Residential Painting Course

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.

“As a complete painting novice , having always been told to go back to maths rather than a paint brush I went on a weeks oil painting course run by the painter Elizabeth Parsons ( Niebour ) . Staying in her fabulous house in glorious Dorset being very well catered for ( legendary cakes daily ! ) we gathered as a eclectic group of 6 . I absolutely loved it , ( we all did ) starting with a charcoal drawing , I returned home after 6 days with 4 oil paintings !Her style of teaching is hands on , calm , encouraging and brilliant . Quietly sitting at your easel , showing you improvement. She really makes you look look look, hours flew by ! I can highly recommend her lovely great value courses” . Marian

Please visit the “Paintings for Sale” page on this website to see more 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,
Twin room
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.
Tapestry room(double) with private bathroom)
Second floor bedroom(double or a twin as preferred) sitting room bathroom.
Green Room with ensuite bathroom

The course is £1500 all inclusive room, full board for severn nights. Art mterials except oil paints and brushes included. (A list of colours and brush sizes will be sent when you have booked.

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 6 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 reduction of 35%.

For booking please ring 07980 744551