Lessons in lower slaughter

I know, Lower Slaughter is a terrible name (it comes from the old English word ‘slothre’ meaning ‘muddy’) and yet it’s one of the most idyllic places I’ve ever visited, a bit like calling a Bentley a runaround, the setting, especially for artists could not be more picture perfect.

This was Toby and my second weekend leading a group of painters as a duo. We have different styles in watercolour and ink but the same philosophy; that we can all learn to paint in a gentle, forgiving, encouraging atmosphere (whilst having a good laugh - especially at each other)

I so enjoy the travelling, I’ve always been a sucker for an airport and have adored flying as long as i’ve had the opportunity to do it - the longer the flight the better, and then there’s the buses and trains - I’m in my element!

It is always amazing to watch the development that occurs during the weekend for each artist, from the discipline of simply intentionally painting, listening to encouraging feedback and applying it.

There is a synergy that happens in the group dynamic that becomes a slipstream for growth; common-unity is an amazing thing.

The journey of providing these weekends is building and though I really am not a massive fan of ‘sales’ but it would be remiss of me not to mention that next year we doing this 4 more times, 4 more weekends in 2025:

Bath in January (sold out)

Mevagissey, Cornwall in April (2 left at time of writing)

Lower Slaughter in June (opens soon)

Belfast in October (opens soonish)

So, if this is something that might interest you can head to Toby’s website - www.sketchloose.co.uk for more info and there you can pour over the details of the weekends and what the different locations offer.

I’m marked by the privilege of this journey; what an honour it is to teach something I enjoy so very much in some of the most beautiful parts of of the UK, who could write it!

As always, thanks for your interest and support.

On we go!

Colin