Bookings are now open for Weekend Art Courses in the Autumn and for 2025 - Good news! Fees for all the weekend art courses are held at the same level as in 2023 & 2024

No increase for 2025 for art courses booked before January.

Now is a very good time to book a weekend art break for next year in order to enjoy maximum choice of the weekend art courses and any nearby accommodation you might need. And avoid any price rises! 

Book now for weekend art courses in 2025

The Waveney Valley is home to the famous Flint Vineyard and the Grain Brewery known for their fine wine and beer. The nearby market towns of Bungay and Harleston have art galleries, antiques, a castle, boating, Inns and various places to eat. The stunning Suffolk coast around Covehithe and Walberswick is under an hours drive away.     

Refering to the Printmaking Weekend art courses:

Christine Angell posted on FaceBook  17th October 2022

"I can thoroughly recommend this weekend. Skills I learnt with Nicola Slattery have stayed with me to this day. Great teacher!"

Payment for Weekend Art Courses

Please check availability and reserve your art course place prior to making payment by email to artpeople@btopenworld.com or by telephone to 01986 788853 any day 9am to 9pm. Reserved places are then held for 24 hours ahead of payment. Please scoll down for full terms and conditions for all the weekend art courses.

Please pay for your weekend art course place via the secure PayPal link below - most payment cards are accepted: 

You do not need a PayPal account as most cards are accepted. To reserve your place prior to payment or if you have any problem using the link please email artpeople@btopenworld.com or phone 01986 788853 

To check availablity of places on the art courses or to reserve an art course place please email:  artpeople@btopenworld.com

Weekend Art Courses for 2024

​Weekend Art Courses 2024 - places available: Updated 1st October 2024

• Painting with Acrylics  -  19 & 20 October           -  fully booked
• Printmaking                 -  26 & 27 October           - fully booked
• Art from Imagination   -  2 & 3 November           -  fully booked
• Painting with Acrylics   -  9 & 10 November         -  fully booked

Weekend Art Courses for 2025

​Booking a weekend art course early secures your place and enables the best choice of nearby accommodation. A list of several lovely places is provided below. Please scroll down. Full terms and conditions are also set out below.

Weekend Art Courses 2025 - places available: Updated 1st October 2024

• Painting with Acrylics  -  22 & 23 March                  -  5 places
• Art from Imagination   -  5 & 6 April                       -  8 places
• Printmaking                -  12 & 13 April                      - 7 places
• Art from Imagination   - 7 & 8 June                      - 5 places
• Painting with Acrylics  - 28 & 29 June                      - 8 places
• Printmaking                - 11 & 12 October                   - 8 places
• Painting with Acrylics  -  18 & 19 October                -  8 places
• Art from Imagination   -  25 & 26 October                -  8 places

Weekend Art Courses in 2025 - the number of places on each weekend art course remains at eight for safe social distancing and the art course fee remains at £225 for weekend art courses for 2025 if booked before January 2025. The small number of places ensures lots of individual tuition and support. 

​Beginners are welcome on all of these weekend art courses.

To discuss any aspect of the weekend art courses please give Nicola a call. Nicola will be pleased to describe just what you can expect and will freely offer advice. Complete beginners are welcome on all of the weekend art courses and so are experienced artists wanting to explore or develop new techniques. The small group size on the  art courses enables each person to be taught as an individual.   

Tel:  01986 788 853 -  any day 9am - 6pm.

or email :    artpeople@btopenworld.com 

Please include your phone number for a call back.

Nicola Slattery has been tutoring art, printmaking and painting courses for over thirty five years. She believes in building confidence, clear teaching of technique and having fun. Over half of past participants on the art courses have returned to do another art course or painting holiday, either trying something new or developing their artistic skills and style - perhaps discovering Printmaking or exploring Art from Imagination. 

