UK Watercolour Workshops July 2015

Inspirational Workshops 2015

What a week! I have been busy teaching watercolour workshops in UK and as each day arrived my excitement grew. I look forward to sharing my passion for watercolour so much but I have to say that this week has been so very special. Artists attended my UK courses this week from India, USA, Italy, Denmark and of course UK too. The sessions had a wonderful international flavour to them and colour flowed freely every day. 

I hold my worskhop sin Hampshire, just outside London. It is known as Jane Austen countryside as Jane Austen's house is nearby. As is the estate of the Duke of Wellington. There is a lot for non painting partners to enjoy.  And so, this week a terrific group of people arrived, communicated and enjoyed their time here. Not just  gaining inspiration for art but also gaining many new friends.

We had wonderful lunches getting to know  each other and I invited everyone back to my cottage for drinks on Thursday evening which truly added to the occasion. Everyone wandered around my garden, enjoying my pets who posed  really beautifully for cameras and afterwards we all sat with laughter ringing in the air while the sun went down. How great was that. After everyone left I realised how very lucky I am. I commented to my husband when he returned from giving artists a lift back to their hotel what a rich life we lead. People from all over the world sit in our garden and share time with us. Often, purely because of a love for painting in watercolour. It is pretty amazing. And I know I have gained many life long friends too.

But back to the workshops. They were magical. Day one was for artists who have never been on my courses before so the room was full of people completely new to me. And any nerves for everyone ( I hope) disappeared as soon as we started painting. We had a terrific time exploring the possibilities of working in this  gorgeous medium. The next days saw artists arriving who I have known now for some time, and of course artists who were very new to me. We explored colour, we experimented, and we grew. As artists. In our journeys and it was fantastic. The positive feedback at the end of each day was so uplifting. Everyone left inspired and very eager to paint.

I so want to paint now myself as I often end up feeling very envious of everyone on my courses. I want to be in the class, as an artist not the teacher because everyone seems to have so much fun as well as  time to paint unhindered, quietly and motivated by the demonstrations gaining new heights in results.

Last week was so incredible and I am honestly now very eager for my next sessions. I am also really excited about next years workshops as the themes are very different than this year. Even more exciting and glowing of course with new colour combinations and techniques.

I believe as artists we shouldn't stand still in our art. We should continually move forward stretching our skills and improving our knowledge and techniques. We certainly all did that this week.

Please can I ask , if anyone is interested in attending my UK workshops next year, could you email me right now please. As the schedule for 2016 will be released early September this year and if your name is not on the email contact list there is a possibility you will not get a place. These days I rarely advertise my courses as they are all booked up by previous email requests. Emails getting to me now at this time of year for the year ahead. So please. get in touch on

jeanhaines@hotmail.com

And a huge thank you to everyone who came to my workshops this week. It has been such a roller coaster of highs getting consistently higher!

Happy Painting!

"Fur and Feathers" Workshop 2013

Gosling which was so soft to touch!

 Fur and Feathers workshop 2013

Last year I took a one day watercolour workshop on how to paint animals in watercolour. As the day drew to an end I realised one day was not long enough to fit in what I wanted to achieve. So I planned ahead to this year allowing two days for my animal workshop and it was far more enjoyable taking time to look at how to paint eyes, texture and aim to achieve unique results.

I plan  my workshops well in advance and love the artists who attend them so much, that I often find myself working out ways to make each session even more memorable. I think this years animal workshop will take some beating but I will try!

I started on the very first day with live animal models visiting the venue where I teach so the artists could touch and connect with them. This meant from the minute we started working we had animals on our minds, knew what they felt like, looked like and also connected with the emotions they drew from us.

At the end of day one I had also arranged a trip to a local farm so the artists could take their own photographs of  subjects they loved. This meant that when they left the workshop, the next day,they would have exciting animal resource images of their own to work fromo at home. I absolutely loved seeing how happy  everyone was seeing so many cute young animals  on the farm. I also know I am inspired to paint these new subjects myself when I return from Australia as I leave to teach there next week.

I thought my blog followers may like to see a few of the animals that caught my eye. I wanted to see a young white lamb and my wish was granted!

Very sweet lamb, adorable to paint for texture and emotional cuteness!

 We were all amazed at how "affectionate" a particular young kid was at such an early age!

Young kid from farm visit 

Ducklings

It has been an amazing week and truly memorable. I will be planning next years animal workshops and looking forward to repeating this next spring!

