Capturing Water in Oils

Event Details

Thursday 6 November |10am - 4pm 
£125 per person includes access to the garden and farmyard

Join Peak District artist Sue Nichol for a unique oil painting masterclass in the beautiful Chatsworth Garden art studio.

Together with like-minded amateur artists, you will explore how to capture water in all its moods in your artwork — from dramatic storms and sunlit ripples to calm, grey days where everything feels monochrome.

The day will cover:

• How to mix colours to reflect different lighting conditions
• How to create the look and feel of wet, moving water
• How to convey the energy and motion of waves

Sue will guide you step by step through the oil painting process, from planning a strong composition to working confidently with your materials, offering personalised feedback throughout.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with oil paint as well as cold wax, painting knives, and pigment sticks—learning how to use traditional media in a fresh, expressive way. You’re welcome to experiment as much as you like. 

This workshop is ideal for both complete beginners and more experienced artists looking to broaden their skills or for ways to loosen their style and experiment with compatible mediums. 

Materials

Sue will provide all materials, including a selection of reference images, however, you are also encouraged to bring your own photos for inspiration.

Participants are welcome to bring any favourite colours, a small easel, a pochard box or other support. 

Please bring an apron, smock or overalls to protect your clothes. 

Refreshments

The workshop includes a delicious lunch prepared by the team at Chatsworth Farm Shop. This consists of a freshly made sandwich, a traybake, a piece of fruit, crisps, and a drink. Tea and coffee are also provided.

Please be aware that our produce is made in an environment where all allergens are present.

Garden and Farmyard Access

Access to Chatsworth Garden and Farmyard is included with your ticket, enabling you to explore at your own pace after the workshop. View opening times. 

Meeting Point

Please meet at 9.50am at the top garden gate next to the Stables for a prompt start at 10am. 

Accessibility

The Old Potting Shed is fully accessible, including access to an accessible toilet. 

If you have any questions about accessibility or require a carer ticket, please email education@chatsworth.org 

About Sue Nichol

Sue is a long-standing member of the Peak District Artisan Group and a professional artist with many years of experience. She exhibits regularly with Staithes Gallery and The Old School Gallery, Muker.

Of her own work, Sue says: 

“The wild hills and moors of North Yorkshire and Derbyshire provide a challenge, and I love to paint them as they are exposed to the extremes and intensity of light. I try to capture a particular atmosphere created, sometimes fleetingly, by swiftly changing weather conditions and am fascinated by nature’s ability to present a landscape in so many different tempers. I hope my viewers can uncover in my work some of the magic I feel in the places I am inspired to paint.”

Learn more about Sue Nichol