Gayle Mill’s first art course of the season will take place on Monday, 12 April. Under the guiding hand of Moira Metcalfe, well established Wensleydale artist, students will be encouraged to explore light and colour in spring in creating a landscape or still life in oils, watercolour or pastels.

The course on 12 April is the first of six courses to take place at the Gayle Mill, near Hawes during the summer. Scheduled for the second Monday of the month (April to September), each course will concentrate on a particular aspect of creating a successful work of art as well as covering the core basics of composition, perspective, tone and drawing. Each course is self-contained, but there is a sense of progression throughout the season for anyone wishing to join more than one course.

Artists involved in tutoring the Gayle Mill courses are all qualified, professional artists with many years teaching experience at different levels. All are practising artists and exhibit widely throughout the UK and include Moira Metcalfe, Sue Harpley and Carol Tyler, all familiar names on the Wensleydale art scene.

“The courses take place in the wonderful historic surroundings of Gayle Mill, which is an ideal venue for creative courses”, said William Lambert, Chairman of the Gayle Mill Trust. “It was built in the 18th century to a Richard Arkwright design for cotton mills, where the workers on the top floor would have processed the raw cotton in the light and airy environment.“

Courses run from 10am until 4pm each day and include light refreshments and a buffet lunch. Anyone wishing to book a space on the 12th April or a subsequent course, should get in touch with the Administrator at the Mill on 01969 667320 or log onto www.gaylemill.org.uk