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Four-Day Portrait Painting Masterclass
with Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2023 Wendy Barratt

Portrait Painting with Wendy Barratt at Ampleforth Abbey. Full details follow.

​Winner of the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2023 Wendy Barratt will team up with North Yorks Art School to deliver a Four-Day Portrait Painting Masterclass at Ampleforth Abbey from Tuesday 19th - Friday 22nd August 2025.

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This four-day portrait painting masterclass will focus on encouraging students to think about more than just the technicalities of painting a portrait and look at ways to get a connection between artist and sitter.

 

The first day will focus on painting exercises to encourage playfulness with paint, ways to connect with the model, and the rigour of keen observation in order to gain a likeness. 

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Students will be encouraged to develop their own unique way of looking, seeing and working as well as pushing their use of paint and tools in new directions. The mechanics of paint - how colour, tone, values work; issues to do with applying paint as well as the benefits of a limited-colour palette will also be covered.

 

Days two and three will be working through the process of making a portrait. You will be encouraged to work through problems in creative ways and to engage with your way of expressing what you are seeing whilst developing a sense of connection with your sitter. You will have group tuition, demonstrations as well as one-to-one support throughout.

 

Day four will be dedicated solely to life drawing. Using a range of drawing materials and working from mixed-length poses, you will be engaging in exercises that will encourage keen observation as well as self-expression.

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Course Materials


All necessary materials are included in the course fee, ensuring participants have access to high-quality tools and supplies, including:

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- Oil Paint

- Brushes

- Palette

- Thinners

- Canvas / Paper 

- Range of drawing materials for life drawing including charcoal and pastels. 

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Although Wendy will focus on using oil paint as her medium of choice, participants are welcome to bring along acrylic paints, pastels and any preferred brushes etc. ​​

About Wendy Barratt

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Wendy has exhibited with the Royal Society of Portrait Painters as well becoming Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2023 winning a commission to paint Dr Jane Goodall for the National Portrait gallery collection. She has since exhibited at the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery as well as the Royal Society of Portrait painter in 2023 and 2024 and is a member of the Contemporary British Portrait Painters (CBPP).

 

Wendy's portraiture is led by the emotion, expression and human connection between artist and sitter as well as the shapes and connections she sees in her subjects. Wendy is keen to develop each student’s abilities of looking, connecting and expressing themselves with an emphasis on keen observation as well as encouraging a playful approach to both tools and the paint. For more information about Wendy and her work please visit: wendybarratt.com

Securing your place on this course

North Yorks Art School retreats are tailored to suit your preferences, with two flexible options to choose from. See below for details.

Option One: 

Four-Day Course Only

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This option is perfect for those who prefer to arrange their own accommodation while attending the course, which includes:

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  • Comprehensive tuition from an expert instructor.

  • All necessary materials, tools, and resources.

  • Lunch and refreshments each day, keeping you energised and focused.

 

With this choice, participants are free to explore and book nearby accommodation that suits their needs, offering flexibility and the chance to enjoy the beautiful surrounding area at their leisure.

Option 2:

Four-Day Course + All-Inclusive Stay at Ampleforth Abbey

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For a truly immersive experience, choose our course with all-inclusive accommodation. This package includes everything from the week-long course as well as a four or five-night stay at the historic Ampleforth Abbey.

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Guests staying at the Abbey enjoy:

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  • Comfortable accommodations within the tranquil and inspiring Abbey grounds.

  • All meals provided, offering delicious and nourishing cuisine throughout your stay.

  • The opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful and contemplative atmosphere of this retreat.

 

By choosing this option, you can focus entirely on your creative journey, leaving the details of accommodation and meals to us. 

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There are a number of room options available and you also have the option to bring along someone not attending the course for a small additional fee.

Other NYAS events at Ampleforth Abbey

How to Find Us

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bookaclass.org events in Ampleforth are located at:

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AMPLEFORTH ABBEY

ALBAN ROE HOUSE

YORK

YO62 4EN

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Road
Ampleforth Abbey is a 45 minute drive from the centre of York, 50 minutes from Harrogate and 25 minutes from Thirsk by car. Please note, we have a 10mph speed limit on site and we ask that drivers adhere to the speed restriction to ensure the safety to all pedestrians on site.

 

Once you arrive, please follow the green 'Visitor Parking' signs which will take to the car park at Alban Roe House Visitor Centre.

Rail
Trains run regularly from King's Cross, London to York. The journey takes approximately two hours and trains run at half hourly intervals during the day. Times are available on the National Rail website.

Bus
Reliance Buses, service 31X, provide a bus service from York to Ampleforth.

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