Residential Art Courses

Peace, tranquility, inspiration…..

Taking inspiration from the magnificent surroundings of the Hoscote Estate, develop your artistic flair at one of our unique residential art courses hosted by renowned Border’s artist Gill Walton. Not only a great artist herself, Gill is also an experienced teacher with a relaxed and friendly manner that encourages each artist to develop their own approach. 

Indulge your love of art and painting, develop new skills and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals in a relaxed, house party atmosphere. The 5* Hoscote Estate is a magnificent Scottish mansion set amidst 450 acres of ruggedly beautiful Borders countryside. Boasting spectacular views, Hoscote House has been refurbished to an exceptionally high standard, with individually-designed bedrooms and sumptuous bathrooms. With an elegant drawing room, study, conservatory, games room, vast dining kitchen, as well as a large, formal dining room, there is ample space for guests to socialise and swap techniques or find a quiet spot to relax and enjoy a good book.

While the house can comfortably accommodate 18 people, the courses are limited to 10 to ensure participants receive maximum attention. Those on the course may bring a non-participating guest who will have plenty to keep them entertained whether exploring the walking and cycling trails around the estate or unwinding in The Dairy; Hoscote’s own mini-spa. There are several golf courses nearby as well as riding, mountain biking and fishing.

The courses are fully-staffed so including housekeeping and catering with food prepared from the finest local produce. For something a little different, during one evening of your stay, Corney & Barrow, one of the longest established independent wine merchants in the UK, will host a wine tasting.

Life Drawing Weekend - Spring 2012 (dates to be confirmed)

Hoscote’s magnificent interior will be used as the backdrop for a variety of poses and lighting effects. Gill will guide you through drawing a nude from the basics of proportion and measurement to creating balance in a standing pose and fleshing out the figure.  Using various medium you will begin with short poses gradually developing your work over the weekend to longer poses and more resolved drawings and paintings.

Arriving on Friday for afternoon tea you will have time to unpack, explore your surroundings, relax and meet fellow guests. Gill will spend some time with you discussing your interests for the course, your ability and structuring the programme to suit your skills and expectations.

You will spend all day Saturday and Sunday sketching or painting, studying the human form and extending your potential to produce stunning drawings.

Course price

13 hours tuition (Fri evening, full day Sat and Sun)
Life model fee
Corney & Barrow wine tasting
Accommodation at Hoscote House
All meals and wine

Deluxe room: £596
Choice of Fox, Pheasant, Squirrel and Badger bedrooms with two shared bathrooms.

Super deluxe room: £699
Choice of Stavert, Teviot, Borthwick, Roberton and Girnwood bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms.

Two guests sharing a super deluxe room but only one on the course: £863

Oil Painting Course - Spring 2012 (dates to be confirmed)

Oil painting has a long and deserved tradition of being the pinnacle of achievement in the history of art and Hoscote is the perfect place to master this medium.  The house has architectural features and works of art that could be used as your subject matter or you could take inspiration from the stunning landscape in which the house sits.

The course offers the equivalent of three full day’s tuition to include preparation, developing techniques and the use of colour.  The Thursday will be free for you to relax and enjoy the estate and the local area. Mellerstain House and Floors Castle are within easy reach and filled with antiques and old masters to inspire you.  Alternatively the magnificent city of Edinburgh’s which hosts several galleries is only an hour’s pretty drive away.

Course price

21 hours tuition (Mon half day, Tues and Weds full day, Thurs free day, Fri half day)
Corney & Barrow wine tasting
Accommodation at Hoscote House
All meals and wine

Deluxe room: £968
Choice of Fox, Pheasant, Squirrel and Badger bedrooms with two shared bathrooms.

Super deluxe room: £1,049
Choice of Stavert, Teviot, Borthwick, Roberton and Girnwood bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms.

Two guests sharing a super deluxe room but only one on the course: £1,452

Group bookings

Group bookings are available, providing a novel way to spend some time with friends, relax and indulge your love of art! We can offer group bookings at a date to suit you and your private party and discounts are available. 

Future courses

We will be holding the following courses, if you would like to be informed of dates please register your interest here.

Watercolour painting

Aimed at those with little experience or those who want a refresher in the ground rules, this course will cover the basics of stretching paper, laying a ground and the layering of paint.  You will experiment with a variety of surprising techniques, outside if weather permits or concentrating on the architecture of the property, internal views and still life.

Approaches to still life

Using the beautiful backdrop of Hoscote House the course will focus on composition, use of colour, contrast and texture.  We will concentrate on improving your observational skills as well as encouraging your own style and flair.  Starting with drawing and mapping out on paper, we will move on to becoming more experimental exploring a variety of media, moving on to colour and paint.

Gill Walton

Gill Walton has been a practicing, professional artist since graduating with honours from a fine art degree in 1989. In addition to producing her own paintings and sculptures of still life and portraits she has many years experience as a lecturer in further education, specialising in fine art and life drawing.

Gill enjoys sharing her comprehensive knowledge and love of art with others.  Her classes have an informal and friendly atmosphere.  Where appropriate the class will take inspiration from the architecture and history of the property as well as the beautiful surroundings of the Tweed Valley. Sharing Gill’s extensive experience you will be able to explore new directions, gain new tips and develop your skills whether you are a beginner or an accomplished artist already.