Every weekend art course is suitable for beginners or those who want to extend and develop their skills. Weekend art courses cover the following:

• Painting with Acrylics
• Printmaking
• Art from Imagination

The materials and equipment are provided on all of the painting, printmaking and art courses along with a buffet lunch. This means all you have to do is turn up and enjoy your painting or printmaking course without the worry of buying unfamiliar items. With many lovely places to stay nearby (see list below) many people turn their weekend art course into a long weekend art break. Don't worry if you haven't done any painting or art for a long time, or since school as beginners are very welcome on all the art courses. 

 The weekend art courses take place at Nicola Slattery's lovely rural art studio in south Norfolk. It's near the border with Suffolk surrounded by lovely unspoilt countryside.There are many excellent and reasonably priced places to stay nearby including farmhouse B & B's and old country Inns. To see a list of recommended nearby accommodation please scroll to the bottom of this page.  There is also lots to keep any non-painting partners happy - great countryside for walks and cycling, historic market towns to explore, rivers for fishing, golf courses and the heritage Suffolk coast in under 40 mins.

The address of the venue for the weekend art courses is:

What to Expect of the Art Courses.

All of the weekend art courses have a maximum of just eight participants. This enables the tuition to be tailored to each individual so that you learn and develop the things that are important to you. Beginners and others with experience are all welcome. Whatever your level of artistic ability, confidence or experience, a weekend art course will help you on your artistic journey. All the materials and equipment needed are provided and included in the art course fee. Each person has their own individual table and space. There is very good light and ventilation. 

The weekend art courses begin at 9.30 am with refreshments and introductions. Every one usually has very different levels of previous experience. This is not a problem but an advantage as there is nothing "right" or "wrong" with art - just different ways of seeing, expressing and communicating. We work through the morning, taking the freely available tea, coffee and biscuits as and when we choose, until about 1pm when we break for a vegetarian buffet lunch. The afternoon continues until around 4.45 with a tidy up before leaving at around 5pm. The second day follows a similar pattern. Some people will work on two or three different images over the course of weekend art course whilst others may focus on just one. Everyone is different and Nicola works with you as an individual on goals you agree on.      

• Painting with Acrylics

This is a fantastic weekend art course for discovering the full potential of the wonderful medium of acrylic paints. Often misunderstood and under used, heavy body acrylics favoured by Nicola Slattery are ideal for beginners embarking upon their painting journey. They are also used by growing numbers of professional artists as more versatile alternatives to traditional oils and water colour. If they had been around in the past then the masters would have definitely used them! All of Nicola Slattery's widely exhibited paintings are painted using the same acrylic paints provided for use on her weekend art courses. On this art course you will be encouraged to develop your own style and to paint that which inspires you. You will learn how to layer the paint, to mix colour, basics of composition and useful tips and 'tricks of the trade' such as the use of the 'stay wet palette' and much more.   

• Art from Imagination

​A similar weekend art course in many ways to the "painting with acrylics" weekend. The basics of using acrylics and colour together with composition and other elements will all be addressed as required. The difference is simply one of emphasis with this weekend focussing upon using imagination as a starting point for your artwork. Albert Einstein is quoted: "logic will take you from A to B but imagination can take you anywhere."  Who knows where this weekend art course will take you!

• Printmaking Weekend 

​The two techniques you will be able to master on this weekend art course are COLLAGRAPH and DRYPOINT. Both are ideal for anyone new to printmaking and will be extremely interesting to printmakers familiar with other techniques. Both are safe, versatile and direct forms of printmaking which do not require any dangerous chemicals or complicated methods. Expect to create several prints using each technique and to have a lot of fun on one of the popular Printmaking Weekend Art Courses. 

Collagraph - the word is based on the Greek - kolla = glue and graph = draw/write. This technique uses a sturdy card base which can have material applied or stuck to it (eg, lace, sandpaper, greaseproof, string, etc) or can be cut into. The plate is varnished then inked before passing through a press to transfer the image to the dampened paper.

