About
This five day course explores the visionary landscape painting of Samuel Palmer’s Shoreham period (1826 – 1835), when his work was deeply spiritual, symbolic, and poetic. Working in egg tempera and some bistre drawing, participants will study Palmer’s use of rhythmic line, luminous colour, moonlit imagery, and enclosed pastoral spaces.
Students will learn traditional egg tempera technique and make small preparatory studies, along with bistre ink drawing on gessoed paper to become familiar with the medium and techniques. We shall study Palmer’s palette and do a few colour harmony studies based on Cecil Collins teaching. Then working on a gessoed panel, either develop an imaginative landscape inspired by Palmer’s approach, or develop a painting from one of his drawings by introducing colour to a drawing.
Participants can also follow in Palmers footsteps completely and copy one of his paintings.
Themes include nocturnes, sacred rural imagery, symbolic light, trees and fields and the integration of small figures within visionary landscapes.
Key Information
Who is this course for?
All levels of ability and experience are welcome. You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
What days do I attend?
Monday – Friday, 10 – 14 August 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
How many students can attend?
14 people
Where will this course take place?
This course will take place at our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
What should I bring to class?
Students should all bring:
- Please bring an artists sketchbook/notebook for colour harmony studies and notes
- A sable or synthetic, pointed round watercolour brush in size 3. Your tutor recommends the Winsor and Newton Watercolour Series 7 brushes. Cass Art sell a wallet of four W& N Series 7 watercolour
brushes at a very reasonable price. - Other watercolour or bristle brushes can be bought if you have them, any sizes.
All other materials will be provided in the class.
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly messy. Avoid wearing baggy clothing (especially sleeves), loose jewellery, high heels or open-toed shoes.
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Course up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date of the Course. This course requires a minimum number of enrollments to run.
The School may take and use images of you and/or your work for course advertisement and social media purposes.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Tutor Biography
Lily Corbett Gale is a painter who studied drawing and painting with the visionary artist Cecil Collins from 1976 until 1989 and continues to teach his methods in life drawing. She also worked as a picture restorer and conservator for many years. She completed her MA at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in 2002.