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The reason I put so much effort into planning my workshops and making them as fascinating as possible is because I know what it is like to travel and be disappointed. We often have high expectations of a tutor or high expectations of ourselves when attending art classes. Workshops can also  be exhausting or stressful if things aren't going the way you expect them to. So for me, to add something as unusual as a trip to see animals at the end of the day not only gives attending artists inspiration on what to paint in future. It also alleviates all the hard work of the day and adds zest for the next.

I am now thinking of how I could do a workshop with an African theme. Fitting an elephant into a hall might be a problem so I guess I am going to have to think about that theme for now!

Artist tip : Do go out for inspiration from life. Please don't fall into the rut of continually painting from photographs of subjecst you haven't personally seen. Visit farms, wildlife centres,  gardens. Anywhere that is full of colour, life to inspire you.

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My workshop programme for 2014 will be released in October 2013

Watercolour Workshops 2013 Flowers

"Butterfly in Sunlight"

Today was yet another fantastic workshop of the week. This time the theme was painting flowers in watercolour. There were so many demonstrations and subjects throughout the whole day that choosing a favourite to share on my blog will be difficult. Even so this little butterfly sitting on a flower in sunlight made me smile. It is amazing how the simplest of subjecst can carry so much beauty.

The room was full of enthusiasm and some brilliant paintings evolved throughout the day. I loved how seeing  artists have "light bulb" moments as techniques "clicked" while they worked. I have decided I must be one of the luckiest people alive to be able to share my passion for working in watercolour with people who are as passionate as I am, from all over the world.

Tomorrow I hold the last of my workshops in UK this week. It's called "Opening Doors" and is a special session for people who are totally new to my workshops. I have found that artists love coming back each year to my watercolour sessions. Which makes it incredibly difficult for new artists who have just found me to even get a place on my workshops. So tomorrow is one of the special days set aside, especially for  those who have not been to me before. Its' going to be another great day!

Please emailme on jeanhaines@hotmail.com for workshop information for 2014

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More Than Watercolour Workshop 2013

Koi Carp

"Chasing Tails"

First Stage.

Today was the second of my UK Watercolour Workshops this week, called "More Than Watercolour"

A fabulous group of artists attended and the goal was to  inspire, stretch imaginations and work with vibrant colour. The group laughed when I said, for the second day running, that I was jealous as there was so much going on demonstration wise that I wanted to sit in on the workshop and watch too!

We started with colour exercises and the room yet again was very varied in subject selection especially in the afternoon which for some reason always seems to fly by  far too quickly. Todays favourite subjects for me were the Kookaburra, the  fish and the "Lady from Peru"!

It was wonderful talking to everyone as they left, letting me know what a great time they had today. The problem is, I had a great time too  and can't wait for tomorrows workshop which is themed on flowers. Time is really going too soon this week!

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The exercises in my workshops are on my latest DVD "Watercolour Passion"  which can be purchased from my web site online shop

http://www.jeanhaines.com/shop?id_group=2

I  am afraid I don't have any places on workshops in UK this year but I will be demonstrating at Patchings Art Festival in June so please feel free to meet me there!

Atmospheric Watercolours Workshop April 2013

 Workshop Collection of demonstrations and cards

Wow! What a great day at the first workshop of Spring in UK. I have been really looking forward to this weeks sessions as they launch my 2013 art events, workshops and demonstrations.  Every day there is a new theme and this morning saw a wonderful group of eager artists arrive for a full days workshop. One artist had especially flown from Poland and another came from Cork just for the classes. Vietnam,Iceland, Portugal,Canada,Belgium,USA,Croatia are just a few of the countries I have had the privilege of meeting artists from on my, now, international workshops held here in England.

Today we started with my inspirational colour exercises which change each year due to my own techniques evolving. My favourite shades seem to be continually changing too and although I am still in love with Transparent Orange, Turqouise now is a strong contender for the title of "most used" colour!

Everyone knows I adore sharing my passion for  watercolour and my energy level is probably at its' highest when I am in a class full of enthusiastic people as I was today. People who ,like me, love watercolour and creating in this magical of mediums.

My demonstrations covered a variety of subjects but my favourite paintings of the day were the kingfisher when the room fell completely silent as my brush moved, a butterfly  and a glowing snowdrop.  I do  love how there is a quiet atmosphere while I demonstratet. I often feel I should turn around and check everyone is still there because you could often hear a pin drop due to the enjoyment and concentration in the room.  Personally, I loved the catkin demo so much that as soon as I returned home to my cottage I immediately grabbed Baileys lead and went out to pick some in the nearby country lanes. Which means tomorrow I will be painting beautys from life.

