Summer 2026: Realistic Painting

Course Outline

You will use watercolour paint and professional brushes to paint a picture of small object. You will learn how to make an accurate drawing, how to mix colours and how to paint realistic details, shadows and highlights.

You are welcome to bring a little object with you (or a photograph of one). We will have some visual reference that you can work from if you don’t have anything that you would like to bring. If you do bring something from home, keep it simple! A pebble, a small shell, or a photo of an architectural detail (like the lion in the image above) would be ideal!

Meet the Tutor

This workshop will be run by the highly experienced Creative Dimension Trust tutor Sarah Hocombe. Sarah is a fresco painter and illustrator, with a special interest in silhouettes. Her illustration work has featured on products for well-known brands. Sarah is an experienced Creative Dimension Trust Tutor, and was a Visiting Lecturer at UAL for many years.

Timings

This workshop will start daily at 10am and finish at approximately 4:30pm.

Transferable Skills and Future Careers

TCDT workshops give a chance to develop a range of transferable skills and valuable insight to possible career paths. Some of the career choices our alumni have pursued include; Architecture, Engineering, Fine Art, Jewellery Making, Art Conservation, Glass Working, Theatre Design, Fashion Design, Costume Design – the list is growing!

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible to apply you will need to be 16 – 19 years old during the dates of the workshop.

You should be creative and have an interest in the careers listed above, or similar areas. You should also have good hand-eye co-ordination.

In your application you should demonstrate a passion for working with your hands.

You must be able to attend every day of the workshop.

Please be sure that you have read our Eligibility Criteria and Applications page before applying.

Course Funding

Our workshops are fully-funded by generous sponsors.  Places are limited, therefore, we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.

There are only 8 spaces available on this workshop. If the workshop becomes oversubscribed, we will close the application process early.