In Person – Friday, 6th November 2026 | 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Westbury Arts Centre, Foxcovert Road, Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes, MK5 6AA

Immerse yourself in a day of colour, atmosphere and creative exploration in this inspiring oil painting workshop led by Helen Simms.

Abstracting the Landscape invites you to move beyond literal representation and discover new, expressive ways of responding to the landscape. Working with oil paint, you’ll explore how colour, shape, texture and mark-making can transform a familiar scene into something atmospheric, personal and abstract.

Whether you are completely new to painting or an experienced painter looking to loosen up your technique and refresh your approach, this supportive workshop is designed to encourage experimentation and creative confidence. No previous experience with oil paint is necessary.

Through demonstrations, guided exercises and supported painting time, Helen will share her approach to simplifying the landscape and building an expressive painting through layers, tonal variation, colour and intuitive mark-making.

Set within the beautiful, light-filled historic surroundings of Westbury Arts Centre, you’ll enjoy a relaxed and focused day of painting, with plenty of opportunity for individual guidance and feedback.

During the workshop you will:

• Explore ways of abstracting and simplifying the landscape

• Learn how to identify the essential shapes, tones and rhythms within a landscape

• Explore oil painting techniques, including layering, blending and creating texture

• Experiment with colour to create mood, atmosphere and depth

• Develop a looser, more confident and expressive painting technique

• Explore different brushes, tools and mark-making techniques

• Learn how to build a painting without becoming too attached to literal representation

• Work towards creating your own atmospheric, abstract landscape painting

Workshop Highlights

• Maximum of 10 participants, allowing for plenty of individual guidance and feedback

• All oil paints and core materials provided

• Suitable for beginners and experienced painters alike

• Demonstrations and guided exercises throughout the day

• Plenty of supported time to develop your own painting

• Tea, coffee and light refreshments available throughout the day

• Option to explore nearby Westcroft for lunch or bring a packed lunch to enjoy on-site

This is a welcoming, relaxed workshop where there is no pressure to produce a particular type of painting. Instead, the emphasis is on looking, experimenting and discovering your own response to the landscape.

You don't need to have painted in oils before. Equally, if you already have experience with oils, the day offers an opportunity to loosen up your painting practice, step away from traditional representation and explore a more intuitive and abstract approach.

What I Will Provide

I will provide:

• A selection of oil paints

• Paint thinner and Liquin

• Glass jars

• Rags

• Canvas or board to paint on

• Easels

• Paper and pencils

• Rulers

• A selection of tools for mark-making

What to Bring

You are asked to bring:

• A range of brushes – see my recommendations below

• A palette

• A photograph of a landscape to work from

• An apron or old shirt to protect your clothing

• A packed lunch if you'd like to stay at Westbury during the break

When choosing your reference photograph, I recommend selecting an image with good tonal variation – ideally with a clear distinction between lighter and darker areas. Colours should be as true to the original scene as possible. You can bring a printed photograph, or use a phone or iPad, but please make sure your device has enough charge to last the day. I will also have some spare reference images available.

Recommended Brushes

You do not need to purchase these exact brushes – the recommendations are simply intended to give you an idea of the types and sizes that I find particularly useful.

I recommend bringing:

• 1" flat/wash brush – my preference is the Princeton Velvetouch Series 3950 Wash, Size 1"

• At least one mop brush – I particularly like the Silver Brush Round Mop, Size 14

• A couple of large flat brushes – such as the Liquitex Professional Freestyle Large Scale Broad Flat/Varnish, 2"

• Any other brushes you already own and would like to experiment with

• Palette knives, if you have them and would like to explore different ways of making marks

I will have some spare brushes and equipment available, so please don't feel that you need to buy lots of new materials specifically for the workshop.

Optional Materials

If you already work with oils, you are welcome to bring:

• Linseed oil

• Poppyseed oil

• Walnut oil

• Other oil painting mediums

• Any additional oil colours you'd particularly like to work with

These are completely optional and are not necessary for taking part in the workshop.

Taking Your Painting Home

Please bear in mind that oil paintings take some time to dry and will usually still be wet at the end of the workshop.

You will therefore need to think about how you will transport your painting home without damaging the surface. A cardboard box or shallow box can be useful for carrying a wet painting, particularly if it allows the painting to be protected while keeping the surface clear.

I recommend bringing something suitable to transport your work if possible. I'll be happy to advise you on the best way to carry your painting home at the end of the day.

Parking

• There is a free on-site parking, with limited number of spaces available for cars

A Day of Oil Painting & Creative Exploration

Whether you're picking up a paintbrush for the first time or looking to take your existing painting practice in a new direction, Abstracting the Landscape is an opportunity to slow down, experiment and loosen up.

Come ready to play with colour, make marks, take a few creative risks – and enjoy a full day of painting.

Spaces are limited to maintain a high level of individual support. Early booking is recommended.

Please see the cancellation & transfer policy within the courses section. By booking, you are agreeing to these terms.