Drypoint - opposite of a wet point - ie no acid! A steel needle is used to draw or inscribe the line into a perspex plate. The line is both an incision or scratch and also a "furrow" or raised burr which creates the beautiful velvety line. The plate is then inked and passed through a press with dampened paper.

coronavirus (COVID-19) 

A specific "Risk Assessment" for the weekend art courses has been undertaken and the steps taken are set out at the bottom of this page:  

Many accommodation providers have introduced flexible booking arangements so that deposits are not lost in the event of cancelation due to government restrictions. Please check with your accommodation provider when booking. 

For 2025 there will be a maximum of just 8 people per weekend art course subject to any changes to official guidance on social distancing. Each person has their own individual table, windows are open providing good ventilation and masks may be worn  - but they are not compulsory unless official rules and advice changes again. Weekend Art Courses began again in June 2021 and have gone smoothly and enjoyably. Your tutor is vaccinated and boosted!  

Please see revised terms and conditions below. It is possible that you may be forced to cancel your place at short notice or that a course may have to cancelled at short notice due to government restrictions or advice. In which case the watch words will be flexibility and forbearance. No liability can be accepted for any incidental costs such as travel or accommodation but postponement and rescheduling will be attempted in the event of any Covid 19 getting in the way of your course. Please check in advance of your booking with any travel or accommodation providers that they will also take a helpful approach. You may also wish to consider your travel insurance options regarding course fees, travel and accommodation. To discuss any aspect of the weekend art courses please telephone: 01986 788853 any day 9am - 9pm   

To see some examples of work produced on previous weekend art courses please click here: Examples of Past Art Course work by participants

Weekend Art Courses -

Fees, Terms and Conditions

Weekend Art Courses: Fees, terms and and conditions:
Weekend Art Courses: The total art course fee of £225 for 2024 and courses booked BEFORE January 2025 includes provision of materials and equipment required for the weekend art courses. A vegetarian buffet lunch is also provided each day and included in the weekend art course fee. There are cheaper weekend art courses but please check how many participants and if everything is provided, eg: lunch, refreshments, materials and equipment in order to make a fair comparison.

A deposit of £100 secures the booked place with the balance of £125 due not later than 6 weeks prior to the course.

There are a maximum of eight participants on each course so you can be sure of individual tuition and support. Everyone has their own table to work at. The studio is well ventilated, warm and well lit. 

Deposits and Balances - important information: 

coronavirus (COVID-19) Please see addition to terms below: 

In order to ensure an orderly booking process deposits are non-refundable and non transferable - unless due to the government advice or restrictions arising from Covid 19 in which case the deposit will be transfered to another course of your choice subject to places being available. 

Any Non payment of the balance by the due date can imply cancellation and the deposit may be forfeited. It is the course participants responsibility to ensure the balance is paid by the due date and reminders are not normally issued. Places are limited to only eight participants per course and bookings are turned away once a course is full, therefore deposits are non refundable and non transferable as also are balances within 6 weeks of the course - unless due to the government advice or restrictions arising from Covid 19.  You may wish to consider appropriate insurance to cover you in the event of you needing to cancel your place for any reason. 

There will be no liability under any circumstances for any other costs other than art course fees paid directly to Nicola Slattery Limited - for example; accommodation , travel, similar or otherwise. This applies in the unlikely event of any course being cancelled for any reason beyond Nicola Slattery Limited control. You may wish to consider appropriate insurance to cover you in the event of any cancelation of  your place or the course for any reason. If any course should need to be cancelled Nicola Slattery Limited will endeavour to give as much notice as reasonably practical. Please supply a telephone number and email address as your best contact details at the time of booking.  

All weekend and other art courses are offered and provided by Nicola Slattery Limited. All contracts in relation to the art courses or any other activity are with Nicola Slattery Limited. Company registered in England and Wales No. 5147718 . 

To reserve your place on any weekend art course or to check availability please call:    01986 788853   any day 9am - 9pm,

or email:  artpeople@btopenworld.com 

Please pay by PayPal using the secure link near the top of the page. Alternatively email and request a PayPal invoice for either the deposit, the balance or a payment of fee in full. If you prefer to pay by any other method please email for details: artpeople@btopenworld.com 

Nearby Local Accommodation                                

All are only a few minutes walk or drive from the venue for the weekend Art Courses and art breaks with Nicola Slattery in rural South Norfolk.

