Travelling with Watercolours - en plein air and sketchbook practice_Oct 11th 2026

Are you setting off on new adventures and want to capture memories with your watercolour paints or pen? Join award-winning artist Libby Derham for an intimate watercolour workshop exploring expressive sketchbook practice through drawing, ink, and watercolour. This small-group experience (limited to just 8 people) offers a calm, unhurried environment where you can slow down, observe, and develop your own way of seeing and making. With plenty of one-on-one guidance, Libby will support you individually as you build confidence, loosen your approach to drawing and painting, and develop a more intuitive way of working. A key part of the workshop introduces working en plein air (outdoors)—learning how to respond directly to your surroundings and translate what you see into expressive marks on the page. Libby will share practical approaches to painting and sketching outside, including how to simplify a scene, capture the essence of place and choose materials that support a more spontaneous, portable practice. You’ll explore pen and wash techniques, develop ways to work lightly and freely in sketchbooks, and gain practical tips for working both indoors and outdoors. Drawing on a lifetime of sketchbook practice shaped by her family of artists, Libby offers approaches that are accessible, grounded in observation, and deeply connected to place. The small group size allows for personalised feedback, flexible teaching that responds to your needs, and a supportive creative atmosphere where experimentation is encouraged. It’s an ideal space for building confidence, refining skills, and reconnecting with the joy of making. You’ll work with artist-quality materials, including the rich pigments of Daniel Smith paints, in a relaxed and supportive setting. All materials are supplied. Please bring an outdoor chair (or something comfortable to sit on when working outdoors), and wear old clothes or bring an apron. Morning tea is included. 100% of Humanitix’s profits from fees go to charities providing education, healthcare and life’s basic necessities.