Kate Boucher
22nd - 24th September
£465
Grand Landscapes: Exploring Landscape Drawing with Charcoal on a Grand(ish) Scale
Suitable for all levels. This three-day workshop is an invitation to explore landscape drawing with charcoal on a grander scale than you might be used to — whether you're just beginning or looking to develop your drawing skills further.
We begin with a short warm-up: a chance to reacquaint yourself with the materials, test out different types of charcoal, and loosen the hand through instinctive mark-making. This foundation helps reset the eye — a vital part of Kate’s own studio routine, and the starting point for all her courses.
In the latter part of day one, you’ll make your own charcoal from natural materials foraged by Steve from the land around Lund. To make room for this unique and satisfying process, the first day will run a little longer — without sacrificing precious drawing time.
From there, the course opens out. You’ll bring photographic references of landscapes personal to you and use them as a springboard for drawing. The focus will be on developing at least one substantial work (up to approximately A1), with space to explore ideas across different scales and formats.
There will be demonstrations, shared exercises and practical techniques that Kate uses regularly in her own studio — methods you can return to at home, both to shift perspective and to help avoid overworking. You’ll be supported throughout, with Kate offering one-to-one guidance, technical insight for working larger with charcoal, and encouragement tailored to your needs.
This is your chance to think and draw big — supported by clear structure, generous teaching, and the quiet thrill of making landscape personal.
Lunches and refreshments included. Days run from 10am to 4pm (ish)
NOTE - Some of this course will be in our Drawing Barn so as to give everyone extra space to work. The barn is waterproof, windproof, though not heated (though this shouldn’t be an issue in September). Access to the barn is along a gravel path - if this may be an issue please do contact me (Steve) before booking.
About Kate
Kate Boucher is an artist whose work explores landscape and memory through charcoal. She studied at Chelsea School of Art and completed an MFA at West Dean College. She is a QEST Scholar and the author of two books: Drawing with Charcoal (2021) and Making Charcoal: A Practical Guide for Artists (2024), both published by The Crowood Press.
Kate’s charcoal drawings often map and re-map landscapes familiar to her, in a thoughtful dialogue between the charcoal, the act of drawing, and her memories.
As a tutor, she is known for her instinctive, student-centred approach, specialising in inclusive, responsive workshops that support neurodivergent learners and celebrate individual strengths.
Reviewers have described Drawing with Charcoal as “a stunning book… showing how to create a drawing using charcoal’s subtle, complex and bold qualities to best effect” and “clear, generous, and quietly inspiring,” praising its nuanced approach to an often-underestimated medium.
Kate currently lives and works in North Wales.
kateboucher.com
Instagram @misskateboucher