With lots to do and enjoy nearby you may want to make your weekend art course part of a long weekend break or an even longer art holiday.   

Enjoy something similar when you book the nearby "Shepherds View" accommodation option via:   01986 788081  info@friendsfarm.co.uk

Under 10 minutes walk from the art studio. 

The following venues have all been hosts to several previous participants on the weekend art courses and have been recommended as friendly, comfortable and fairly priced establishments.  Several have even been featured on TV.  List Updated  October 2024

• Shepherds View at Friends Farm  Alburgh  Half a mile, less than 10 minutes walk from the art studio. Two self catered "luxury shepherds huts" to choose from. The en suite bathroom includes mains toilet, basin and shower with plenty of hot water. There is also a fully functioning kitchen. It boasts a woodburning stove (free logs) and double glazing to make your stay warm and cosy. On arrival you will find home produced sausages, bacon and eggs in the fridge. Let them know if you prefer a vegetarian option. (More available from the farm shop) Sleeps 1 or 2 with double bed. Around £90 per night for the hut based on 2 nights. "Surrounded by beautiful Norfolk countryside on the edge of the Waveney Valley. Shepherds View is an ideal location for birdwatchers, walkers, runners, cyclists, artists or those who choose to just relax and take in the views." Dog friendly. On site parking.  Excellent reviews from previous guests.   Find out more at:  https://friendsfarm.co.uk/holidaylets       Tel: 01986 788081       info@friendsfarm.co.uk
• The Dove Inn about 30 minutes walk or 5 minutes by car from the studio.  Double or Twin. Spacious en-suite room with double link bed that can be set up as a twin. Situated on the A143 overlooking the fens. Has a cafe that is open 7 days per week 8.30am - 4pm. B&B guests eat between 8.30am and 9.30pm, and they are happy to serve early birds that are pre-booked before 9.30am.  Room for two is about £120 but if on your own please give Sonya a call for a reduced rate and mention your art course!    https://www.thedoveinn.co.uk  Tel: 01986 788524
• Sir Alfred Munnings Hotel, 4 miles, 11 minutes by car. Good reviews and great value. Single room B&B from just £55. "The establishment is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction we will do everything we can to meet your expectations." The Street, Mendham, Suffolk   Tel: 01379 854861  www.siralfredmunningshotel.co.uk
• Wortwell Hall Barn. Wortwell, Harleston. 3 miles 10 mins by car or 45 mins walk. Dog friendly, stylish B&B featured on Channel 4 "Four in a Bed" programme. Rooms from £85 per room. Stay 3 nights and get a free evening meal on night of arrival. Very good reports from previous art course guests. Quiet location overlooking the river Waveney. Short walk to a nice pub.  Dog friendly. Tel: 01986 788432   https://www.wortwellhallbarn.com

• Grove Barn B&B, Middle Road, Denton. 4 miles, 12 mins by car. From £95 per night with discounts for 2 or more nights. Luxury ensuite bedrooms. Only a couple of miles from the studio and highly recommended by previous weekend art courses guests. Also featured on the Channel 4 "Four in a Bed" programme. . Tel: 01986 788015    One room "dog friendly"   www.grovebarnbedandbreakfast.com​

• The Castle Inn. 6 miles, 15 mins by car. Earsham Street, Bungay. Lovely old market town with art gallery, antiques, castle, tea shops and nice pubs. Rooms from £120 Highly rated historic inn.                    Tel: 07789 455774  www.thecastleinn.net   
• Glamourous Railway Accommodation.  Alburgh  Only 4 minutes away by car or enjoy the easy walk of about 20 minutes. You can even borrow a free bike and cycle - about ten minutes. The carriages have all the modern facilities you would expect from luxury accommodation are situated in traditional farm meadows in the heart of Alburgh - a quintessential country village in the beautiful Waveney Valley. Price guide: about £120 per night for two people sharing - may negotiate reduction for single occupancy - mention your art course! Min stay 2 nights.  Dog friendly. Phone: 07539 434971 mail: info@choochoomoo.com       choochoomoo.com/contact 

