Drawing Weekend, July 10,11 & 12 2026
Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK
The sixth Drawing Weekend, the second year in its new home, this weekend is about getting together in a small group to share drawing and art in an calm, informal and supportive environment.
Guided by an experienced teacher, Caroline Homfray, you’ll have two whole days away from distractions for drawing and painting, and there’ll be the opportunity to pursue whatever you wish or to carry out some playful explorations with guidance and support.
The Old School Room in Belton estate village will give us plenty of quiet space to work in, and we will start there with some guided warm-up exercises using a variety of media.
We will have access to the Belton Estate with all that has to offer: house, park, gardens and glasshouse. Lady Marian Alford of Belton House was one of the founders of the Royal School of Art Needlework, now the RSN. Some of her embroidery and a copy of her book Needlework as Art is on display in the house.
If weather permits, we will take time to explore the gardens and glasshouse, take sketchbooks and cameras, and bring our images and ideas back to work with in the hall, so this will be a more active weekend with some walking, and standing. We can do some drawing whilst in public in a small supportive group.
I’ll take you through ways of recording quickly, what to record and lead you through some exercises at working from memory. We’ll draw together out and about, for those that wish. We will also have an inspiring collection of still-life objects to work from in our room.
Technical guidance is available, as well as a chance to reflect on your work with Caroline and as a group.
There will be no more than 10 students.
What is included.
10th July: 2 -5 possible afternoon meet at Belton, to be confirmed.
Friday night: Optional. Meet the other participants for drinks and informal chat, usually in Caroline’s garden.
11th and 12th: Two days of art tuition based in the Old School Room, Belton, with access to the grounds of Belton House.
Buffet lunch provided both days plus tea, coffee and lactose-free and caffeine-free alternatives and cold drinks.
Materials
Some materials will be available: watercolour pencils, oil pastels, graphite pencils, fineliner pens, watercolour sets, basic selection of brushes and multi-media paper. You are welcome to make use of these. Let me know if you want me to provide an easel, drawing baord, paper etc.
If you have your own preferred media, brushes etc and paper, please feel free to bring what you want to use. It is often better to get to know your own materials and equipment.
What is not included.
Please make your own arrangements for accommodation, and for breakfasts and dinner. Grantham has a Travelodge, Premier Inn, some small independent hotels and the Angel and Royal if you really want to splash out! Local info will be provided but do your own research.
optional socialising
In previous years Caroline’s partner has been persuaded to cook for us in the evenings! That may happen again…. Alternatively a group meal somewhere can be organised: pay for your own meal but spend it with others.
To Book
Please fill out the form and you will be emailed with payment details.
Where:
The Old School House, Belton Estate, Grantham, Lincolnshire
NG32 2LW
About the Venue:
The Old School Room is a large space with kitchen, courtyard and access to Belton Estate.
Parking: Small car park & on-lane parking. Belton House NT car park about 5 mins walk away.
Accessibility: there is a ramp and one step in to the Old School Room, and two steps down to the toilet facilities and to the kitchen. The estate has accessible toilets and ramps in some parts of the gardens.
Days and times:
10th, Friday: 2 -5 possible afternoon meet, to be confirmed.
11th, Saturday 10-4
12th, Sunday 10-4
Cost
£226
Accommodation, breakfast and evening meals are not included – local information will be provided.
To Book
Please use the contact form at left, to receive BACS payment information.
Map
Caroline Homfray 