Artist Holiday in Cornwall, 29 June - 4 July

In July 2013 I moved to Cornwall to begin a Master's degree in Fine Art at the University Falmouth. Oliver West's plein air printmaking course was an excellent introduction to the area, and some lovely people as well.  

Oliver's garden provides an inspiring place to work and relax.

printmaking in the garden

The welcoming atmosphere, beautiful landscape and Oliver's warm home made for an encouraging, inspiring environment. I dove right into trying out new techniques and personalised, creative exploration. I can't say enough about the time spent here.

View of St. Michael's Mount, from a second story window in Oliver's home.

Gorgeous meals and good company

 Oliver West is a humble and gracious host, as well as a talented artist, patient teacher and mentor. 

In the five days I was there, I tried etching, drypoint, monotypes and monoprints. At the time I considered this holiday to be fun experimentation, with the resulting work being rough sketches and a way to relearn forgotten techniques. However, over this last year of pursuing a master's in fine art, the prints I made at Oliver's have become an entire new body of work and the processes I undertook there have greatly informed my postgraduate journey. I found myself revisiting these plein air prints, transforming them into finished pieces that have inspired the direction of my dissertation.  My portfolio blog contains examples. 

Early morning in the printing area, before we made our creativity made mess of things.

A two minute walk from Oliver's front door, provides room to explore with a sketchbook or camera. 

I enjoyed watching the changing light on the drying rocks and sketching their bold forms.

Each day provided time to soak in the surroundings, to explore alone or with friends.

Oliver's mobile printing set-up allowed for a mini adventure; a day of plein air, etching and printmaking. This open field led down to picturesque coves and sparklingly clear coastal waters.

For more information on Oliver West's artist holiday in Cornwall visit http://www.oliverwestfinearts.com/printmaking/ 

Please check with Oliver for most recent 2014 information. Prices are estimated at:

£340 for the course, facilities use and tutorials

£243 for accommodation and meals

For more information please visit Oliver's website at oliverwest.net  or email Oliver at  oliver@oliverwest.net