Thursday 2nd July 2026 | 10:00 – 15:30 | Tegg’s Nose Country Park
Book Sketching & Painting Trees Now
Learn to sketch and paint trees concentrating on their form and character as well as the effect of distance on how much detail to include.
Trees are an essential element in landscape painting. There is endless variety and they present a fascinating challenge to plain air painters. They provide the perfect subject matter in which to explore the principle of unity and variety common to all painting. There must be enough unity to tell what species a tree is but no two trees of the same species are ever quite the same. On top of that, just like a crowd of people, their individual characteristics change when they are seen as a group.
You’ll learn about:
- shape, texture and character of trees
- level of detail to use at different distances
- the effects of lone and groups of trees
Early July is a great time to paint trees as they’re in full leaf and their form as well differences between species are easier to see. This workshop will help you work out how best to simplify and paint trees while maintaining the essence of their character and species. You’ll look at shape, form, colour and texture and how this is affected by their position in the foreground, middle distance or far distance.
This workshop can be done on its own but it also follows on nicely from the previous two looking at sketching and colour mixing.
Price £85 – Book your place with a £20 deposit via Eventbrite, the remainder will be invoiced and is due before the workshop begins.
Book Sketching & Painting Trees Now
The Location
Tegg’s Nose is nestled in the hills of East Cheshire, close to Macclesfield. It has a wide variety of panoramas including the Peak District, Macclesfield Forest and the Cheshire Plain, offering a fantastic location for Plain Air Painting.
The terrain is tracks and paths with good access but you’ll need sturdy footwear, windproof clothing and a seat if you prefer to work sitting down.
We are running the workshops with East Cheshire Council Ranger Service. Tegg’s Nose Country Park is easy to access by car or a short taxi ride from Macclesfield station and provides ample parking as well as toilets. The renowned Nose Tea Room offers delicious lunches and hot drinks in the park’s visitor centre.
Is this workshop for me?
Whatever your level of experience Northern Realist workshops have something for everyone. The workshop is particularly suitable for people who would like an introduction to Plein Air Painting but will suit all levels.
Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced and want some guided practice, the workshop will offer you the chance to try working at your own level outdoors and develop your existing skills.
Northern Realist workshops are designed to build your skills from session to session however they all work as stand alone sessions so that they can be done individually.
Places are limited to give you plenty of personal feedback and allow you to work at your own level and pace.
The Tutors
The workshops are led by Kieran Ingram and Christopher Clements, who have been professional artists and teachers for over 20 years. Kieran has featured on Sky Landscape Artist of the Year and Christopher is the director of Northern Realist Drawing & Painting
Essential info:
- Time: 10.00am to 3.30pm
- Price £85 – Book your place with a £20 deposit via Eventbrite, the remainder will be invoiced and is due before the workshop begins
- Materials including water mixable oils and equipment £15, this can be added to your your invoice for the remainder if you’d like us to provide them
- Meeting point: Tegg’s Nose Country Park Visitor Centre, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, SK11 0AP (SJ950733)
- Leaders: Artists Christopher Clements and Kieran Ingram
How to Book
Bookings are made via Eventbrite, just follow the ‘Book Now’ links on this page to pay a £20 deposit.
The remainder will be invoiced beforehand and is due before the workshop begins.
Workshop Dates & Booking links
- Thursday 23rd April 2026, Sketching the Landscape
- Thursday 14th May 2026, Sky & Clouds
- Thursday 11th June 2026: Colour Mixing
- Thursday 2nd July 2026: Sketching & Painting Trees
- Friday 4th September 2026: Composition
- Friday 16th October 2026: Autumn Colour
What you’ll need
- Easels are provided but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
- We can provide the paint, paper and equipment for £15, just let us know in advance.
- If you’d prefer to bring your own kit see the bottom of the page for a list.
You will however, definitely need to bring:
- Sturdy footwear
- Suncream and hat
- Waterproof/windproof jacket
- Layers of clothing to keep warm or cool depending on the weather
- Insect repellent, depending on the weather, but they don’t tend to be a problem
- Water and snacks
Lunch & Toilet Facilities
The Nose Tearoom has a great lunch menu however you’re welcome to bring a packed lunch. There are also public toilets at Tegg’s nose located just behind the cafe.
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
- Train: Macclesfield Station 2.3 Miles away, Taxis available at the station
- Parking: Car Park at Tegg’s Nose: 3 -10 hrs £4
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Chris: info@northernrealist.com
What’s the refund policy?
- Refund excluding Eventbrite fees if you cancel up to two weeks before the workshop.
- Full Refund if the workshop is cancelled in advance.
- 50% refund if the workshop has to cancelled in advance due to adverse weather forecast. Workshops will be cancelled if there are Amber or Red Weather warnings from the Met Office.
- 25% refund if the workshop has to be cut short before lunch on the day due to adverse weather.
What materials will I need?
Easels are provided but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
We can provide everything you’ll need including water mixable oil paint for £15, just let us know in advance.
If you’d prefer to use your own kit you’ll need:
Paint
Bring water mixable or traditional oil or acrylic paint depending on your preference.
Suggested Colours
- White
- Paynes Grey
- Yellow Ochre
- Burnt Umber
- Burnt Sienna or Oxide Red
- Raw Umber
- Lemon Yellow
- Viridian
- Sap Green
- Cobalt Blue
- Ultramarine Blue
- Alizarin Crimson
- Cadmium Red
Mediums
For oil painting: Linseed Oil, turps or turps substitute such as Zest It.
Water Mixable Oils: Water Mixable Painting Medium, Water Mixable Thinner.
Acrylic: Acrylic Retarder to slow drying times, mister bottle to keep the palette damp.
Support
Canvas paper or board. Stretched canvas is not so good because light tends to shine through it.
Equipment
- Sketchbook and drawing media, pencil, pens and ink
- Easel or Pochade box
- Drawing board and clips or masking tape
- Palette and dipping cup
- Brushes and palette knife
- Container for turps or water
- Rags and Paper Towel
- Bag for rubbish