Thursday 23rd April 2026 | 10:00 – 15:30 | Tegg’s Nose Country Park
New Workshop for 2026
Book Sketching the Landscape Now
Learn sketching techniques to create studies for paintings or drawings in their own right.
Sketching is thinking on paper, it can be used to make drawings in their own right, preparation for plein air painting or as first hand reference for studio paintings. Whatever you want to get out of your sketching, this workshop will get you looking at, and thinking about the landscape in front of you constructively and creatively.
We’ll cover:
- analysing the landscape to make better decisions when you’re painting
- different approaches to sketching
- creative use of materials
- experimenting with ideas
A well observed preliminary sketch boosts the chances of a painting working out as you want it to. It will help you think through key decisions before you put brush to canvas. A sketch can help you experiment and analyse key things like framing, the point of focus and big tonal relationships. This not only saves a lot of time, the sketches themselves often turn out to be dynamic pieces of art in their own right.
In this workshop you’ll try out different approaches to sketching, including thumbnail drawings, mass and line drawing as well as note taking to record key observations. You can use whatever media you’re comfortable with as you explore how best to use it to record your impression of the landscape.
This workshop is a great foundation for all the workshops we’re running this year as the techniques studied on this one will be used throughout the series.
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 the Landscape 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:
- Date: Thursday 23rd April 2026
- 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
What you’ll need
- Easels are provided but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
- We will have drawing boards and a range of sketching materials but feel free to bring your own sketchbook and materialsyou’re comfortable working with .
- 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 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 £3
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.
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.
If you’d prefer to use your own kit you’ll need:
Sketching Kit
- Sketchbook and your preferred drawing media: Pencil, pens and watercolour or ink if you like using them.
- Drawing board and clips or masking tape
Book Sketching the Landscape Now