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. Optional evening sessions include: - Life Drawing with Christopher Shaw - Outdoor Sketching with Colin Powell - Art History Talk with Linda Polkowski / Eddie Lawler 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
All Classes, Courses, Workshops and Masterclasses are priced including VAT charged at 20%. By completing this purchase you are securing a place for the Masterclass and accommodation at Cober Hill. We understand that plans can change, so we’ve outlined our cancellation and rescheduling policies for our masterclass and accommodation at Ampleforth Abbey to ensure clarity and flexibility. Masterclass Rescheduling: You can reschedule your booking up to 4 weeks before the start of the masterclass. We will transfer your booking to an alternative date and provide written confirmation of the change. Cancellations: You may cancel your booking up to 4 weeks before the masterclass for a full refund, which will be processed to your original payment method within 3–5 business days. Within 4 Weeks of the Event: Cancellations made less than 4 weeks before the masterclass will not be refunded. However, if we are able to rebook your place within the 4 week period we will be able to process a full refund. Accommodation Rescheduling: Accommodation can be rescheduled up to 6 weeks before your stay, subject to availability. We will confirm the new booking details in writing. Cancellations: You may cancel your accommodation booking up to 6 weeks before your stay for a full refund. Within 6 Weeks of the Stay: Cancellations made within 6 weeks of the arrival date will incur a 50% cancellation fee. If we are able to rebook your accommodation, we will refund the remaining balance to your original payment method. Your Right to Cancel If you are a customer living in the United Kingdom or the European Union you have the right to cancel your contract to purchase services from us within 14 days of purchase without giving notice. The cancellation period will end 14 days from the date of purchase when you purchased a service. 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.