Portrait Drawing Masterclass
Monday 9th - Friday 13th November 2026 Cober Hill Residential with Gareth Reid
Available spaces
Join Gareth Reid, Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2017 and Portrait Artist of the Decade winner, for an immersive 4-night residential course at Cober Hill, focusing on portrait drawing using a range of materials. Day 1: Observation and Loosening Up Kick off with exercises to sharpen your observational skills and free up your drawing style. Engage in a mix of short and long poses, with Gareth providing personalised guidance throughout the day. Days 2 & 3: Portrait Drawing We will provide a number of portrait models with a focus on longer poses to refine your technique and observation. Gareth will support you in developing your skills with charcoal and pastels, helping you capture depth and character. Day 4: Life Drawing Conclude with a half day dynamic life drawing session, featuring a blend of quick and longer poses to consolidate your learning. This course offers a unique opportunity to learn from a renowned artist in a supportive, creative environment, suitable for all skill levels. This residential includes full board accommodation, refreshments and all materials are provided. About Gareth Reid Winner of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2017 and Sky Portrait Artist of The Decade, 2023. Born 1974, Belfast. Lives in Glasgow. Graduate of the Glasgow School of Art and the Florence Academy of Art. 2023: Winner of Sky Portrait Artist of the Decade for his drawing of Dame Judi Dench. 2019: Portrait of King Charles III commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces for Hillsborough Castle. 2017: Winner of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year, painting Graham Norton for the National Gallery of Ireland. Gareth has shown on five occasions at the BP Portrait Award in the National Portrait Gallery in London, and in 2007 won the BP Travel Award. Having travelled to Finland, he gave talks on his work in the National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh and the National Portrait Gallery, London. His work has been published by the NPG. His work is held in the collections of the National Trust, Royal Bank of Scotland, Ralph Lauren, The Old Bailey, Dublin City Council, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Historic Royal Palaces, The Royal Collection and the National Gallery of Ireland. About Your Stay Check-in from 3pm Monday 9th November 2026 Check-out by 10.30am Friday 13th November 2026 Workshops take place Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 4pm and Friday 10am-12.30pm.
Cancellation Policy
Booking & Cancellation Policy Payment Options You can pay in full at the time of booking via card, Google Pay, Apple Pay or PayPal, or choose to pay a 25% deposit and pay the remaining balance 45 days before the event. Cash payment can be made in person at the school, shop or venue. Deposits A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place on Workshops, Courses and Residentials. This deposit is non-refundable in all circumstances. Balance Due If you pay by deposit, the remaining 75% balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the start date. We will send you a reminder email with a payment link. Cancellation Policy Residential Stays at Cober Hill More than 12 weeks before arrival: Full refund minus £50 admin fee per person. 6–12 weeks before: 75% refund. 4–6 weeks before: 50% refund. Less than 4 weeks before: No refund. We strongly recommend you take out travel/holiday insurance for residential stays.