Join renowned landscape painter David Pilgrim ROI for a day of plein air painting in the beautiful private grounds of The Old Rectory Manor, Yardley Hastings.
Whether you're already an enthusiastic plein air painter looking to develop your practice, or you've always wanted to leave the studio and paint outdoors for the first time, this welcoming workshop is designed to build your confidence.
David has a gift for simplifying the plein air painting process, helping artists make confident decisions and create fresh, lively paintings directly from observation.
Working in oils using the alla prima (wet-on-wet) approach, you'll learn how to select an engaging subject, simplify what you see and capture the atmosphere, light and character of the landscape with greater confidence.
The day begins with a short introduction at Yardley Arts before we walk just three minutes to The Old Rectory Manor, where we'll spend the day painting in the gardens. The grounds offer an abundance of inspiring subjects, including formal planting, mature trees, ornamental statues, architectural features and more informal landscaped areas. There are plenty of shaded and sheltered places to work, toilet facilities on site and a limited number of parking spaces available at the property for those who need them.
Please bring a packed lunch and refreshments, which you are welcome to enjoy in the gardens during the lunch break.
Please note: As this workshop takes place outdoors, if the weather forecast is considered too inclement, we will contact participants two days beforehand. You may choose either a full refund or a credit towards a rescheduled date, which we will arrange as soon as possible. Should the weather change unexpectedly during the day, we may return to Yardley Arts to continue the workshop inside.
This workshop is suitable for artists who already have some experience of using oil paints, whether you are new to plein air painting or already enjoy painting outdoors.
“An excellent tutor whose inspiring step by step demonstrations and commentary was very valuable. Also his encouraging and helpful suggestions as our individual work progressed.”
Booking options
Option A – £85
Bring your own painting equipment and materials.
Option B – £95
Yardley Arts will provide:
Primed painting surfaces (canvas boards or panels)
A limited oil colour palette (6 colours)
Solvent pot
Palette
Palette knife
Solvent
Masking tape
Kitchen roll
Plastic bags (for rubbish)
If choosing Option B, you will still need to bring your own easel, brushes and painting rags.
Full joining instructions, including a recommended materials list, clothing advice and wet weather arrangements, will be sent on booking.
Please note: As this workshop is outdoors, we will contact participants two days beforehand if the weather forecast looks unsuitable. You can choose a full refund or credit towards a rescheduled date, which we will arrange as soon as possible.
DATE & TIME
Wednesday 2 September
9:30am – 4:30pm
How to book
Booking is made direct through Yardley Arts. You can email bookings@yardleyarts.org or book online below.
“David Pilgrim (ROI) is a consummate painter. He is a good communicator and teacher who can relate to the needs of his pupils well.”
About the tutor
David Pilgrim (ROI) is an award-winning professional artist with passion for painting, predominantly using oils. He studied fine art as part of a joint degree course (the other half was in pure mathematics) at Aberystwyth University and has developed a successful painting practice over many years, focusing largely on coastal and landscape subjects. David is an enthusiastic plein air painter, which also informs his studio work.
The energy that comes from the original moment is a vital element in his work. The intention is to capture the very essence of the experience of ‘being there’, in that moment, and bring this to the viewer in the most direct and impactful way possible.
In December 2012 David was elected as a full member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters and currently serves on the Council as their website officer.
Full member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) since 2012
Winner of the Dartington Crystal Chalice in recognition of outstanding service to the ROI, 2020
Winner of the Frank Herring Easel award for the painting ‘Old Harry and the blues’ at the ROI annual exhibition, 2019
Winner of the Le Clerc Fowl medal for outstanding group of paintings at the ROI annual exhibition, 2018
Winner of the Buxton Spa open competition runner’s up prize (2015)
Winner of Best plein air painting and Best small painting prizes at the Bath prize open competition (2010)
Selected by the BBC to be one of a group of artists to paint the Diamond Jubilee Pageant from the Millennium bridge (May 2012). Filming was broadcast live as part of the BBC’s coverage of the event
Website: www.davidpilgrimart.co.uk
Instagram: @davidpilgrimart
Facebook: David Pilgrim
“The level of teaching was pitched well. I felt challenged and well supported. David had an approachable manner and was generous in his advice and sharing of skills.”