Workshops

Four-Week Watercolour Course

Function Room above Appledore Library | 9.30am-12pm, Wednesdays from 25th February – 18th March

This 4-week watercolour course offers a clear, structured introduction to the key skills needed to paint with confidence. Aimed at beginner to intermediate participants, it covers watercolour control, colour mixing and theory, expressive mark making, and tonal values and layering.

Each 2.5-hour session combines demonstrations, guided exercises, and individual painting time in a supportive, relaxed setting. The course is ideal for anyone looking to strengthen their foundations, develop a more expressive approach, and gain the skills to create more confident, finished watercolour paintings.


Past Workshops

These are some of my past workshops – please sign up for my newsletter if you are interesting in finding out when I will be running them again, or get in touch if you’d like to arrange a private workshop for a group.

20th November 2025

Poster for Christmas watercolour workshop

6pm-8.15pm | Sip ‘n’ Paint at Johns of Instow

Join me for a festive evening of watercolour painting! I’ll guide you through the process of painting some beautiful Christmas cards with matching gift tags, building skills in watercolour along the way.

Includes drinks (alcholic and non-alcoholic options), canapés and all painting materials.


18th September 2025

6pm-8.15pm | Sip ‘n’ Paint at Appledore Book Festival

As part of Appledore Book Festival, come and paint a beautiful North Devon scene in watercolour. All materials, step-by step guidance and a glass of wine (or non-alcoholic alternative) will be provided.


19th September 2025

10am-12.30pm | Appledore Sketch Walk with Appledore Book Festival

Join me for a sedate amble to sketch a few scenic spots in Appledore. This tutored session will help you polish your sketching skills and use watercolours to liven up your drawings. All materials will be provided.

Please note, this activity involves a short walk and areas of uneven terrain and steps. A light camping chair is recommended, or we can perch on walls/steps.


Sip ‘n’ Paint at Johns of Instow *Fully Booked*

Johns of Instow | 19 June 2025 | 6pm – 8.15pm | £45pp

I’m delighted to offer another Sip ‘n’ Paint evening at Johns of Instow!

It will be a fun and creative evening, fuelled by fizz (non-alcoholic alternatives available) and a delicious array of nibbles! We will be painting a cheerful Lundy puffin, and I will be guiding you through the process step by step.

It’s a great opportunity to relax and let your hair down in a creative way with like-minded people. Bring a friend or come alone for a lovely evening, with a painting you will be proud to take home at the end!

All materials are provided and all abilities are welcome – beginners included!


Plein Air Watercolour Workshop

Westward Ho! | 4 June 2025 | 10am-1pm

Join me for a refreshing morning of creativity and inspiration by the sea!

Poster for a plein air watercolour painting workshop in Westward Ho!

This tutored plein air watercolour workshop is your opportunity to paint the lovely coastal scenery of Westward Ho! with expert guidance and plenty of encouragement.


Watercolour Workshop

North Devon Yacht Club | 27 March 2025 | 10am-12.30pm

Paint the beautiful view from the Yacht Club with Clare’s step-by-step guidance. Discover tips and tricks for watercolour success.

Don’t miss this chance to unleash your artistic flair and enjoy a morning of inspiration and fun!


Eat Your Art Out! | Workshop and lunch

The Yard, Appledore | 14th November 2024 | 10-12.30 with lunch after

Join me for a tutored, food- themed still life painting workshop, followed by a delicious charcuterie lunch.


Lunch, drink and all materials included.


Sketching in the Garden

Workshops during Devon Open Studios | 16th and 23rd September 2022 | Northam, Devon

Come along for a fun and informal sketching session in the garden of Tadworthy Tower, Northam, where myself and fellow artist Josie Grant will be exhibiting our work during Devon Open Studios.

Devon Open Studios is a county-wide event running for two weeks from 10th – 25th September, during which artists and groups of artists open up their studios and exhibition spaces.

During the event, I will be running Sketching in the Garden workshops on Friday 16th and Friday 23rd September, from 10am – 12pm. We will be using a variety of media to sketch whatever catches our eye in the garden: the plants, trees and the historic buildings.


Appledraw

**FULLY BOOKED** Friday 20th March | Appledore

**FULLY BOOKED** – please keep an eye out for future dates, I will be running more!

Join me for a relaxed and fun sketching session in beautiful Appledore. Learn a range of sketching techniques and practise using watercolours to bring your sketches to life.

FREE sketchbook and all other materials available to borrow on the day. All abilities welcome.

Meet beside the bus stop on Marine Parade at 9.50am for a 10am start.


Watercolour Painting Workshop

Friday 18th March | Northam Burrows Centre

Paint a local landscape in watercolour with me! Over the course of the morning, I’ll guide you through painting a familiar scene from a photograph, sharing watercolour tips and tricks along the way.

Learn how to mix colours, use washes and glazing, paint wet in wet, lift out colour and paint reflections in water. Suitable for all abilities, no experience necessary.


Nature Painting Workshop

Saturday 26th March | Northam Burrows Centre

Join me for a painting workshop, during which we’ll hunt for treasures around the burrows and beach, and paint our finds back at the Northam Burrow’s Centre. Learn my sketching techniques and tricks, and discover how I use watercolour to paint natural objects.

You will create some beautiful sketches, discover (or rediscover!) the joys of watercolour, and take home your artwork and a passion for painting! All abilities welcome, no experience necessary.

This workshop begins with an easy stroll (approx 45 mins) to search for shells and natural objects to paint. Please bring a coat, we won’t let a little rain deter us! If you have questions regarding accessibility, please get in touch – we will try our best to accommodate everyone.

There will be a 45-minute break for lunch – please bring a packed lunch or make the most of the onsite café.

Places are limited to six – secure yours by booking online now. Payment will be refunded if the workshop is cancelled by myself (Clare Willcocks) or the Northam Burrows Centre. If you book a place and are unable to attend, a full refund will only be made in the event that another participant can be found.

Meet at 9.50am at the Northam Burrows Centre on Saturday 26th March. All equipment provided.