Liberace Studio is excited to announce a summer studio workshop in England’s gorgeous Dedham Vale, a region officially designated as one of the UK’s official “Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty” and an idyllic setting for artistic inspiration within easy reach of London. Steeped in the tradition of Gainsborough, Constable and Munnings, this beautiful East Anglian countryside has captivated artists for generations. The classes will be inspired by the area’s rich artistic heritage in addition to the centuries of classical instruction, supported by the great Royal Academy in London, which helped shape and fuel these great English artists. We will work in the historic eighteenth century “Assembly Rooms” in Dedham (originally built for dancing – Jane Austen style!). This picturesque village, listed as one of England’s “most beautiful”, boasts a rich assortment of pubs, restaurants, cafes, and lodging within walking distance of our art studio along with countless nearby activities such as golfing, boating, and exploring the beautiful and vast coastline.

The Class – (minimum number of students for workshop to proceed has been reached)
A variety of drawing and painting techniques will be examined and used to render the human figure and portrait with an emphasis on clarity, craftsmanship, and expression. Participants will study form, function, and dynamics of the figure and portrait while exploring the tools and characteristics of materials ranging from red chalk to oils. The first week will focus on classic drawing techniques including red chalk, trois crayon, and ink. The second will focus on oil painting in both a classic limited palette and a modern, highly chromatic alma prima approach. 

Excursions
The workshop will feature two museum excursions. The first will be to London on Friday, August 18 (an hours train ride away) exploring museums and studying drawings inside one of the many notable Print and Drawing rooms to privately view a selection works on paper rarely exhibited. The second excursion will be a private tour of the Munnings Museum, the former home of the artist Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) and his wife, Violet, where we will study his innovative use of color and dynamic paint handling. Students can also enjoy an optional trek nearby in the heart of “Constable Country” to paint and draw Plein air within the picturesque hamlet of Flatford. With average August temperatures of 73° F (23°C), students can take advantage of England’s long summer days for painting outdoors in the evenings. (scroll down to the bottom for fun links!)

Workshop details
Tuition is $1995 which includes eight days of studio instruction plus two days of museum study featuring on-location sketching. A deposit of $500 will secure a spot in the workshop. The balance of fees will be due by June 1st. Workshop deposits can be paid by check (preferred) or online through PayPal/credit card (terms listed at the below). Travel, lodging, meals and museum entrance are not included but we are happy to provide helpful information regarding hotels, airbnbs, restaurants, and the abundant local attractions in the area. A Facebook group page will be set up for participants to “meet” and find housemates, rideshares, etc., for those looking to share lodging (great options are in walking distance from the workshop). We can assist those who are not on Facebook. We have compiled some nearby ACCOMMODATION options as well as other logistical info and have info on traveling with art materials on our Supply List Page and will soon add a supply list for this workshop. All levels welcome.

We are organizing this adventure with our dear friends and workshop associates Merlyn and Andrew Bignell who live locally. Their thorough knowledge and familiarity with the area will be indispensable to us all. If you have any questions about logistics or the area feel free to contact them at merlyn.b.bignell@gmail.com. Class questions can be directed to us at rob@robertliberace.com. We do have a Facebook group page

SEE TERMS BELOW

Deposit ($500) Send check to Liberace Studio, 2826 Chain Bridge Rd, Vienna, VA 22181
or use link below:

One spot opened… yet another participant can’t come due to passport issues as of Aug 10.

Workshop Final Payment. Check is preferred but if you are outside the US or would rather use a credit card or PayPal please click the button below:


Click through photo gallery for complete images.

Studio cancellation terms
Liberace Studio reserves the right to cancel/change a workshop due to unforeseen circumstances (illness, death, etc.). In the unlikely event cancellation occurs, participants will be notified immediately and receive a full refund. Our financial liability will be limited to the amount paid to us for the workshop. 

Participant cancellation terms
If plans change due to issues beyond your control, please contact us as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly. Deposits are 80% refundable if cancelled by the participant before April 15th. 2023. After April 15th 2023, deposits are non-refundable. The remaining balance from participants is payable before June 1st, 2023. Remaining balances not received by this date will result in the participant’s place becoming available to others on the waiting list for the workshop. After June 1st 2023, fees are non-refundable.

Robert Liberace and his agents act only in the manner of providing services and cannot accept the responsibility in whole or in part for delayed departures or arrivals, missed carrier connections, accidents, loss, “acts of God”, or damage or injury to persons or property. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary or arrangements in the event it becomes necessary or advisable, or to substitute a teacher in the case of emergency. By attending this workshop, participants acknowledge and accept these conditions and agree to the Liberace Studio classroom rules.

LINKS
for exploring the area (We can add more so feel free to send any you’d like to share with the group)

A 9.5 mile scenic walking loop around Constable country.

Exploring Dedham Vale

Exploring Constable country

Flatford guide from the National Trust

Ipswich Christchurch Mansion art museum

ABOUT THE ARTIST/INSTRUCTOR:
Robert Liberace is internationally known for his inspiring and informative teaching style. He teaches at The Art League of Virginia and holds workshops throughout the U.S. and abroad. He regularly tours students through the great museums of Europe, garnering from his extensive knowledge of the old European masters and is a visiting instructor at The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, demonstrating old masters’ techniques. Rob is a distinguished faculty member and on the advisory board of The American Portrait Society. Rob has been named a “Modern Master” by the Art Renewal Center and has received the grand prize awards for both the Art Renewal Center and American Portrait Society competitions. His work can be seen at robertliberace.com and artrenewal.org.