Portrait Painting Masterclass
Four-Night Residential Check-in Monday 24th August 2026 Check-out Friday 28th August 2026
This portrait painting masterclass will focus on encouraging students to think about more than just the technicalities of painting a portrait and look at ways to get a connection between artist and sitter. The first day will focus on painting exercises to encourage playfulness with paint, ways to connect with the model and the rigour of keen observation in order to gain a likeness. Students will be encouraged to develop their own unique way of looking, seeing and working as well as pushing their use of paint and tools in new directions. The mechanics of paint - how colour, tone, values work; issues to do with applying paint as well as the benefits of a limited-colour palette will also be covered. Days two and three will be working through the process of making a portrait. You will be encouraged to work through problems, pay attention to what you are seeing and develop a sense of connection with your sitter. You will have group tuition, demonstrations as well as one-to-one support throughout. On Friday morning there will be an opportunity for everyone to show the work they have produced and engage in a critique with Wendy and fellow participants followed by a group lunch. You will depart Cober Hill in the early afternoon. Wendy has exhibited with the Royal Society of Portrait Painters as well becoming Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2023 winning a commission to paint Dr. Jane Goodall for the National Portrait gallery collection. She has since exhibited at the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery as well as the Royal Society of Portrait Painters in 2023 and 2024. Wendy is also a member of the Contemporary British Portrait Painters (CBPP). Wendy's portraiture is led by the emotion, expression and human connection between artist and sitter as well as the shapes and connections she sees in her subjects. Wendy is keen to develop each student’s abilities of looking, connecting and expressing themselves with an emphasis on keen observation as well as encouraging a playful approach to both tools and the paint. This Masterclass includes a full board four-night stay at Cober Hill, just outside Scarborough. Check-in from 3pm on Monday 24th August 2026 Check-out by 10am Friday 28th August 2026
Cancellation Policy
Right to Cancel and Receive Reimbursement UK/EU consumers have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date of purchase for a full refund, provided the course or workshop has not yet commenced. Email info@bookaclass.com to cancel. Cancellation & Refund Policy (after 14 days): More than 8 weeks before the start date: Full refund minus £20 administration fee. 4–8 weeks before: 70% refund. 2–4 weeks before: 50% refund. Less than 2 weeks before the start or after the course has begun: No refund. Rescheduling: You may reschedule once free of charge up to 8 weeks before the start date (subject to availability). Later rescheduling incurs a £20 administration fee. To exercise your right to cancel you must inform us of your decision to cancel within the cancelation period. To cancel, contact us by email at info@bookaclass.org.