Schedule for the Weekend - this will be firmly created later.

Friday:

  • Optional pub meet in the evening, venue TBC

Saturday:

  • 09:30 - Introduction and ice breaker exercises, followed by a couple of exercises looking at the fascinating scenes and complexities of urban life in Belfast

  • 12:30-13:30 - Lunch break

  • 13:30 - 16:00 - En plein air sketching, weather permitting. With some 'cool down' exercises at the end of the day to relax and have fun.

  • 17:00 onwards - Colin and I will head out for some more sketching and drinks with any who wish to join!

Sunday:

  • 08:00 - Optional coffee meet, before heading to the centre

  • 09:30 - 12:30 - Sketching in and around the gallery, with a focus on building on the challenges and techniques encountered the day before.

  • 12:30-13:30 - Lunch break

  • 13:30-16:00 - More inside-outside sketching, depending on weather. Here we will encourage more independent ideas, and capturing of scenes that you've had your eye on as we've wondered around on the other days.

FAQs

What is there for lunch?

There is a cafe on site, and a plethora of options just outisde!

What about coffee?

Coffee is available from the cafe!

Do I need an outside seat/stool/camping chair?

This could be a useful addition indeed. There are places to sit and perch around the city, but if you usually use a portable seat, and it fits in your baggage, then bring it. It is not, however, absolutely necessary and Toby and Colin will not be bringing their own seats!

What other equipment do I need?

Everything is listed in the course pages.

If you don't have something that is listed, it really won't be vital! Bring the size of paper and sketchbook that you are most comfortable with. That is the same for you colours, inks and anything else you might use.

The aim of the weekend is that you enjoy yourself, and feel more comfortable in your style. As much as a small army of Toby and Colin clones would be fun (!!) it's even more fun if everyone is enjoying being happy in themselves 😀

What if it's raining? or too hot?

Do prepare for the weather with a coat/umbrella and sun cream and hats. We won't be outside if the weather is awful, but we might still venture out to get some reference material and work on very quick sketches to build on inside.

Some of the workshops look quite long to be outside?

We will never be far from our venue, there will always be the option for some of the group to return and sketch inside, or even go to the cafe and have a break for a little while. Colin and I will make sure that you feel comfortable doing this, and if there is a group (or even just one person) that wants to be back inside, Colin and I will divide and conquer and make sure that both groups have our attention.