There are few more beautiful places in Britain than Snowdonia and the lovely town of Harlech lies within the boundaries of the National Park offering fine views of the mountains, the Llyn Peninsula over Tremadog Bay, and an extremely fine mediaeval castle. There are plenty of interesting old buildings here, mostly built from stone, all set in a stunning natural landscape. Harlech is an ideal place, then, for artists and has an active art society and regular exhibitions. Now at Byrdir we are offering you the chance to come and paint our town. Our weekend courses, run by qualified teacher and local artist David Wood, are ideal for anybody wishing to learn watercolour painting, or for those who have already set off on that journey but wish to improve their skills.

David Wood

Local artist David Wood has lived in beautiful Snowdonia and the area of Harlech since 2003 where he paints and sells his paintings. He also tutors regular classes and workshops. A qualified teacher and trainer, David loves to pass on to budding artists the skills he has learned from his art education and experience over many years.

Weather permitting, David prefers to paint on location, but the reality is usually a sketch and camera taking reference photos at the location with the paintings being completed indoors. David believes art is a very personal thing and he does not teach his own style of painting; he teaches principles, techniques and tips and advises learners to help them develop their own personal styles.

The Course

The course is for people who wish to try their hand at watercolour painting, those who have recently started and would like to learn more, or those who have painted in the past and would like to refresh their skills.

Step-by-step guidance and practice of the techniques are the key elements of the workshop, with an emphasis on enjoyment, and the course culminates with participants completing a painting.

What Is Included

Two-night stay at Byrdir House (Friday and Saturday).

Two full breakfasts (Saturday and Sunday).

Two buffet lunches (Saturday and Sunday).

Dinner at the highly-rated Castle Bistro on Saturday evening.

Tea and coffee breaks in the mornings and afternoons.

All materials and resources (including brushes, paints and paper).

The Programme

Friday
Arrival at Byrdir House between 4pm and 10pm
Guests to make their own arrangements for evening meals.

Saturday
08.00 - 09.00 Breakfast
10.00 - 13.00 Workshop
13.00 - 14.00 Lunch
14.00 - 17.00 Workshop with site visit if weather permits
19.00 - Dinner at Castle Bistro

The bar at Byrdir House will be open in the evening if guests wish to make use of it. We stock a fine range of craft beers from small Welsh breweries, as well as Welsh ciders and whiskies, some very drinkable wines and a good range of spirits and liqueurs.

Sunday
08.00 - 09.00 Breakfast
10.00 - 12.30 Workshop
12.30 - 13.30 Lunch
13.30 - 14.30 Review
14.30 - Close and departure

To book, or for further information, please phone or email – our contact details are below.

The Art Weekends will only go ahead when a minimum of six people are booked into a course. There will be no more than ten people on each course, so all can benefit from David's tutoring.

If you are buying a course for a Christmas present, we can supply you with a presentation card or token with all of the details.