Painting from Dioramas with Tom Mead

About the Course & Tutor

Tom is a very interesting artist, having gotten a lot of early exposure being in the final of PAOTY 2019. He was only 20 and in the midst of studying a BA in Fine Art. Since then his practice has evolved into creating dioramas, and developing acrylic paintings from them. You can find out more about Tom here.

The aim of the course is to enable us to develop narrative focused paintings in acrylic paint. We will work from self created still life set ups using Tom’s signature ‘cardboard’ apprach. Ideal for beginners and advanced painters looking to bring more personality and imagination to compositions, as well as improving traditional painting skills.

During the five days we will have a chance to look at some of Tom’s work, and hear a bit about his process and how he came to it, as well as the work of other relevant artists,

We will begin with a couple of collective still life set ups to work from before developing our own. This will give us opportunity to explore narrative and storytelling and consider what our own inspiration might be and any conceptual motivations. Whilst particular layouts and vantage points will inform composition choices where we will develop our skills and understanding of tone and colour. Sketching and measuring will also be covered as essential tools of the process..

We will then commence creating our own scenes from cardboard, photos, toys, objects, plasticine. Please bring with you any small toys or objects and photos that you might wish to include in your diorama. Then, having already engaged in evaluating the collective still life set ups in the previous days, we can develop more personal or conceptual narrative and explore composition possibilities before commencing painting.

It is anticipated that by the end of the course we will feel confident to create still life set ups that we feel inspired by and have the skills to choose interesting and relevant compositions to create personal or conceptual narrative paintings in acrylic paint. Or at least utilise some aspects of the processes we have gone through into our practice.

As with all taught sessions, this course is more about learning that can be integrated into practice rather than on getting results and showing that which we can already do. It's more about succumbing to being a student and being open to discourse, intervention, and learning, so we can then make informed choices about what is useful to us and incorporate into regular practice.

What is provided?

All equipment, and materials are provided. A selection of teas and coffee, organic milk and plant based milk, plus a selection of treats will also be available.

Terms & Conditions

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Course & Workshop Terms & Conditions

Portrait Gallery