Plein Airat Mannington

Step outside, slow down, and rediscover the pleasure of drawing without pressure.

These relaxed, inspiring plein air workshops invite you to look closely and respond to the landscape through expressive, painterly sketching. Led by artist Mary Blue, the sessions focus on quick sketches and mixed-media painted drawings rather than finished studio pieces. Working in sketchbooks, you’ll explore gouache, watercolour, ink and charcoal, using simple mark-making techniques to capture light, atmosphere and feeling.

No prior drawing or painting experience is needed. These workshops are as much for complete beginners as they are for those wanting to loosen their practice. Mary creates a warm, non-judgemental space where curiosity is encouraged, perfection is left behind, and participants are supported to surprise themselves. Much of the learning is about letting go of fear and simply beginning – hand, eye and heart working together.

Sketching outdoors allows you to experience the landscape in a deeper way. Rather than working from photographs, you’ll respond directly to what’s around you: shifting light through the trees, birdsong overhead, the sound of wind in the canopy, and the colours and rhythms of the garden. The emphasis is on loose, flowing brushwork and playful exploration, responding to nature in the moment.

The afternoon will include gentle warm-up exercises, guided sketching, time to explore independently, and the option to share and reflect as a group. You’ll leave with a sketchbook full of studies, practical techniques you can return to, and a renewed way of seeing the landscape.

Participants are encouraged to bring materials they already own. On booking, you’ll receive Mary’s practical notes on preparing for outdoor sketching, helping to demystify what to bring and what to expect. Sessions take place in the gardens and grounds at Mannington, finishing with a relaxed cream tea.

This workshop is part of a summer series of three plein air sketching sessions at Mannington, each reflecting a different point in the season. You’re welcome to attend one or enjoy the full series as the landscape changes.

Good to know

Suitable for all levels, including complete beginners

Small, supportive group

Materials not provided – guidance sent in advance

Please dress for the weather; bring a hat, cushion or fold-up chair if helpful

In the event of poor weather, a suitable alternative will be arranged

Includes full estate admission for the day

Fresh air, creative confidence, good company and time to slow down – an afternoon of looking, learning and enjoying the process together.

About the tutor

Mary received her Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the University of Pennsylvania and has continued to develop her practice through study in the UK, the United States and France. Her work has been shown widely along the Norfolk coast, in London and further afield, and she has been shortlisted for the Sir John Hurt Art Prize. In 2023, her work was included in the RA Summer Exhibition.

Alongside her studio practice, Mary is an experienced artist educator who creates welcoming, down-to-earth workshops for all ages. She is particularly inspired by the Norfolk coastline, often working from sketches made outdoors and returning to the studio to develop them into expressive paintings. Her sessions are practical, encouraging and relaxed, helping people feel at ease with materials and confident in their own creative voice.