Kieran Stiles - Weekly classes & tutorials

Weekly life drawing classes A regular, daytime opportunity to learn how to make observation drawings, prints and paintings from the figure in a wide range of traditional and experimental media. Feel free to work individually or try new techniques with practical demonstrations. Overlooking the river and the inspiring setting of Folly Bridge, work in a friendly atmosphere with classical music and real coffee.

Norman Akroyd watercolour & resist landscapes in Charlbury Learn the delicate layered watercolour and resist techniques of the Yorkshire landscape Royal Academission. Working from photographs and sketches made of the Evenlode valley landscape. (You will need to bring A3 watercolour paper)

Mixed media figure workshop In an expressive mixed media figure drawing class looking at the drawings of Anthony Gormley, learn how to use ink with oils, acrylics with varnish (as in the drawing left), watercolour with tea, and bitumen with wax to create strange and exciting alternative interpretations of the figure. (You will need to bring A3 cartridge paper)

Ben Nicholson trees - oil wash with overlaid pencil Working from observation studies of trees made outside in nearby Christchurch Meadow, learn about Nicholson’s techniques of overlaying linear pencil over a subtle dry brushed background of oil paint. (You will need to bring A3 cartridge paper)

Morandi watercolour landscapes in Charlbury Morandi used the arrangement of shapes and delicate tonal balance in his paintings as a symbolic vehicle to suggest specific moods and feelings. In this workshop learn about ‘negative space’ within the composition of a landscape, and how to apply delicate and even washes of watercolour. (You will need to bring textured A4 watercolour paper)

Nolde watercolour & ink sunsets Learn about the painting techniques of German expressionist Emile Nolde, and how the use of vibrant complimentary colour can create dramatic atmosphere when depicting cloud formations. Bring a photo of a sunset skyscape as a subject. (You will need to bring textured A3 watercolour paper)

Tony Bevan RA charcoal & acrylic figure drawing on canvas Looking at the work of the Royal Academission Tony Bevan, explore how to create linear interpretations of the figure with a ‘continuous charcoal line’ (never leaving the surface of the canvas) then over working with painted red acrylic. (All materials provided)

Patrick Heron garden painting in oils Learn about the influence of the ‘Fauves’ on the Cornish abstract artist Heron, and how he creates beautiful colour interplay with layered brush strokes in his abstract garden studies. Bring in a favourite photo of your garden, and interpret in oils on a small stretched canvas. (one stretched canvas and all materials provided)

Modigliani brush drawing with brown ink Working with very large brushes and sponges on A1 paper, this workshop focuses on how the Italian modernist’s drawings were influenced by African art. (All materials provided)

Ben Nicholson still life using muted oils Working on board prepared with sanded gesso (white primer made with chalk to create a translucent gleaming quality), use the end of a brush to define the forms by making scratched linear marks through thinly painted oil. (All materials provided)