Robert Dutton Artist

Teamwork works wonders at 'Patchings' 2015!

What a fantastic experience for all involved 'Patchings Art, Craft and Photography Festival' proved to be at Calverton near Nottingham this year!

Each year 'the big event' gets even better and what made this year's very special to me was to be working with Canson (for whom I am a UK Ambassador) and 'The Artist' magazine (for whom I regularly contribute articles to) who together organised some fabulous workshops for budding art students to work with me learning lots of exciting creative art techniques.

The theme of both popular morning and afternoon workshops on Saturday 6 June was 'expressive seascapes' with mixed media (watercolour and pastel on the superb Canson Moulin du Roy 'rough' and 'not' beautifully crafted watercolour paper) and with the tent packed and buzzing with energy each time it was fabulous to create great results for everyone each time on these amazing Canson watercolour papers.

Here is what one delighted student (Christine Cave) I had the privilege to teach on the morning workshop had to say:

"If anyone is given the opportunity to take part in one of Robert Dutton's workshops then please take it. I spent the afternoon at Patching's Festival last week with Robert, and other keen amateur artists, learning techniques and skills taught by a fantastic artist and a very funny man.

Robert kept us entertained, taught us so many wonderful things and was generous with his knowledge. The time passed so quickly and left me wanting more.

Robert's kindness and desire to share his passion comes across in everything he does. 

His understanding of composition, perspective, colour and materials is fascinating. Robert has the ability to produce beautiful paintings every time, and enables his students to believe in themselves and their ability.

Thank you Robert!"

Christine Cave

Head Teacher

A real honour and fantastic comments to know that Christine is a teacher herself!

The following day was just as exciting! as the clock struck 1pm, 'all miked up' and with the film crew at the ready in the 'big marquee' it was a real honour to give a mixed media demonstration as a 'fast and loose' way of working with watercolour, pastel, acrylic ink, graphite (you name it I pretty much used it) for 1 hour teaching and demonstrating and entertaining the audience explaining every move and media choice in detail and at the same time showing how to paint 'Malham Cove' (from the heart of The Yorkshire Dales) with lots of free flowing paint and...plenty of expression!

Working on a full sheet of Canson Moulin du Roy 300gsm (140lb) watercolour paper - one of the best papers in the world which I absolutely love judging by everyones reaction at the end my audience enjoyed the painting process too being right there with me for every mark I made, every step of the way! A fantastic experience for everyone! 

I'm so looking forward to the next event - it will be as equally awesome, I  can guarantee it!