This course is now fully booked.

Snowdonia has a wealth of subject matter for every kind of artist, and consequently painters have been coming to this area to draw and paint the mountains, lakes and rivers for very many years. There are quiet riverside meadows and spectacular waterfalls, panoramic mountain vistas and wooded valleys, all within easy reach of the Centre. Locations will be chosen according to weather conditions and the preferences of members of the group, the aim being to spend each day outdoors. For part of the week we will try some mountain sketching and watercolour, so there will be an opportunity for the more active members to enjoy some good walking.

In the evenings there will be demonstrations on aspects of painting techniques and time to continue work on the day’s painting.To complement the practical work we shall take time to look at the work of other artists who have visited the area. For example, in the mid-nineteenth century, David Cox regularly visited Betws-y-coed to paint the beautiful surroundings. This study of other artists provides support on a practical level and as a stimulus to the imagination.

Tutor: Jeremy Yates

Jeremy Yates is a practising artist who lives and works in Snowdonia. Working predominantly, though not exclusively, in watercolour, oil and acrylics, he exhibits locally in North Wales and elsewhere. He has exhibited with the annual exhibitions of the London Watercolour Societies (RL and RWS). For many years he was a tutor on University of Wales adult art classes and lectured on History of Art for the Workers Educational Association (WEA) in the area.

Example Timetable

Course participants are requested to arrive on the first day at our reception for registration from 4.00 - 5.15pm. An introductory talk to the Centre is at 5.45pm. Dinner is at 6pm, followed by an introduction to your course. Departure is after breakfast on the final day (a packed lunch is provided for your journey home).

What's Included

Before You Attend

What to bring

You will need to bring clothing for all weathers - good weather cannot be guaranteed and even fine days can be chilly if you are standing or sitting for lengthy periods.  Good shoes or boots are advisable since some locations can be rough or muddy.

  • Warm clothing is essential
  • Sun cream and sun hat (hopefully these will be essential!)
  • Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers (can be borrowed from the Centre)
  • Outdoor footwear (walking boots and wellies can be borrowed from the Centre)
  • Day rucksack, warm hat and gloves (can be borrowed from the Centre)
  • A torch, water bottle, thermos flask and lunch box

Each artist has his or her own preferred medium and materials - oils, acrylics, watercolour, pastel etc. Please bring with you your usual materials, bearing in mind that we shall be working out-of-doors, so weight may be a factor if we have to carry equipment any distance to reach our subject.

A checklist of basic materials might include:

  • Pencils, charcoal, crayons or other drawing medium
  • Paper: cartridge, watercolour paper or pad, sketchbook
  • Board/canvas or oil painting
  • Paint - oils, acrylic, watercolour
  • Brushes - bristle for oils etc, sable or artificial for watercolours, acrylics etc.
  • Drawing board, easel, folding stool, pots/jars and other sundries, rags, tissues, turps etc.

Sorry this course has ended