We arrived at Farncombe Estate last Thursday. It’s a beautiful place. The accommodations and food are excellent, the staff very friendly and helpful and the views are absolutely breathtaking.
We took it easy on Friday and painted and sketched on the grounds. Our studio is as wonderful as everything else, bright and roomy with complimentary freshly ground coffee, snacks and both still and sparkling water. Not to mention the delicious elderberry cordial.
I did a few small watercolour studies to use as examples in my earliest discussions with our group. One of them is shown above. It’s a ‘shape-read’ approach, all done with the brush and no pencil.
Our neighbouring town is Broadway, in the valley directly below us. On Saturday, we boarded our bus and headed into town. What a place to paint! I worked on a sheet with two watercolour studies. Later, with the group, I showed them a few pen and ink techniques.
It was a lovely day of painting but, of course, there’s nothing wrong with a refreshing break. After all, we’re in England.
Our bus was on time and we gathered at the studio for a look at the day’s work. Today, we’re going to Chipping Campden. Cheers!
Barry Coombs Art Workshops 