Back to Life - Sarah Jane Moon
Why join this workshop
Learn from the chair of the Contemporary British Portrait Painters
Work in a structured, exploratory way
Create work that is personal and inventive
Small-group setting
Residential and non residential
Schedule
First resident guests arrive from 4 pm Tuesday 4th August
Workshops 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 5th - Saturday 8th
With breaks at 11, 12:30 for lunch and 2:45
Last resident guests depart 11am Sunday 9th August
Location
The workshop will be hosted at Cranmer Studio. Our location is far enough away to break with the familiarity of the status quo and encourage reflection. North Norfolk, on the east coast of England, is famous for its expansive skyline. Cranmer is a three-hour drive from London, or a 90-minute train journey and 40 minutes by car from the station.
The course
Sarah Jane Moon Self Portrait with Orchid
Your tutor - Sarah Jane Moon
Sarah Jane Moon is a New Zealand born British painter who specialises in portraiture and figurative painting. Sarah Jane is known for bold, large-scale portraiture that explores identity, gender and connection to place. In this workshop, she brings that experience into a small-group setting, guiding participants to think more imaginatively about how the self can be represented. Her work is in the collections of the National Portrait Gallery, Soho House and the James Wallace Trust. She has exhibited widely and is Chair of the Contemporary British Portrait Painters.
Sarah Jane is also known for her clarity as a teacher and mentor. This course gives you access to her eye, experience and practical judgement as you think through the next stage of your work.
Move beyond likeness into narrative, symbolism and personal invention
What happens when a self-portrait is a story, a question, or a declaration? Through guided exercises, discussion and experimentation, we will question portrait conventions and create work that is personal and inventive. This workshop is not about producing a flattering or photographic self-portrait. You may work from mirrors, photographs, objects, memories, symbols, clothing, places. The emphasis is on exploration, not perfection.
You will gain:
new ways to use narrative, symbolism, gesture and disguise;
greater confidence in moving beyond likeness;
a richer understanding of self-portraiture as a contemporary practice.
All levels of experience are welcome.
Sarah Jane Moon (photo credit Jason Ashwood)
Booking
Workshop at Cranmer Studio
Please use this form to book your place. We will confirm if we have availability and ask you to pay the deposit to secure your booking.
Non-Residential (includes lunch)
2 days £330
3 days £470
4 days £560
Residential (sole occupancy, includes breakfast, lunch, supper)
2 days, 3 nights £850
3 days, 4 nights £1,120
4 days, 5 nights £1,435
Please state in the "requirements" field below which option you wish to book.
Booking conditions
There are 10 places on the workshop and less accommodation on site - we will inform you when you register if onsite rooms are available
Bookings are provisional until confirmed by email
A £50 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place
The balance is due 30 days before the workshop start date
Payment must be made by bank transfer. Instructions will be provided upon confirmation
Non residents are welcome to pay a £35 supplement to join for supper
We do not charge VAT
Cancellations and Refunds
Cancel more than 30 days before the workshop: refund of payments (we retain the deposit).
Cancel 30 days or fewer before the workshop: no refunds.
You may request to transfer your booking to another person or a future workshop up to 7 days before the start date (subject to availability and approval).
No-shows: the full fee is retained.
If we cancel the workshop: you will receive a full refund including the deposit, but we are not liable for your travel or third party accommodation costs.
Your Responsibilities
Inform us of dietary, access, or medical needs when booking
Cranmer Studio does not sell or serve alcohol. Guests are welcome to bring a small amount of wine or beer to enjoy privately with dinner if they wish.
Ensure you are physically able to participate
Travel insurance is recommended
Please ask permission from other participants before you include them in your photographs or videos
Other points
Parking is available
This is an 18th-century property so please be aware of uneven surfaces
No dogs please
The two courses led by Sarah Jane Moon run consecutively. 30th Jul - 3rd Aug, 4th - 9th Aug. We offer a 10% discount of the total cost if you wish to book both courses.
Thank you - we will confirm availability in the next 24 hours.
Have you seen our gallery?
Materials
Please bring
a sketch book with ideas and references that you wish to develop
Titanium White, Lemon Yellow, Cad Yellow, Cad Red, Alizarin Crimson, Cerulean Blue, Ultramarine
stretched canvas or canvas board
brushes, palette knife, palette, dippers, rags
low odour solvent (no turps or white spirit)
We will supply
a radial easel to use on site
a mirror if you wish to paint from life
paper and drawing materials
we stock a small supply of oil paint, brushes and solvent for sale
Accommodation
We have limited onsite accommodation so please book early to secure your place. We offer sole occupancy and rooms for two artists to share.
Cranmer Hall is an 18th-century listed building with uneven thresholds, and staircases. All bedrooms in the main house are on the first floor. Ground-level accommodation may be available nearby by arrangement, and transport can be provided. Please describe any access requirements when you register and we will be glad to explore what arrangements may be possible.
