Painting in Oils 2025

Summer course: 23rd – 27th June

Autumn course: 1st – 5th September

Join artist and teacher Tom Benjamin for an immersive 5 day course based at the farm. Drawing inspiration from the farm and the surrounding landscape, Tom will teach techniques of oil painting as well as working with you to develop your ideas.

“A little heaven on earth – the perfect place for a perfect painting course in the UK.” Course participant

This is a course which focuses primarily on working outside in front of the subject. Our unique location offers you the chance to draw and paint wide landscapes, closer studies of trees and water as well as taking opportunities to paint the animals on the farm. Teaching takes place in groups working in the same location and individually on pictures and in places that particularly inspire you. Tom will often paint with you and demonstrate techniques directly as you work on quick one off oil paintings and also more sustained pieces of work.

Suitable for all levels of experience, Tom tailors his teaching to take account of your current ability and offers tuition designed to take your painting forward.

Course Leader

Tom Benjamin – Tom paints landscapes, town and coastal views in oils, outside in front of the subject, in all weathers. He teaches extensively in the UK and Europe. He has regular solo shows with St Annes Galleries Lewes and shows with The Russell Gallery in London and Browns Gallery in Tain, Scotland. He exhibits regularly with, and is a member of the New English Art Club.

Accommodation

For a truly immersive experience why not complete your stay by camping in one of our beautiful bell tents (with single or double beds and breakfast provided each day) for £35 per person per night. This allows you to really get away from it all and offers you the opportunity to paint on the farm from dawn to dusk if you choose! Evening meals are not provided (except on the Monday evening) but we can recommend local pubs or sell you produce from the farm if you’d like to cook for yourself.

For those who prefer not to camp there are a host of B&Bs and self-catering cottages within easy reach of the farm – please contact us for our 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 the food provided during the course is prepared in our own kitchen using meat and vegetables from the farm. Those ingredients we can’t supply ourselves will be carefully chosen from other local, organic producers who share our high standards of care and ethics in their production. Lunch is different everyday but includes delicious salads, freshly made tarts and local cheeses. And each day we treat you to a scrumptious home-made cake!

‘The food is out of this world- such attention to detail with healthy ingredients and great flavours.’ Course paticipant

Travel

By car – we are on the road between Sturminster Newton & Hazelbury Bryan – our postcode is DT10 2AQ

By train – the nearest train station is Sherborne. We can collect you from the station on Monday and take you back on Friday by arrangement.

“Fantastic course, fantastic hosts & wonderful teacher. A beautiful calm & relaxing environment.” Course participant

Cost

£600 per person – including lunch & dinner on the first day and coffee, lunch & tea for the rest of the week.

For more information or to book please visit http://www.tombenjaminartist.co.uk/classes