 80% refund 2 to 4 months 70% refund 31 to 60 days 50% refund 30 days or less No refund Refunds will be processed to your original payment method within 3–5 business days once the cancellation is confirmed. Your Right to Cancel (Cooling-Off Period) If you live in the UK or EU, you are entitled to a 14-day cancellation window from the date of booking. Within this period, you may cancel for a full refund without providing a reason. To exercise this right, contact us at info@bookaclass.org within the 14-day period. Refunds will be processed to your original payment method. For all booking-related enquiries, rescheduling requests or cancellations, please email: info@bookaclass.org