Christopher Ware

Christopher Ware is a full-time professional watercolour painter.

He’s also the country’s first professional Artist in Residence on a steam railway - the NYMR which runs from Pickering to Whitby.  As a representative landscape painter he lives and works in the heart of the North York Moors national park.   Chris is exhibiting his landscapes this year in Richmond and Helmsley, as well as at his studio.

Chris works from his Open Studio at Levisham Station in Newtondale.  Each day he’s happy to welcome visitors to see him paint, look at his finished work or attend teaching sessions.

“This is a uniquely beautiful part of the country.  People find space to walk, work or just sit and enjoy the peace.  I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to make my living here,” said Chris.  “I paint the landscape in a way people recognise, but in a style that should draw an emotional response,”  he said.

An experienced teacher, Chris is happy to help beginners and intermediate watercolour painters.  “We can all benefit from better technique. Helping people improve their skill is often surprisingly simple.  But I also enjoy helping painters unlock their natural style.  That way they produce pictures which achieve what no photograph can,”  he said.  “If you’ve ever asked yourself ‘Why isn’t this painting working?’  or even ‘Why am I painting this’  I think I may be able to help!”  joked Chris.

Chris is a lifelong painter,  but used to earn a living as a BBC journalist.  Gradually his hobby grew to a point where in 1999 he was able to work part time in the newsroom.  In 2004 he took a deep breath and turned full-time professional painter.   “It was a lifelong ambition, and with the growth in sales of my pictures it seemed a gamble worth taking.”   Five years later his wife and family still think it was a good idea!

You can see more about Chris, his work, his studio (and how to get there) on his website www.WareHouseArt.com - have a look at the TV pieces about him on the site!

This three-day course welcomes both beginner- and intermediate-level watercolour painters who would like to develop their skills in landscape painting.  It aims to help you bring out your own style – not just learn to imitate the teacher!   The maximum number of painters on each course is five, to assure detailed personal tuition for all attendees.

Day 1

Arrival from mid afternoon  .Tea/coffee with homemade cake/pastries on arrival .

5.30-6.30pm  Introduction to landscape watercolours:

Christopher Ware meets the guests to talk about what the course offers, and to hear what specific areas course-members would like covered.  Please bring three pieces of your work to this session along with any visual material if you have a particular painting you want to tackle during the course.

6.30pm  A three-course dinner of home-grown local produce with Christopher so that we can develop the opening session and learn more about each others’ painting.

Day 2

8.30am Breakfast is served

9.30am -12.30 .   Session one:  Getting It All In Perspective

In Carr House Studio; a bit of theory and plenty of practice in getting the basics right in drawn perspective, as well as achieving colour perspective.  We look at how to compose a landscape painter’s palette – plenty of light refreshments to hand.

12.30 -1.30pm   Time to take a break    A light lunch will be served

1.30pm-4.30pm   Session two;  Compose Yourself:

Return to the studio to start work on composing your landscape, then depending on the weather either work in Carr House Farm studio, or outdoors – we’ll decide by a democratic vote at the time!

4.30pm .  Afternoon tea/coffee with cake/pastries

5-6pm     Extra hour’s tuition available in the studio if painters wish.

6.30pm   Dinner will be served

Day 3

8.30am Breakfast is served

9.30am  Weather dependent:  either work in Carr House Farm studio, or work at outdoor location finishing our landscapes.

12.30 Your course will finish.  You are welcome to stay for lunch

Shopping List

A list of useful items for your course can be found here

Price

For the 3 days as explained above with all meals included. Single occupancy  with double 4 poster or 2 poster beds with ensuite facilites  £300pp

If 2 persons are sharing a double/twin bedded room and taking  the course the price is £260pp

For non participating person sharing room to include breakfast  - £60  with dinner £100

Anyone wishing  to stay longer and explore the area The cost is £45 single occupancy . £60 double/twin