Art Courses and Painting Holidays
Painting with Melanie Cambridge
I offer a range of options for anyone wishing to learn to paint or improve their skills. This includes short courses based in both Banstead and Guildford during spring and autumn. I also host a 5-day painting holiday at Dedham Hall in Constable Country, this year in June to catch the fabulous colours of early summer.
Demand for regular classes is high, so if there are no spaces available to book, do please email me using the appropriate link to go on my wait list. That way you will get priority should any places become available
5-day Painting Holiday in Constable Country
Dedham Hall, nr Colchester
A fabulous location in the heart of Constable Country, Dedham Hall has its own grounds for you to paint in and enjoy, a comfortable lounge to relax in and a lovely 15th century barn studio.
Tuition is with oils but you are welcome to bring acrylics if you prefer. If required, I can provide oil paints to use during your stay. Accommodation is on a half board basis. There are plenty of shops and cafe's within a 5 minute walk or less in Dedham village. We shall venture out on location with trips being arranged depending on weather and where everyone wishes to go. Flatford Mill, Willy Lots Cottage, Pin Mill (for boats and barges) are all within a short drive
Single Ensuite Room £885.00 pp; Double Ensuite Room £800.00 pp
BOOK DIRECT WITH DEDHAM HALL
Paint a Seascape in Acrylics
15th May 2026
Friday 10am till 3pm
I am delighted to offer this one-day workshop with acrylics. Suitable for all abilities, including beginners. Learn the principles of composition and acrylic techniques in this one-day workshop. Create your own beach scene with breaking waves and rocks, possibly a couple of figures as well.
Canvas board and all materials provided, but please bring a cover-up shirt. £86.00 per person (maximum of 12 participants)
Book Direct via The Horton Art Centre website
Cornish Beach in Oils
11th & 18th June 2026
Two consecutive Thursday Afternoons 1.30pm till 4pm
A 2-week painting project for mixed ability students. We shall be creating our own Cornish beach scene with breaking surf similar to the image opposite. Working step by step over two weeks. Maximum of 8 students to ensure everyone gets plenty of one to one support. Low odour solvent will be supplied to reduce fumes in the classroom.
FIVE PLACES AVAILABLE
Autumn Painting Course - 8 weeks
Starts Thursday 8th October 2026
Thursday Afternoon 1.30pm till 4pm
My regular autumn painting course starts on Thursday 8th October this year. Offering a structured art class for mixed ability students wanting to progress with oil painting. Maximum of 8 students to ensure everyone gets plenty of one to one support. Low odour solvent will be supplied to reduce fumes in the classroom.
Bookings open from July 2026. To register your interest in joining this course, please email me with your name and phone number. Because places are limited to 8 students, priority will be given to previous attendees, hence the use of a Wait List. Registering interest does not commit you to coming along! Register my interestStudent Testimonials
Dedham Art Holiday in 2025 - "Many thanks for all your help, support and encouragement. I thoroughly enjoyed the week, totally stress-free, tasty food, good accommodation, excellent company, beautiful scenery and last but not least the painting, demos and tuition." Suzanne
Banstead Art Class, Spring 2026 - "I recently joined this friendly class to learn a new skill of using oils to paint. I absolutely love the course as Mel gives great support and encouragement making the process of mark making fun with great results and pictures to be proud of." Helen
Banstead Art Class, Autumn 2025 - "Thank you for a very informative course. I have learnt a lot. I hope to return when I can for another." Eppie