

Of castles and kings...

...and the mystery of things.

Join artist James Budden and me for A Winter's Tale art break December 9th - 16th in Southwest England. What could be better than creating art and making photographs in such beautiful surroundings?!

We hope you’ll be inspired to create your own “Winter’s Tale” during our time together. You will have the opportunity to learn new skills or expand existing ones with James's help. We will visit his private studio and watch him demonstrate a live portrait painting. You’ll also meet other local artists and discuss their unique creative process(es).

This event welcomes participants with all levels of experience to join in creating art. In our comprehensive approach, you’ll learn some tricks, techniques and methods that artists use every day, as well as secrets to making simple, quick portraits. We also will explore the fun of sketchbook and personal journal drawings, to capture the essence of the place or experience.

If a camera is your preferred mode of expression, I will show you ways to enhance your photos with light and shadow. We will work on framing a stark panorama such as Stonehenge, as well as ways to compose striking landscapes and shoot impromptu portraits.

While utilizing our art and photography skills, we’ll be based at the Eastbury in the market town of Sherborne. The Eastbury is a charming townhouse manor, featuring the highly-regarded Seasons restaurant. Guests also can enjoy the hotel’s vibrant gardens and the temptations of its new spa.

In Sherborne, we’ll be just a stone’s throw away from historic places, including the remarkable 14th-century Sherborne Abbey and ruins of Sherborne Old Castle. We’ll visit a small church once owned by Sir Walter Raleigh, where scenes from Thomas Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd were filmed. We’ll dine in restaurants praised for their fresh ingredients and innovative cuisine and maybe down a couple of pints at a local pub. We’ll be treated to a live jazz performance - and a lovely surprise or two.

Just a week before Winter Solstice, we’ll marvel at the World Heritage site Stonehenge and learn more about our Neolithic ancestors. The stones long have been associated with mysticism, with many a Pagan celebration or wedding at the site. James will guide you in making sketches of these ancient wonders, while I will present some landscape photography challenges.

Weather permitting, we’ll witness the breathtaking natural beauty of Chesil Beach, the namesake of Ian McEwan’s novel and 2017 film. We’ll view intriguing artworks at the Holburn Museum and a National Trust country house and gardens in Kingston Lacy, featuring a superb private art collection. We’ll visit the latest art exhibition at Hauser & Wirth gallery in Somerset, followed by lunch at their farm-style café.

We’ll admire the unique characteristics of the Georgian town of Bath, including its natural Roman springs and spa. We’ll take river or walking tours to see the Royal Crescent, renowned for its architecture. We’ll also shop Bath’s Christmas market, with more than 150 little chalets selling vintage or handcrafted items. Or maybe you’d like to learn to blow aqua glass in the Artisan Quarter. Later, we’ll relax with cream tea or perhaps a glass of champagne.

Our aim is by the time you return to London, you will have indulged in many of Dorset’s unique charms. And you’ll be carrying your own art and photographs preserving your memories, plus new skills to accompany you on future journeys! We look forward to welcoming you to our favourite corner of England.

Find more information here about how you can participate in our winter art break.

The charming market town of Sherborne, Dorset.



Portrait of Sam by James Budden.

Thoughts of travel by James Budden.