TEACHING
Her five years in the studio of Nerina Simi in Florence imparted to Elizabeth a deep and comprehensive grounding in classical oil painting. Signorina Simi taught generations of pupils for over 60 years. She herself studied painting under her father who had been taught by Gerôme, a pupil of Ingres. Elizabeth hands on the essentials of classical oil painting – the primary facility of seeing compositions, perceiving variations of tones and understanding of the use of colour.
Please visit wwwelizabethparsons.com to see examples of Elizabeth ‘s paintings.
The holiday painting course opens with charcoal drawing in order to master tones moving by stages to oil painting . Elizabeth’s experience over many years teaching is that by the end of a complete 7 day course you will have acquired both the confidence and the ability to paint in oils. To ensure close tuition it has been necessary to limit the course to no more than six participating guests. Non painting partners are of course most welcome as there are plenty of places to see and visit. The walking here is wonderful too. At a 35% reduction .
THE PROGRAMME
The course takes place over 7 days with full board. Arriving on Friday with welcome drinks at 6.00 p.m. the course concludes on the following Friday at 5 p.m.
Tuition is from 9.00 a.m – 12.00 midday and from 2.00 p.m – 5.00 p.m each day.
Dinner is at 7.30 p.m when there will be the opportunity for further talks.
You will need to bring oil painting materials but Elizabeth will send you details of these well before the start of the course.
THE HOUSE
Thurnwood is a substantial country house between Sherborne and Dorchester far from the madding crowd in Hardy country and reached down a 3/4 mile private drive. Immediately adjoining the principal house are two cottages of 2 bedrooms each (one double one single). These have a bathroom, sitting room and kitchen and private gardens.
DINING : MENUS
As it may give opportunities for mutual discussion about the course we will take our meals together in the Dining Room.
I am myself a vegetarian so please do not hesitate to let me know if you would prefer such a diet or any other dietary requirements.
Breakfast Croissants, toast, varieties of marmalade, cereals, honey, yogurt, fruit, fruit juice, tea and coffee.
Lunch A buffet of hot soups, quiches, salads, cold meats or salmon, egg mayonnaise, jersey potatoes as available.
Dinner Three courses with wine included
Tea and coffee available through the day
All produce is sourced locally.
ACCOMODATION & PRICING
Price includes tuition, evening presentations and discussions. Wonderful locally sourced food for your breakfasts, lunches and 3 course dinners and of course including wine.
The Cottages
Double room, £1300
Twin room, £1300
Both with with shared bathroom
Click here to view Mappowder Cottage
Click here to view Maple Cottage
The House
Chinese Room with en suite shower, £1500
Tapestry room(double) with adjoining bathroom) £1500
Second floor bedroom(double or a twin as preferred) sitting room bathroom. £1500
A £350 deposit is payable for courses, with full fees should be payable in advance. You will receive an invoice for the balance of the fees 8 weeks before the course starts. If you are booking less than 4 weeks before the start of the course, you will however need to pay the fees in full.
Courses can also be undertaken on a non-residential basis at a 35% reduced fee.
Non painting parteners can also come at a rduction of 35%.
Second floor bedroom (double or a twin as preferred) sitting room bathroom. £1500
Drawing room
Chinese Room with en suite shower, £1500
Tapestry room(double) with adjoining bathroom) £1500
Dining room
THE COURSES
2025
Spring Course 4th - 11th April
Summer Course 13th - 20th June
Autumn Course 12th - 19th September
Thurnwood Dairy Farm, Mappowder, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 2EW