From our coasts and rivers to lakes and ponds, Sussex Wildlife Trust provides experiences for people to celebrate, enjoy and protect their local water habitats.
This Autumn, take time to slow down and observe the tranquil lake and surrounding landscapes of Woods Mill Nature Reserve during this practical one-day beginner’s art workshop.
Starting the day in the classroom, local artist, Danny McBride, will introduce you to some of the principles of depicting water in art before heading to the lake (weather permitting) to make some observational sketches of the water.
Some of the techniques covered will be:
- Understanding Reflection vs Refraction
- Matching tonal values first, not colour
- Surface texture
- Editing reality
Whether you are a complete beginner or wanting to improve your basic skills, this relaxed and informal session will give you the opportunity to try out new techniques with gentle guidance from Danny.
Bring your own materials that you would like to work with, along with enough surfaces to work on to create several pictures.
Danny McBride is an artist and designer, living in Shoreham by Sea, and draws much of his inspiration from the Sussex countryside. He strongly believes in the benefits of spending time in nature and his classes are safe spaces where participants can focus on enjoying the process and developing their observational skills rather than creating the perfect finished piece.
Meeting point: The Classroom, Woods Mill Nature Reserve, BN5 9SD
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What’s included: Easels will be provided, if required. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be available on the day.
What to bring: Bring your own materials that you would like to work with, along with enough surfaces to work on to create several pictures (Paint, pencil, charcoal, paper, canvas). Danny will be able to provide a list of possible materials, upon request.
Pack lunch and something to drink. Waterproof shoes, lots of layers and waterproofs (should you want to explore the reserve during the day). Please feel free to bring something to sit on for the outdoor part of the session.
Parking and charges: There is free parking available at the reserve.
Toilets: Public toilets, including a toilet accessible to wheelchair users, can be found in the car park. There is also a toilet available in the classroom, which is a 1 minute walk from the car park.
Public Transport: Compass bus 100 Pulborough stops outside Woods Mill Monday to Saturday
Accessibility: The classroom is fully accessible. There are paved pathways from the car park to the classroom on a gentle slope. The lake is around 100 metres from the classroom with an unpaved pathway, which can get muddy at this time of year. There is a slight hill back to the car park.
If you would like to discuss accessibility, please email swtbookings@sussexwt.org.uk in the first instance and we will give you a call.
Dogs: Sorry no dogs (except assistance dogs) as this nature reserve is a centre for environmental education.
If our standard priced tickets are simply out of reach at the moment, you can opt for our open concession ticket. This is available to all with no questions asked.
Participants must be at least 14 years old to attend an adult course or event. Young people, aged 14-17, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Please read our terms and conditions before booking.
