ENGLAND!!!
Intensive Figure and Portrait with Rob Liberace
Experience Sherborne, in England’s West Country, August 10-21, 2026

Registration begins on Monday November 24th at 12PM Eastern Time


Hosted by Rob and the Liberace family, this special two-week workshop takes place in the charming and historic market town of Sherborne, in the heart of England’s West Country and home to two castles and the magnificent Sherborne Abbey. The workshop will be held in the Digby Memorial Church Hall, which stands in the heart of town near the Abbey. Its graceful Gothic stonework, tall arched windows, and vaulted interior echo Sherborne’s rich medieval past, creating an awe-inspiring setting for artistic study. Surrounded by the rolling Dorset countryside that inspired the novels of Thomas Hardy, Sherborne offers a perfect blend of history, beauty, and creative energy. (See links at bottom of page for exploring the area.)

Week One — The Classical Figure: From Chalk to Grisaille

This immersive week explores the expressive range of the human figure through two of art’s most enduring traditions — the warm, sculptural line of red chalk drawing and the tonal depth of grisaille (monochrome) painting.

Early sessions will emphasize the clarity of line, anatomy, and gesture using natural red chalks and conté. As the week unfolds, participants will transition toward grisaille studies in oil, exploring tonal design, light, and atmosphere. The combination of chalk and paint allows students to grasp both the linear and mass-oriented approaches central to classical figure construction.Through demonstration and individual guidance, Rob will show how to bridge drawing and painting traditions creating figures that balance sculptural form with expressive vitality. Rendering the clarity and strength of anatomical form will be highlighted, emphasizing how the underlying structure of muscle and bone gives vitality and conviction to the figure

Week Two — Alla Prima Portrait: Classical to Contemporary

The second week will focus on the art of alla prima portrait painting with models wearing inspiring costume. We will explore both modern, dynamic approaches and controlled, deliberate methods rooted in classical principles. Students will work from the live costumed model as Rob demonstrates varied palette strategies—from the limited tonal harmony of the old masters to the vibrant color of painters like Sargent, Zorn, and Sorolla.

Emphasis will be placed on brushwork, design, and color relationships to achieve portraits that combine freshness with structure. Each day will include demonstration and personalized guidance to help participants refine their technique and develop a personal approach that unites expressive freedom with classical discipline. Rob will also place special emphasis on rendering a variety of fabric textures from the soft folds of classical cotton and linen to the glinting reflections of polished armor. 

Optional Excursions:

Participants will have the opportunity to explore the stunning Dorset countryside that inspired Thomas Hardy’s beloved novels. Optional weekend outings may include visits to Sherborne Castle, Sherborne Old Castle, or excursions to nearby villages such as Cerne Abbas and Abbotsbury, offering perfect locations for plein-air sketching and photography. These optional activities allow participants to experience the poetic scenery that has stirred artists and writers for centuries.

Workshop Details:

Tuition is $1,995 and includes ten days of studio instruction with two models each day in the historic Digby Memorial Hall.

Deposit: $500 for both weeks secures a place in the workshop. The remaining balance is due by June 1, 2026. Registration opens on December 2, 2025, at 12 PM (ET). Payments can be made online via PayPal or credit card using the registration button below (please review the terms listed at the end of this page).

Travel, lodging, and meals are not included, but we’re happy to provide information on local hotels, Airbnbs, restaurants, and attractions. A Facebook group will be available for participants to coordinate lodging and rideshares—many accommodations are within easy walking distance of the workshop.

We have compiled some nearby ACCOMMODATION options as well as other logistical info, as well as a Supply List Page with materials and travel notes for this workshop. All levels welcome.

Workshop Deposit
You may use this link below to pay via credit card or PayPal. If you prefer to send a check please let us know at rob@robertliberace.com in order to secure your spot.

Registration begins on November 24th at 12PM Eastern Time

Deposit Sherborne Workshop: $500

Workshop Final Payment (Due June 2). A check or US/UK bank Transfer is ideal for us (address below). Please let us know if another method is more convenient

If you’d prefer to pay in pounds, please let us know.

In the US, Please send a check to Liberace Studio at 2826 Chain Bridge Rd Vienna,Virginia 22181.

SEE TERMS BELOW

Sherborne Castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh is the newer of the two castles in Sherborne. It was later (and still) owned by the Digby family. We’ll be working in Digby Hall nearby.
From Cheap Street to the Abbey
The 9th century Cerne Giant (believed to be Hercules and a local saint before that) is about 10 miles away. We’ll have to take a hike up to see him!
Digby Hall where we will work
Sherborne Abbey’s magnificent 15th century fan ceiling
Sketch old Sherborne castle’s dramatic ruins from the 1100s
Sherborne’s Cheap Street dates back to Saxon times and is full of shops and restaurants
The Dorset landscape is about as perfect as you can get!
Digby Hall, near the town center, is a perfect place for a workshop!
Talk from the Essex workshop
Dorset country!
One of Rob’s demos from last summer in Essex.
Sunset just outside Sherborne
Cheap Street!
Sherborne Abbey, founded in the 10th century, was first a cathedral founded in 705. It is a half block from the workshop.

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. 2026. After April 15th 2026, deposits are non-refundable. The remaining balance from participants is payable before June 1st, 2026. 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 2026, 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)

Sites in town (walkable):

Sherborne Abbey
Sherborne Old Castle
Sherborne Castle and Gardens

Further Afield:

Cerne Abbas Giant (shown above – 11 miles away) The giant towers over the gorgeous little ancient town, above the site of an ancient abbey. Breathtaking walk! Great program on YouTube with most recent discoveries about the monastery and giant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY68mzYXWK8
Cadbury Castle Hillfort, legendary “Camelot” location (15-20 miles)
Stourhead (14 miles away – one of the greatest landscape gardens – some of Pride and Prejudice filmed there)
Hambledon Hill prehistoric hill fort with gorgeous views – nine miles away
Weymouth Beach and Harbor – 23 miles
Lyme Regis – 25 miles away. Beautiful seaside town. Jane Austen land and part of the Jurassic coast
Montacute House 12 miles away. This magnificent home and gardens in a beautiful, peaceful village is a masterpiece of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture and design.
Bradford-on-Avon – 28 miles away. This lovely market town near Bath is often called “Mini Bath” with its honey colored Cotswold stone cottages, 13th century Bridge, 8th century Saxon church, lots of shops, and a great little art gallery!
Dorchester – 20 miles away. We were walking through this gorgeous historic town shortly after I’d read the Thomas Hardy Classic “The Mayor of Casterbridge” and realized it “was” Casterbridge, complete with the Roman Amphitheatre! Lovely place.