Welcome!
I'm a self-taught British artist with many years experience teaching adults sketching, drawing and painting skills and techniques. If you think about it, almost every artist is self-taught at some level. Creating art is a very personal journey as we give ourselves permission to express our ideas and push past our fears to experiment and learn. The challenges and opportunities are never-ending - that's just one of the reasons I find it so exciting!
It was a dream of mine to move to the south of France and pursue a more artistic life. As fate would have it, I could and I did.
That was in 2008 and most of the events listed in this website take place in the Languedoc region where I now live, and where I am also a regular Urban Sketcher.
I believe everyone was born to be creative. In our busy modern lives it's easy to forget the sense of well-being that comes from doodling, painting and creating something utterly unique.
It's even more fun to share your artistic journey with people that feel just like you. My teaching style is relaxed but intense! Whether you're a beginner or more confident sketcher I personalise every workshop to the experience of those taking part. No two workshops are ever the same and you can see some of the student feedback on Facebook or elsewhere on this website. There is a genuine feel-good factor and sense of community in all that we do!
Here you will find details for my online tutorials, art workshops and sketching holidays in the UK and France. These are for anyone who wants to learn, develop or improve their drawing, painting and observational skills. Informal and delivered with plenty of humour, these workshops invite you to face your fear of imperfection, embrace the unknown, experiment with different techniques and materials, connect with a new community and find your own unique artistic style.
Thank you for visiting this website. Like many creations it is a permanent 'work in progress' ....
I look forward to meeting you!
The workshops listed here are informal and fun. Most are ideal for beginners and for anyone lacking confidence to sketch (if you think you can't draw think again...!)
In these workshops you'll learn many basic skills and a range of techniques - and before long you'll have the confidence to sketch wherever and whenever you please.
I prefer to sketch on location, inside or outside - and discovering new places through the eyes of a sketcher means you'll see the world in a whole new light.
Each class is carefully designed according to the location and participants in the group, and can be taught in English and/or French. No class is ever the same!
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please just send me an email!
Reviews
Annette is an ideal teacher for both beginners, and experienced sketchers and water-colourists. She’s patient, encouraging and suggests new techniques to try. She helps you discover your own style which is so refreshing ! I learnt so much and had so much fun. Thank you Annette for a brilliant sketching holiday and for sharing your love of Languedoc with us. I will be back next year all the way from Sydney Australia.
Catherine S. - June 2023
I enjoyed it very much. I am familiar with Annette’s teaching style and so I was able to sketch along, but I think that would be possible if not familiar. The follow-up video allows another attempt at the learner’s pace and also further practice.
Etchr Mini Workshop - November 2021
It was fantastic, I love her style. I was able to follow along (barely), and got a reasonable sketch at the end.
Etchr Student - November 2021
We spend 2 wonderful days urban sketching in Montpellier ( a week ago) with Annette and a small crew of like minded artists. I don’t know any one more passionate about what they do than Annette. She inspires and will give you confidence, with a good measure of guidance to start or build on your art journey.
On that note, Urban sketching is a way to introduce you to new places, discover new foods and make new friends. And unbeknown to you, you will inadvertently discover that you bring happiness to those around you. People will peer at your work and make comments (sometimes) , others will want to take a photo of you sketching .. and I think you become an inspiration to others who would like to do the same.
So do yourself a favour .. get off the merry go round and indulge in the pleasure of Urban sketching …
David C. - November 2023
Thank you for a great class today, despite the weather! We are looking forward to practicing our sketching.
Gordon K - May 2018