The Sarum Studio was founded in 1994 to provide the first sight-size drawing and painting courses in the UK. In 2014 it became a full-time fine art atelier. Whether studying full time, part time, or from time to time, students evolve visual and technical abilities through the constant practice of working from nature and the challenge of ever more ambitious works. Projects include cast and figure drawing and painting, portrait drawing and painting, as well as optional sculpture workshops and sketch classes. Nick works alongside the class and is always available to answer questions or offer a critique. Numbers are limited to twelve at any one time for students to have optimal space and lighting within which to work, and so that Nick can monitor progress on an individual basis.
The popular Sarum Studio summer school runs from the second half of July until the middle of August. It offers an ideal introduction to sight-size for beginners, while returning students develop new skills through the challenge of more ambitious projects. Students work daily from the life model, and cast or portrait projects, according to ability. The summer school is essentially a synopsis of the full-time course.
Courses also include seminars and demonstrations, art history lectures, and school trips to important exhibitions and country house collections. Recent overseas adventures have taken us to Amsterdam (Vermeer), Madrid, and Vienna.