 I love the people I meet on these days and feel so very lucky to have a chance to share as I do. One  common problem everyone finds is that it is getting increasingly harder to get on my workshops each year. Which is why I now have special days set by called "Opening Doors" for artists who have never been to me before. I explained to everyone today that it really is wise to contact me by email right now, so that in Autumn when the new 2014 dates are released your name will be on the contact list for  information as soon as it is available. I cannot believe I am loving my 2013 workshops but already looking ahead to the 2014 sessions!

But today, as a workshop , was absolutely  fantastic. I am on the highest of highs. Roll on tomorrow!

Dramatic Snowdrop Wash

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For everyone who canno tget to a workshop I will be demonstrating at Patchings Art Festival this year so please keep an eye on my blog and web site for full details. I will be painting, signing books and have my greeting cards and original watercolours with me then.

I currently have a solo exhibition running at the Wey Gallery in Godalming, Details of which can be found on my web site

www.jeanhaines.com

" Grumpy"

"Grumpy"

A fine cockerel gradually growing in  washes and layers of vibrant colour.

There is something far more interesting in painting subjects that aren't immediately seen as being beautiful. Last weeks " Animals Only " watercolour workshop saw me demonstrating a veriety of subjects looking at different sections and how to bring each to life in a unique way.

Here I am progressing from a simple eye demonstration. I have looked at this subject from different angles and he works very well as a landscape or portrait composition.  He is beginning to turn into a very exciting piece. All from a few simple brushstrokes!

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During my demonstrations last week there was often complete silence and I had to look to see if everyone was awake. There wasn't a sound in the room as subjects began to appear on white paper during each new demonstration. I describe how I work with each new brushstroke and these were being completely absorbed by everyone in the room.

I started talking about the character of this cockerel and  raised the question of wondering why he  was so grumpy and in such a "fowl" mood. Comments such as " Maybe he's been on a hen night" or possibly been "hen pecked" gave rise to lovely laughter and the session really did turn into a wonderful day which flew by far too quickly.

Putting that smile into a painting and a feeling of being relaxed while you work definitely aids results.

Try it. Try laughing while you work or at least smiling and see what happens!

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Watercolour Workshops This Week!

 Getting Serious!

I know there are many artists getting very excited as this week the first of my Spring 2010 workshops in Winchfield. Many have booked their places from as early as last years sessions when they immediately wanted to come back. In fact there were a few artists attending last year who didn't want to go home!

It was a fantastic time and I am really looking forward to this years sessions. I have so much more to give and so many new  ideas as my own techniques have improved. And I do give everything in each session. I love the comments coming my way telling me how  fast I am travelling in my watercolour journey and how much my paintings are changing in a very exciting way. I want everyone around me to feel as much joy in their experiences with watercolour as I do.

I have read excited messages asking what to bring to my workshops and letting me know how  eager everyone is to come.

There are those travelling from all over UK and there are those who have to fly to get here from South Africa, Italy and France. Accomodation has been arranged and on my part quite a lot of running around doing research has gone on behind the scenes.

Why?

I take teaching or holding workshops seriously in that I want to ensure each session is about the individual who attends. I want to bring out the best in them as an artist and when they leave I want the inspiration to last long after the session has ended. I share everything I know from my heart but I also don't want anyone putting me on a pedestal. I am just a very ordinary person who happens to feel passionate about watercolour. I know I have the ability to make others feel the same way and that I find to be the biggest privilege.

So to everyone coming this week please relax. enjoy every moment including the preparation before you get to me.Pack all of your favourite brushes,papers and watercolours. Bring the paper you would normally use and  also include a few photographs of things you enjoy so I can understand  your goals and dreams well. Please make sure these are your own photographs taken by you so that you have physically seen what you are  showing me!

This is going to be one of my favourite weeks of 2010 and I really can't wait!

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Watercolour Workshops 2010 Update

  "Dawn Calls"

Original Watercolour by Jean Haines.

Part of a new collection to be unveiled at the Alton Spring Exhibition.

"Watercolours With Life" my main workshops cover a wide range of subjects and techniques in each session. As I am not limited to one particular theme you will see everything approached in my style with both enthusiasm and new ideas on how to create a vast range of  effects in watercolour. Whilst my Spring workshops are fully booked I do have one cancellation in April and a few places left in the Autumn sessions. I always work on a first  come first booked basis so please if you are interested in any contact me directly on jeanhaines@hotmail.com to confirm your booking.

