Aldo Balding

26th - 30th August 2026

5 Day part 'En Plein Air' - part Studio Workshop with models

In my upcoming workshop, you’ll dive into painting portraits and figures directly from a live model, capturing the essential, because simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. On the first morning, I’ll kick things off with a live portrait demonstration, showing my approach firsthand. We’ll explore how colours harmonise to convey mood, using values to sculpt form and depth. You’ll learn to finesse edges for a natural flow between figure and background, while experimenting with textures to bring fabric, skin, and surroundings to life. Expect hands-on guidance to elevate your portrait skills in a vibrant, inspiring atmosphere, both indoor and out weather permitting!

Aldo Balding

Aldo looks for colour harmonies that already exist in the subject. He squints a lot when painting and this helps him to simplify everything, see things within a hierarchy- the sharpest edge, the lightest part, the order of things that he is searching for. He works quickly spending almost as much time on the set-up and ideas as the painting itself.

https://aldobalding.com

RESERVE YOUR PLACE

PLATINUM

An extra-large junior suite with a double bed and an ensuite bathroom - spectacular views.

£3,208.00 (Approx. USA $4,454.00)

Plus UK VAT (Sales Tax @ 20%) *

GOLD

A double room with a double bed or twin single beds with a private bathroom.

£2,958.00 (Approx. USA $4,107.00)

Plus UK VAT (Sales Tax @ 20%) *

SILVER

A room with a double bed and ensuite.

£2,708.00 (Approx. USA $3,760.00)

Plus UK VAT (Sales Tax @ 20%) *

BRONZE

A good-sized room with a double bed and a shared shower room.

£2,413.00 (Approx. USA $3,349.00)

Plus UK VAT (Sales Tax @ 20%) *

BRONZE SINGLE

A single room and a single bed with a shared bathroom.

£2,250.00 (Approx. USA $3,123.00)

Plus UK VAT (Sales Tax @ 20%) *

*International students who are a registered business 1 year or older may reclaim the tax on exit from the UK. We can help you with the necessary forms.

3 STEP PAYMENT PLAN

Payments can be made in 3 instalments:

40% deposit at the time of booking
30% due exactly 24 weeks before the workshop
30% due exactly 16 weeks before the workshop

2nd Instalment (30%) - 24 weeks before: 11 Mar 2026

Final Instalment (30%) - 16 weeks before: 06 May 2026

Cancellation Policy:

• Up to 25 weeks before workshop: lose 40% of the total cost

• 24–17 weeks before workshop: lose 70% of total cost

• Within 16 weeks of workshop: no refund

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Dates: Wednesday 26th August - Sunday 30th August, 2026

Price: Price includes workshop, accommodation, food, drink and extras. Please see our Package Information for what's included.

Medium: Oil

Max number of students: 16

What students need to bring: Please bring your own en Plein Air travel easel as well as your outdoor painting kit. On-site, we will have paper towels, brush cleaner and limited oil paints (ask ahead). We do have a few easels to lend out and so if you aren't able to travel with yours, please ask ahead in plenty of time.