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Natural History Watercolour Workshop at Chesil

18 October 2025 @ 10:00 am 19 October 2025 @ 4:00 pm

Join us for this two-day natural history art workshop based at the Wild Chesil Centre. This friendly course is suitable for all levels from beginners to burgeoning artists, in fact anyone who would like to improve their watercolour illustrating technique. Lead by two local artists there will plenty of time to ask questions, learn as you paint and improve your knowledge of the wildlife of the area.

In October, bird migration on Chesil Beach will be in full swing and it’s the perfect time to capture the spectacle on canvas. There is often a variety of wildfowl and waders out on the mudflats, including Brent geese, oystercatchers, dunlin and maybe even a patrolling peregrine falcon. The course is divided between time in the classroom and time outside on the Chesil and Fleet Nature Reserve looking for subjects to illustrate. We will explore the strandline for driftwood, mermaids purses, feathers, seaweed, shells and other interesting natural flotsam.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. You will need to bring your own packed lunch or you will be able to purchase something from the onsite cafe.

During the workshop you will be spending some time outside on uneven ground so please wear walking boots, outdoor clothing and waterproofs if wet. See listing for full kit list of the painting materials you will need to bring to the course.

Please wear walking boots, outdoor clothing and waterproofs if wet. There isn’t a lot of walking involved but the terrain is uneven and on pebbles.

The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre

Portland DT4 9XE + Google Map
01305 206191

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