Full details for each of the following workshops can be found on my web site www.jeanhaines.com

Watercolours With Life 7th April 2010
Winchfield, Hampshire, UK.
Due to a cancellation I have one place available .Please contact me directly for this very popular and  exciting session.

Watercolours With Life  1st September 2010
Winchfield, Hampshire, UK.
 
 Autumn Glory   2nd  September 2010
Winchfield, Hampshire, UK.
Painting beautiful golds and a selection of  subjects  with texture and vibrance as a main goal.


Watercolours With Life 26th October 2010
Winchfield, Hampshire, UK.

All other sessions are now fully booked.


Following my October sessions I will not be holding further Winchfield workshops until 2011.

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I am demonstrating and  holding workshops throughout UK during 2010 along with visiting Norway in August.  I am hoping to  hold a workshop in USA in 2012 and more details on this will follow at a later date.

If you wish to make a booking for a workshop anywhere in the world please contact me and I will be happy to discuss the possibility. My enthusiasm, energy and passion for watercolour is endless so I will be delighted to hear from you.

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Watercolour Workshops Spring 2010

The most exciting time of the year is about to approach and I am daily recieving eager emails from artists who are attending my watercolour workshops this year or hoping to book a place. After the lull of a Winter  break my palette changes and  my enthusiasm rises.

Tip: When booking workshops please always book early in advance as many favourite artists  find their sessions fully booked months in advance. My Spring sessions were fully booked from last year!

  Spring is coming!

I spend the beginning of each year planning my teaching and demonstration schedule. I take time to research new shades for each season and watercolour paper for each class to try.  I endeavour to make each workshop exciting and different so that returning artists always have something wonderful waiting for them to enjoy and new artists coming to me for the first time also have a little of the unexpected from a workshop. I aim always to have everyone leaving my sessions absolutely 100% inspired and eager to paint non stop when they return home.

A New Year, a New Life!.........and a new way of painting!

It is the memory that lingers from coming to a successful workshop that  lights the passion inside every artist more than the session itself. I am addicted to  painting and this addiction is contagious. I now give everyone coming to me a warning that they will never feel the same about watercolour once they have attended one of my  watercolour workshops. I have been told on many occasions that this is true! Artists who have long lost the motivation to pick up a brush,artists who have worked in detail for years and artists who want to try a loose style all find themselves on one of my sessions  enchanted by what happens when we relax, open our imaginations and work  with colour alone. No pencil work and no restricted lines telling us what to do or when to add a detail. It's magic!


Writing features in magazines has seen a huge rise in the number of requests I am recieving so here is an update of all the Spring workshops this year.

I will add Summer and Autumn workshops in another  entry on my blog. There are a few places available in my Autumn Sessions, morenews on those later on!

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Watercolours With Life 

Hampshire, U.K.  

6th April 2010 

Magic with a brush!

The most popular of workshops that looks at ways of bringing a subject to life using a variety of techniques to create intrerest,drama and impact in your work. A host of subjects will be covered  so that each brushstroke makes a difference. No preliminary sketches are used during the workshop and every artist attending  is encouraged to try something new.  You may bring your favourite photographs to work from in the afternoon  session. Lunch is provided and for those artists travelling and staying over an evening is planned so that you will have the opportunity of meeting everyone on the workshop. Details of the  venue will be forwarded by email or given during the session. This promises to be a day to remember!

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Watercolours With Life 

7th April 2010

A second exciting  workshop covering technique to bring subjects alive in a unique and original style. No preliminary sketch. Just expressive brushstrokes and excitement in each painting!

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Flowers,Flowers and More Flowers!

Hampshire, U.K

8th April 2010

 Exciting colour and patterns in  unusual compositions !

A first this year. So many artists requested a workshop specifically on flowers so here it is. And the immediate popularity of this session saw the bookings fly in. A variety of flowers will be provided for the workshop so the venue will appear to look like a florists! Having said that could I also ask all artists attending to bring your favourite flowers as well just in case I miss the one you prefer to paint! Please remember in this class we will be painting from life so photographs will not be suitable. You can bring some for reference but the session  depends on really seeing colour, light and shadows which are often missing in a photographic image. This can lead to disappointing results. Please be warned, following this session you will never be able to look at a single flower no matter what it is without the desire to capture it in watercolour!

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 To everyone coming I know how excited you are! I am too and so looking forward to meeting you all again for a wonderfuls day painting.   

Artists are travelling from all over the world for these sessions. South Africa, Italy, France and  all over U.K.  They are going to be brilliant!

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These courses are now all fully booked but I will be adding new opportunities to come to me soon! Please  watch this space for latest news on demonstrations or workshops coming up.

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