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Watercolour painting influenced by Turner

Paint with watercolour in the style of Turner at Petworth House. Learn how to capture the essence of light and atmosphere, tonal shape and composition. Learn how to explore the narrative, and how to draw the viewer in to engage their interest.

  • Booking essential

During this course you will have the opportunity to visit Petworth House where you will be given a tour by the curator of the new Turner exhibition to spark your inspiration on the first full day of the course. You will have the opportunity to sketch in the grounds of Petworth House where Turner painted and have use of the studio there. You will also have the opportunity to return to West Dean for inspiration and use of the studio at West Dean.

During the course you will focus on the building blocks of watercolour painting, its flexibility and subtlety which can be achieved from simple elements of pigment, paper and water. Your tutor will help you with your development, guiding you with demonstrations and discussions both in the studio and outdoors.

You will produce collections of small quick studies through to larger comprehensive work. Working at your own pace on individual pieces using observation and studies from both Petworth House and West Dean. Weather permitting you will be working 'en plein air' in both locations in conjunction with studio time.

You will finish the course with a collection of between 8 and 15 exercises and paintings produce during the course. Your tutor will push the boundaries on what you can achieve, expand your understanding of perspective when using both linear and aerial observation. Your portfolio of work should be varied covering both landscape, structure (ie buildings and interiors) produced during the course.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
All £542.00

The basics

Booking details

Call 01243 818300

Suitability

Not suitable for children

Meeting point

West Dean College

What to bring and wear

Please see Course Materials section on the West Dean course information page.

Other

This course runs over several days. Please see the Timetable section on the West Dean course information page for more information about the daily timings. The College will provide transport for the visit to Petworth House.

Upcoming events

Ship Ahoy! Family Trail 

Step into the world of J.M.W. Turner and set sail on an artistic adventure through Petworth House and Garden!

Event summary

on
23 Aug to 7 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 15 other dates or times

Introduction to ink at Petworth House 

An introduction to the fluid and versatile qualities of ink, in collaboration with West Dean College. Learn to control and allow the ink to flow to produce a variety of exciting outcomes.

Event summary

on
23 Aug 2025
at
10:15 to 16:45

Fun Art Fridays 

This summer, Petworth House and Garden invites young artists to Fun Art Fridays—a series of hands-on creative sessions inspired by the legendary painter J.M.W. Turner!

Event summary

on
29 Aug 2025
at
10:30 to 15:30

Painting the landscape – Turneresque 

This course will take its inspiration from Petworth House and Park and the exhibition of Turner's paintings. Explore the use of acrylic paints to evoke atmosphere and space in your paintings.

Event summary

on
29 Aug to 31 Aug 2025
at
18:45 to 21:00
+ 2 other dates or times