Drawing and Painting the Constable Way

It will be structured with intervals where we will look at images of Constable’s practices, how he used media and composition principles.

Then demonstrations either inside or out, and set tasks to explore drawing methods, watercolour techniques and ideas for gathering your visual information in different ways to create a variety of compositions.  Also, at intervals you will have options to develop your work more inside, or go out around Flatford to gather more observations.

There will be options to work from scenes in and around the field centre as well as from images provided or that you bring along, so you can carry on whatever the weather.  It’s all about skills and also the option of Constable’s influence or your own inspiration and creativity.

Steve Joyce

Steve has been practicing his art and teaching art in a variety of further education colleges and other contexts for over 25 years.  He studied Fine Art at Norwich School of Art and attained a BA (Hons), then later MA in Contemporary Art & Professional Practice at Colchester Institute.  He has a wealth of experience from his diverse practice and teaching and great enthusiasm to share his fascination for how pictures can be made differently.
Steve will be the Flatford Artist in Residence for 2026
For further information and examples of previous student work:
Instagram: stevejoyceartist

www.facebook.com/creativesketchbooking
www.stevejoyce.co/teaching/

Residential accommodation at Flatford Mill is provided within our historic Grade I listed buildings. Rooms are clean, comfortable and functional, but are intentionally simple and should be considered field centre accommodation rather than hotel-standard accommodation. Many guests value the character and heritage of the site, although facilities reflect the age and nature of the buildings.

Whilst most rooms are either en-suite or have a dedicated bathroom, there are some rooms in The Mill that share showers and toilets at the end of the hall. If this is unsuitable for you please make the office staff aware upon booking or as soon as possible.

Please be aware that you are visiting a Field Centre that caters in the main for school parties; the accommodation is basic and dormitory style, but warm and comfortable.

Arrival day

Check-in is between 1600 and 1800. If you are arriving after 1800, please advise us so we can arrange a self-check-in.

You will meet the tutor at dinner, following which you will have your first session.

• 
  Expert Tuition
• 
  Free Wi-Fi
• 
  Full Board Accommodation
• 
  Hot and Cold Drinks
• 
  Picnic Lunch

Full board accommodation and picnic lunch is available for resident bookings only.

Refreshments are included for all, but non-resident bookings are advised to bring a packed lunch with you.

What to bring

Essentials:

• Drawing Paper or Sketchbook as you prefer, up to A4 is ok or larger if you prefer (weight of paper 140gsm Cartridge Paper at least is best) Small size is easier to work on if you want to draw at the exhibition visit
• Graphite pencils options HB, B, 2B or if you prefer heavier 4B or more
• Watercolour Paints (any preferred kind tubes or pans, any colour range)
• Brushes for watercolour  – Sable, Synthetic or Blended as preferred – recommend  Small size 3 or 4 , Larger size 6 or 8

Other useful items:

• Eraser
• Sharpener or Craft knife

Optional:  if you plan to work in various media as Constable did

• Your own resource images to work from if you prefer, or use those provided

Equipment Provided:
I provide a range of resource images/photographs to work from and some demonstration examples.