Be inspired by the English countryside with Field Studies Council's range of art and craft courses - designed to help you develop your skills and experiment.

For many artists, a new year can be a time to revisit familiar techniques. But it could also be the right time to explore something new... different mediums, new ways of working, or fresh responses to landscapes.

In 2026, Field Studies Council is offering a range of art and craft courses at Flatford Mill that support this sense of exploration, providing space to learn, experiment and develop creatively.

About Flatford Mill

Flatford Mill is located amidst the quintessentially English countryside of the Dedham Vale. The Mill and Willys Lott are instantly recognisable as they feature in many painting by John Constable (location of his Haywain painting). Today, this setting continues to encourage creative flair and the opportunity to learn a new art, whether through drawing, painting or other creative outlets. The relationship between place and practice remains central to the experience of learning here. As an environmental education charity, Field Studies Council works to create outstanding opportunities for everyone to learn about nature. Art and craft courses at Flatford Mill are designed to develop skills while also encouraging participants to slow down, observe more closely and take inspiration from the surrounding landscapes for their creative work on painting, drawing, craft, traditional skills and more.

The centre offers residential courses, allowing artists to fully immerse themselves in their learning and the setting. Staying on site creates a supportive and focused environment, with time structured around expert-led tuition, independent practice and shared reflection. This residential approach helps remove everyday distractions and allows creative ideas to develop more naturally over the course of a few days.

Ready to attend a painting course or holiday? Find all the essential advice you’ll need to help you prepare, with our ultimate guide to painting holidays.

Learn a new craft

For those interested in trying something new in 2026, the programme at Flatford Mill includes a wide range of art and craft disciplines. Courses cover sketching and watercolour painting, alongside traditional crafts such as stained-glass art and basket weaving. Working in an unfamiliar medium can provide a valuable opportunity to approach creativity from a different perspective, and many participants find that this helps build confidence and refresh their practice.

Courses are led by experienced tutors who are also practising artists and makers. Teaching is carefully structured, with clear guidance and demonstrations, while remaining flexible enough to support individual interests and abilities. Small group sizes ensure that participants receive personal feedback and encouragement, creating an inclusive learning environment for artists at different stages of their journey.

Care for place, people and learning underpins everything Field Studies Council does. At Flatford Mill, this is reflected in the way courses are delivered, the respectful use of the landscape, and the emphasis on creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. Participants are encouraged to engage with their surroundings thoughtfully, developing a deeper appreciation of both their creative process and the environment that inspires it.

Looking ahead to this year, Flatford Mill offers a place where artists can take time to learn, explore and try something new. Whether developing existing skills or stepping into an unfamiliar medium, the experience is shaped by expert teaching, an inspiring landscape and a long-standing commitment to learning through connection with the natural world.

Learn more about Field Council Studies and their available courses on their website.