Oil Painting in the Gardens with Nick Grove Friday 25th September 2026

Join acclaimed Stamford artist Nick Grove RSMA for a full day of painting outdoors in the beautiful surroundings of Easton Walled Gardens. Working in oils directly from life, you’ll learn the principles that Nick believes are essential to successful painting: careful observation, strong drawing, accurate proportions and a clear understanding of structure before colour and detail are introduced.

Throughout the day Nick will demonstrate his approach before offering individual tuition as you develop your own painting. With only twelve places available, everyone will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions, receive personal feedback and watch a professional artist at work. A relaxed lunch in the Courtyard is included, giving participants the chance to discuss techniques and share ideas before returning to the gardens for an afternoon of painting. We hope this day offers several ‘lightbulb’ moments that moves your work forward and gives you confidence.

You’ll need to bring your own materials, and we’ve put together a bundle which you can buy from Griffin of Easton (or use as inspiration), and the selection of oil paints you will need for the masterclass is available to buy separately too.

About Nick Grove

Nick Grove is a British oil painter based in Stamford and a member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists (RSMA). Best known for his expressive paintings created directly from observation, he paints landscapes, cityscapes and figures from life, capturing the changing light and atmosphere of each location. His work has been exhibited widely, including at London’s Mall Galleries, and is held in private collections both in the UK and internationally. Alongside his own painting practice, Nick founded the Stamford School of Art, where he teaches drawing and painting from observation.

Painting from life lies at the heart of Nick’s teaching. Rather than relying on photographs, he encourages artists to respond directly to what is in front of them, learning to judge proportion, composition, tone and structure through careful observation. His workshops are practical, encouraging and suitable for a range of abilities, helping artists develop confidence while building sound technical skills that can be applied to every painting they create.