A Figure in the Landscape

What to expect

We are delighted that the artist Julian Vilarrubi has agreed to return in 2027 to run this popular and inspiring course which combines working from the landscape surrounding Long House Studios with drawing and painting from the life model. "A Figure in the Landscape" is a course designed to explore the effect of adding a human figure to the landscape. In the late 18th century the artist John Thomas Smith's advised the young Constable, "Do not set about inventing figures for a landscape taken from nature, for you cannot remain an hour in any spot, however solitary, without the appearance of some living thing that will in all probability accord better with the scene and time of day than any invention of your own." In painting, artists have often placed a figure in the landscape in order to add context and engagement. By adding a figure, the landscape is transformed into an image with meaning, adding the suggestion of narrative and the human relationship with nature. Looking at artist examples for inspiration, this course will combine drawing outside in the landscape with working in the studio, placing the model in different locations to add interest, scale and narrative. In the studio students will be able to enhance their artistic skills with guidance from Juilan, exploring a range of media and techniques as well as approaches to composition, scale, expression and mood. You will investigate ways of initiating ideas and exploring personal narratives to develop your compositions. By the end of the course you will have a deeper understanding of the fascinating interplay between humans and nature and how to use this to add interest to your work. The course is suitable for all levels.