Summer Course 2026 | 29 June – 3 July
Join artist and teacher Tom Benjamin for an immersive five-day painting course set in the heart of Dorset’s Blackmore Vale.
Drawing inspiration from the working farm and the surrounding landscape, this course invites you to slow down, look closely, and paint directly from life. Over the week, Tom guides you through painting and drawing techniques while encouraging you to develop your own ideas and personal approach.
“A little heaven on earth – the perfect place for a perfect painting course in the UK.” — Course participant
The course focuses primarily on working outdoors, painting in front of the subject. To keep the experience relaxed and personal, numbers are kept deliberately small. The unique setting offers a rich variety of subjects: wide-open landscapes, intimate studies of trees and water, and — when the moment feels right — the animals on the farm. All are within easy walking distance, and the barn provides studio space and shelter when needed.
Teaching takes place both in small groups working in the same location and through individual guidance. Participants also have the freedom to paint in their own chosen locations around the farm, allowing you to follow what most inspires you. Tom often paints alongside participants, demonstrating techniques as you work on quick, spontaneous oil studies as well as more sustained pieces developed over time.
The course is suitable for all levels of experience. Tuition is tailored to your current ability, with thoughtful, supportive teaching designed to help you move your painting forward with confidence.
Course Leader
Tom Benjamin paints landscapes, townscapes and coastal views in oils, working outside in front of the subject in all weathers. He teaches extensively throughout the UK and Europe and has regular solo exhibitions with St Annes Galleries, Lewes. He also shows with The Russell Gallery, London, and Browns Gallery, Tain, Scotland, and is a member of the New English Art Club.
Accommodation
For a truly immersive experience, you’re welcome to stay on the farm in one of our beautiful bell tents, equipped with comfortable mattresses (bring your own bedding) and including breakfast each morning. Camping costs £35 per person per night and allows you to paint from dawn to dusk if you wish, fully immersed in the rhythms of the farm.
Evening meals are not provided (except on Monday evening), but we’re happy to recommend excellent local pubs or sell you produce from the farm if you’d prefer to cook for yourself.
If camping isn’t for you, there is a wide choice of B&Bs and self-catering cottages nearby — please contact us for a list of recommendations.
“Haddon Copse Farm is a truly lovely place. Happy animals, happy camper, and a wonderful place to paint. Tom and Mark are fabulous hosts.”
— Course participant
Food
All food provided during the course is prepared by us using meat and vegetables from the farm wherever possible. Any ingredients we can’t supply ourselves are carefully sourced from other local, organic producers who share our standards of care and ethics.
Lunch is different each day and typically includes generous salads, freshly made tarts and local cheeses — and every afternoon comes with a slice of something sweet and tempting!
“The food is out of this world — such attention to detail, with healthy ingredients and great flavours.”
— Course participant
Travel
By car: We’re located on the road between Sturminster Newton and Hazelbury Bryan. Postcode: DT10 2AQ
By train: The nearest station is Sherborne. We’re very happy to arrange a collection on Monday and a return on Friday if needed. If you’re travelling by train and would appreciate lifts to and from your accommodation during the course, just let us know and we’ll do our best to coordinate this with you. Please get in touch to talk through local accommodation options where this can be offered: angelcottage@runbox.uk
“Fantastic course, fantastic hosts and a wonderful teacher — a beautiful, calm and relaxing environment.”
— Course participant
Cost
£600 per person, including:
– All tuition and guided instruction throughout the five-day course
– Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner on the first day
– Coffee, lunch and afternoon tea for the remainder of the week
Places are limited to ensure an intimate and supportive teaching environment.
For more information or to book, please visit: