I am unable to arrange new workshop dates at the present time but hope to do so once life is back on an even keel (lots going on with sadly no time to organise workshops or for my own art). I have left below details from a previous workshop to provide information to new students. If you are a new contact and would like to know about upcoming dates drop me a message providing your email address. All previous workshop students and new contacts will be emailed once dates are being arranged again.

Summer Workshops:
Workshop 1:
Thursday 22nd July (with Monday 26th July as the back-up date in case of unsuitable weather on 22nd).

Workshop 2:
Wednesday 11th August (with Monday 16th August as the back-up date) - ONE SPACE NOW AVAILABLE.

Workshop time: 9.30am -to- 5.00pm.
Address: Tenterden Trout Waters, Coombe Farm, Chennell Park Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6XA
Click here for website link...
Price: £50 for the whole day (food/drinks not included - please bring a packed lunch).

The workshop price includes a payment to Coombe Farm for the use of their facilities which I will make on your behalf - no money is needed for the workshop on the day. Advance payment is by bank transfer or by cheque (details on the booking form).

The venue for both dates will be at Tenterden Trout Waters, Coombe Farm.
Coombe Farm is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Weald of Kent with 3 fishing lakes surrounded by countryside where their Romney Sheep graze. Each year the Fishery is closed for a month and a half during high summer. It is during this period that I have been given access by the family who own and run the Fishery to arrange my workshops. This means our group can talk without causing disturbance to those who would normally be fishing.

The painting subject matter here is beautiful and varied; small and large lakes providing superb water to capture in paint with reflections from the landscape, bulrushes and reeds; countryside views with big skies, a variety of trees and numerous birds; Tenterden town and the tower of St Mildred's church on the horizon; undulating pasture with the Coombe Farm friendly sheep grazing all around and the sound of fish jumping in the lake with frogs chirping in the rushes.... There are wide open areas with stunning vistas as well as more intimate shady spots provided by trees around the lakes if you would prefer not to be exposed to the sun all day (fingers crossed it will be shining on us).

The venue offers free parking and we will have use of their beautifully appointed Fishing Lodge which overlooks the smaller very pretty Lake 1. The Lodge has a toilet with washroom facilities and a kitchen with a large dining/seating area. There is no café at this venue. Please bring your own food and drinks. A fridge, microwave & kettle are available for our use. Complimentary tea/coffee and milk will be supplied. Various seating areas are available for us to use inside The Fishing Lodge, on The Lodge balcony and around the lakes, but feel free to bring your own fold up chair.

Spaces are limited to 8 students. This will ensure plenty of 1:1 tuition through the day.

General Information:
My workshops are suited to those who have some painting experience but are starting out with oils or those who would like to improve on existing oil painting skills while getting to grips with the challenges of working en plein air. My medium of choice is traditional oil paint, but you are more than welcome to attend if you would prefer to use water-mixable oils.

At the workshop you will learn how to find your subject; set up your easel; plan your composition; create atmospheric perspective; simple linear perspective; colour mixing; application of oil paints and various useful hints & tips to assist you with the demands of outdoor landscape painting.

Students are required to bring their own equipment. If you would like to see the equipment list in advance of booking, contact me and I will email it over to you. If you are new to plein air, I have a limited number of free-standing easels (first come, first reserved) that can be loaned. If you are new to oils, for a very small additional fee, traditional oil paints & low odour white spirit can be supplied.

Because we are weather dependent, I like to have a back-up date arranged in the event of unsuitable weather. When you book please let me know if you would be available on the back-up date indicated. I will check the weather forecast in the days leading up to the workshop and contact attendees 24hrs in advance to advise if things are looking good for us. If I cancel the workshop you will be offered the back-up date or a refund.

To book or make further enquiries, send me an email (if we are already connected) or a message using the Contact Me form above. If I have a choice of dates indicate those you are interested in. I will email you a reply (usually within 24hrs) letting you know if there is availability. If you wish to book a place I will then email you my Information Terms and Conditions, Equipment List and the Booking Form for you to complete and return. Click here to use the Contact form...

I have a dedicated Fran Russell Workshops Page on Facebook. To receive updates please give it a "Like". On there you can view photos taken at previous workshops (permission to take photos is requested on the Booking Form and photos are only used for marketing/on social media if students have provided this) - if you use Facebook click here to take a look...

Please read feedback on my "Testimonials" page. Click here...

If you are a new contact and would like to be notified by email as soon as new dates are organised, send me your details using the Contact me page above.

Painting outdoors has its challenges but the rewards are so great - give it a go!