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Painting - A bold approach with Tessa Pearson.

Sunday 28 September 2025 17:00
Friday 3 October 2025 14:00

Coombe Farm Studios (map)

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In this course Tessa will introduce you to the fabulous techniques for making monoprints using a silkscreen.

In this course Tessa will introduce you to the fabulous techniques for making monoprints using a silkscreen. This very experimental and unpredictable printmaking method uses no prepared matrix and each print is basically a one off painting created from layers of handpainted and drawn imagery pulled through a screen . Tessa will share her own techniques and we will also explore additional elements of drawn marks and collage with cut stencils. Imagery will be drawn from sketchbook explorations , and time will be spent considering colour and composition. This course is suitable for all abilities with a sense of adventure, prepared to embrace the unexpected!

“My unique painted monotypes are created by painting directly onto the unmasked open mesh of a silkscreen, covering the whole area before pulling the paint through the mesh using a blade. This is then repeated to build up layers of colour. The textures and mark making are spontaneous and unrepeatable which lead to an exciting and unique painting. Sometimes I draw back into the work or add an additional layer of woodblock imagery. My current work is inspired by colour and pattern in my garden from sketches made directly from the borders. The papers I use are either 300g Arches 88 or 410g tub sized Somerset.The colour is acrylic, usually Golden or Schminke artist quality with acrylic screen medium”

**EXPERIENCE LEVEL**: This course is designed for all abilities from beginners to more advanced painters - essentially Tessa will work with you at your level during the week so you can progress your work and develop new techniques.
**OUTLINE SCHEDULE:** Sunday // 5-7pm Residents arrive 7pm non residents arrive followed by welcome drinks 8pm dinner Monday-Thursday // Breakfast for residents 8.30am, tuition starts at 9,30am for all. 1pm Lunch, tuition resumes 2-5pm.
Friday // Breakfast for residents 8.30am, final tuition session runs 9.30am-1pm followed by final lunch 1-2pm
**ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:** Residential and non-residential spaces available. NB residents are not required to share bedrooms, see accommodation for more info.

**COST**: £861 + VAT for residential which covers all your tuition, accommodation and food from arrival on Sunday through to departure after lunch on Friday. Non-residential fees are £662 + VAT include all tuition, welcome drinks on Sunday and lunch from Mon-Friday.
**MATERIALS LIST:** All art materials are provided for this course which is reflected in the price. However, please do bring the following: a selection of your favourite brushes, paint brushes (stiff oil painting type) a couple of old towels, an apron, rubber gloves, collection of pots/ jam jars with lids, sketchbook.

**HOW TO GET HERE:** Our address is TQ6 0JA [What3words: What3words: fulfilled.exploring.branching] and we have plenty of free onsite parking. Trains > nearest station is Totnes then we can arrange lift shares or send taxi details. We are about 20 minutes from the station.
**HOW MANY PEOPLE ON THE COURSE?** Max 8 people to allow the tutor to give everyone enough attention and time on the press.

SEASON

Spring at Coombe, particularly April and May is a gorgeous time of year. Starting to get warm, flowers and greenery coming out. We will be in the studio and going out sketching down the lanes weather permitting. If it’s cooler weather the fires will be on in the studios and accommodation. If it’s sunnier and warmer we may even get to eat outside. Whatever the weather, the combination of studio and great location mean we have options each day