Winifred Hodge

My paintings are informed and inspired by spending quiet time in the wild open spaces on land and by the sea mostly in Scotland. My  sketches and notes are not only a response to the visual but attempt to capture the subjective element and whole experience of an environment and its integrity. I have been fortunate to have been brought up on a farm in Galloway and spent many years in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales but the wild open spaces of Scotland is where I yearn to be and seek inspiration. The colours and clarity of light, especially in winter are a constant source of awe and wonder and it is a challenge, using mostly mixed media, and in a spontaneous and intuitive way, to capture that which stopped me in my tracks,

I love using my vast collection of papers, painted or printed, often from found objects and make many different forms of artists’ books.

I have enjoyed leading workshops over many years in many parts of the country and presently only in the Yorkshire Dales. I enjoy seeing people tap into their unrealised abilities and surprise themselves by their creativity.

My workshops are based in Carperby Village Institute, Wensleydale in the beautiful northern Yorkshire Dales. It is a light, warm,spacious venue ideally placed for  sketching/painting in the  attractive surrounding countryside. Castle Bolton, Redmire Moor with views into 4 dales, Aysgarth Falls and the River Ure and all within easy reach.

There is ample parking space beside the hall which is situated in the middle of the village on the north side of the  road between Leyburn and Hawes. With a maximum of 9 in the group, individual needs can be catered for and painters of all abilities are most welcome. Students can work in any medium. They will be encouraged to simplify, develop their existing skills, push boundaries and most of all just enjoy the experience! All refreshments are catered for but please bring a packed lunch or the pub next door has excellent food. We work from approx 10 – 4pm and where possible, depending on the weather and participants abilities, we aim to sketch outside when possible.

The Yorkshire Dales is a perfect venue for partners of all ages and interests too. It is renowned for its wonderful hill walking but fishing, golf, mountain biking, cycling, horse riding and even hang gliding are all possible also.

You will find a warm welcome in the dales with excellent accomodation and numerous good eating places. York and Harrogate are both within easy reach and have excellent facilities.

There are many attractive market towns withing easy reach with good weekly markets and places of interest. Please contact me or Leyburn Tourist Office if require info re accommodation.