• The Half Moon Inn, Rushall (about 15 - 20 mins by car) Highly recomended traditional Country Inn with dining.  "We pride ourselves in our service and attention to detail. We are dog friendly and are able to accommodate single bookings and group bookings."   Six en-suite rooms from £75 including breakfast.  Food served every day.  Dog frindly.   rushallhalfmoon.co.uk     Tel: 01379 740403

The following accommodation is also available and not far away: 

• Holly Tree House, 8 miles, 18 mins by car. High quality B&B from £75 pppn. Good reviews. Bleach Green, Wingfield, Suffolk, Tel: 01379 384 854

• Vicarage Farmhouse 9 miles, 17 minutes by car, Bed & Breakfast "We offer a home-from-home experience in our restored grade 2 listed farmhouse; set along a quiet country lane with beautiful views." From £90 pppn (single) or £100 double.  Located just outside the historic market town of Bungay, Suffolk.   Tel: 07493035073   www.vicaragefarmhousebandb.com

• The Swan Hotel, 9 miles, 20 minutes by car, High Street, Loddon. £130 per room per night weekend rate. "We offer a range of beautifully decorated boutique bedrooms, spread over 3 areas within the external parts of the pub. Our spacious rooms have a relaxed and deluxe style, with super-comfy beds and super-powerful showers."   Tel: 01508 528039  web:    "www.theloddonswan.co.uk/reservations

•  Swan House. 13 miles, 25 minutes by car. New Market, Beccles. "Immerse yourself in the eccentric warmth of the Swan House, bursting with oodles of charm"  Friendly and helpful owner. Beccles is a lovely charming and historic town to visit. Tel:  01502 713474            https://swan-house.com
•  J D Youngs Hotel. Harleston. Hotel. Several Pubs and other food establishments nearby.   Price Guide £72 pppn single £96 double.  Traditional establishment in the heart of the town. Can be a bit lively on occasions.      Dog friendly.             Tel: 01379 852822
• Swan Hotel. Harleston. Hotel. Former Coaching Inn dating back to the 16th Century with loads of character and still very much an Inn.  Located in the heart of this old market town with easy walk to shops, restaurants and pubs. Also has its own Carvery and Breakfast is included with a single at around £60 and a double/twin from £85 per night. Featured on TV's the 'Hotel Inspector' and the traditional owner 'Inn Keeper' came out of it very well - friendly and charming! Mixed reports from recent guests with some saying no evening meal available and other issues. Please check details and your requirements at the time of booking. Dog friendly. Tel: 01379 852221    
• Sheila's  B&B Harleston - small market town just a couple of miles from venue with pubs, restraunts, cafes, tea shops etc. £40     https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/21896898

•  Starston Wood Lane, Starston (about 5 or 10 mins drive away) Private room, 1 bed, 1 shared bath. A rural retreat, rather than a farm stay. The home offers far reaching views over the Norfolk countryside. This space has a large private garden, with birds, bees and flowers.  £22 per night, option of breakfast, excellent reviews. https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/27118525

• The Dickleburgh Crown, 14 miles 20 mins by car.  The Street, Dickleburgh, Diss. Traditional village inn - good reviews.  
  Tel: 01379 741475

•  Or maybe you like the out door life camping with tent or caravan? If so try the Little Lakeland Caravan Park at Wortwell. Excellent facilities including a well stocked all year FREE fishing lake (great for a non painting partner), individual hedged plots, lots of wildlife and handy for touring the best of Norfolk and Suffolk . Only a couple of miles from the venue and two friendly traditional dog friendly pubs nearby.   Dog Friendly site.  Tel: 01986 788646 

• Can't find what you are looking for ? Please get in touch as there are many more options within only a few miles. email:   artpeople@btopenworld or call 01986 788853 (any day 9am - 9pm)

coronavirus (COVID-19) Terms and conditions vary so please talk to the accommodation provider about any concerns.

The local area is known as the Waveney Valley. It's a well known haven for wildlife. The River Waveney forms the border between Norfolk and Suffolk and is popular with anglers and canoeists. Cyclists and walkers can enjoy exploring the many quiet country lanes, paths and byways.

The old market towns of Bungay and Harleston with their many independant retailers, antique shops and galleries are just a couple of miles away. The coast is only 30 - 40 minutes away with Sothwold, Lowestoft and historic Great Yarmouth all worth a visit.

It is such a lovely area you may want to book your accommodation for more than the weekend art course and make it part of a longer holiday!  

​ To discuss any aspect of the weekend art courses please give Nicola a call. She will be pleased to describe just what you can expect and will freely offer advice.  

Tel:  01986 788 853 -  any day 9am - 6pm.

or email :    artpeople@btopenworld.com 

Please include your phone number for a call back.

If you like the art courses page please follow on Facebook and share with your friends - you can use the links below

Art Materials & Equipment:

All the art materails and equipment are supplied for all the weekend art courses and are included in the art course fee. Once you have discovered what you need and the results good materials enable you will want to purchase your own. A good place to begin is with Jackson's Art Supplies

You can visit their web site at: Jackson's Art Supplies

Please call to discuss any aspect of the weekend art courses or to reserve your place: 

Tel: 01986 788 853 

Covid 19 Risk Assessment for Nicola Slattery Limited 

For people attending a weekend art course or visiting for other reasons.

Objective: To minimise the risk of transmission of Covid 19 between people attending the weekend art courses or visiting the art studio to view art work. 

Hand sanitiser, hand washing and Toilet/W.C. A dispenser of hand sanitiser is available in each area and in the W.C. Visitors are asked to apply hand sanitiser upon entry to the building. Paper towels will be available in the W.C. for hand washing and also hand sanitiser. The W.C. is dedicated on the day to use only by those on the weekend art course. Cleaning wipes will be available along with anti viral spray. Visitors using the W.C. are asked to wipe down any areas before and after they are touched. 

Distancing: Numbers of visitors will be limited to a maximum of eight indoors, subject to changing government advice at the time. Reasonable steps will be taken to keep visitors 1.5 metres apart whilst inside the building. Tables for the weekend art courses will be spaced so people can sit 1.5 metres apart. When painting, people will generally sit in front of an easel at an individual table.  If printmaking, only one person at a time will be at the press together with Nicola who will supervise from around 1.5 metres distance where practical. Others will generally remain at their work table working on plates, etc. The 1.5 metre distance (depending on Government rules and advice at the time) will be aimed at during breaks and lunch time. Due to the narrow nature of the Kitchen only one person should use this space at a time.

Food and Snacks: Extra care will be taken to wash and sanitise. Where practical individually wrapped items will be offered - eg cakes, biscuits, etc. Cutlery and crockery will be washed in hot soapy water.

Ventilation: To increase air flow the windows in the kitchen and other rooms will be kept open throughout the period of visitors being in the building. The front door and other patio doors will be opened depending upon the weather. Heating in the studio will be increased to compensate as required. The window vent in the visitors W.C. will be left open - this also has an extracter fan. 

Vaccination: Nicola Slattery and Paul Whymark have both received two vaccines each and a booster each. Visitors are advised, if possible to get vaccinated and boosted prior to visiting but this a personal decision and there is no requirement to do so. 

If anyone has questions or concerns relating to what to expect please contact Nicola Slattery by email to artpeople@btopenworld.com or telephone 01986 788853 (any day 9am - 9pm)     

Agreed by Paul Whymark and Nicola Whymark (Nicola Slattery) Directors of Nicola Slattery Limited - Last Reviewed 20th August 2024

Nicola Slattery trades as Nicola Slattery Limited. All weekend art courses, artworks, products and other activities are provided by 

Nicola Slattery Limited. Registered in England & Wales.  Company number 5147718