Rod Moore
Using your sketchbook to gather valuable reference materials when you are traveling locally or abroad. Students will develop the skills of capturing a moment in time in their sketchbook with quick spontaneous sketches that focus on the key elements. These captured memories then serve as valuable reference materials for larger paintings back in the studio. Combined with your reference photos you will then be armed with materials to create amazing paintings back in your studio.
You will discover the essence of Sketching and keeping a Sketchbook and how to incorporate it into your travels locally and abroad.
The topics we will cover include:
* Sketchbook basics
* How to layout the design of your sketchbook and what information to capture
* Simplifying complex scenes for spontaneous sketching
* Looking for the magic in the subject and focusing on that
* Sketchbook materials - Inks, pens, brushes, watercolour, and gouache
* The importance of tone to create depth and atmosphere in your sketches
* Adding movement and life to your sketches
* How to take amazing reference photos on location
* Developing your quick spontaneous sketches on location into larger studio sketches
* Sketching from photos so you re-capture the magic of the moment
Rod Moore is a contemporary Impressionist landscape and seascape artist based in Queensland, Australia. A professional artist for more than a decade, Rod’s goal has always been to capture a moment in time and paint the atmosphere and mood of a place.
Together with his wife Sue, Rod is the star of two TV programs in Australia. “Plein Air Painting TV” and “Yes You Can Paint” both have 13 episodes and broadcast in prime time around Australia. Rod’s greatest skill is in teaching others to start painting. His motto of “Just have a go” is reflected in his unique approach to teaching known as the Moore Method of Painting. As the founder of the online art school Learn To Paint Academy, Rod has helped more than 100,000 students globally on their painting journey.
A workshop with Rod is full of in depth learning and sharing of knowledge, combined with fun, laughter and joy guaranteed to create lasting memories. His many repeat students are testimony to his unique ability to bring out the true artist residing deep within all of us.
Dates and pricing
$5,800 USD per person ($500 USD non-refundable deposit)
June 20-27, 2027
BONUS COMPANION PACKAGE:
Non-artists/companions discount of $200 USD. With expert local guides you will explore opportunities to see surrounding historical villages, eat and drink and enjoy the group company!
FOR PAINTERS ONLY: EARLY SIGN-IN discount of $200 USD before January 20, 2026.
RETURNING PEOPLE SPECIAL DISCOUNT OF $200 USD
Private transportation to and from Newquay airport to Truro (please check our time stipulation on day 7)
7 night accommodation with breakfast at the charming Townhouse Hotel in Truro | Hotels in Cornwall | Hotel VARA all bedrooms ensuite. The price is based on double occupancy. A single-occupancy supplement applies for guests staying in a private room.
2 Lunches and 6 Dinners with full beverage service, including wine
Welcome Aperitivo
Studio
Private transportation on all excursions: Falmouth, Porthleven, St Ives, Land’s End, Port Isaac, Tintagel Castle, St Michael’s Mount, Penzance, Newlyn, Mousehole.
Exclusive week-long class with Rod Moore, 26 hour workshop guaranteed including plein air sessions
Activities for non-artists/companions as listed in the itinerary
what’s included
Itinerary
Day 1 – Sunday, 20 June | Arrival in Cornwall
- Arrival: meet your host Piero and transfer to Hotel Vara in Truro.
- Take time to settle in, unpack and explore Truro at your leisure. The hotel is conveniently located for discovering the city centre, with its historic streets, independent shops, cafés and restaurants.
- In the late afternoon, Rod Moore and your host will welcome everyone with drinks at the hotel and give an overview of the week ahead.
- Welcome dinner: Walk into the centre of Truro for a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 – Monday, 21 June | Truro – Getting to Know Cornwall
- Wake up to a traditional English breakfast at Hotel Vara.
- Morning workshop in the studio with Rod – 9:00 am–12:00 noon
- Introduction to the workshop
- Sketchbook basics and materials
- Demonstration by Rod
- Drawing and painting exercises inspired by Truro and its historic architecture
- Non-painters activity in Truro
Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm near Newquay, Cornwall . Enjoy a behind-the-scenes cider farm experience, followed by a fun Orchard tractor ride! After the ride, enjoy a special tasting of Cornish treats.
- Group lunch in Truro.
- Afternoon: Explore Truro together, with a plein air sketching session with Rod in and around the historic centre.
- Non-painters free afternoon
- Group dinner in Truro.
Day 3 – Tuesday, 22 June | Falmouth & Porthleven
- Enjoy a traditional English breakfast at Hotel Vara.
- Full-day group excursion to Falmouth and Porthleven.
- Explore the lively harbour town of Falmouth together, with time to discover its historic streets, waterfront, harbour and picturesque coastal scenery.
- Plein air sketching session with Rod in Falmouth, focusing on the harbour, boats, architecture and everyday Cornish life.
- Non-painters activity in Falmouth
Private sea safari around Falmouth. The route will include: Falmouth Harbour, Pendennis Point, Carrick Roads, St Mawes, views of the castles, coastline and beaches, wildlife/seabirds, with a commentary about Falmouth's maritime history. After the boat trip, enjoy some coffee overlooking the harbour and explore Falmouth’s independent shops and galleries.
- Group lunch in Falmouth.
- Afternoon departure for Porthleven.
- Explore this charming fishing village and its beautiful harbour.
- Afternoon plein air session with Rod, with opportunities to sketch the harbour, fishing boats, traditional cottages and surrounding coastline.
- Time for photography and independent exploration.
- Non-painters activity in Porthleven
- Explore the harbour and harbour wall. The harbour is really the heart of Porthleven, and the town has a particularly strong local art scene. So, enjoy a gallery crawl, followed by a coastal walk towards Loe Bar. Then, relax and have Cornish cake or cream team overlooking the harbour.
- Return to Truro.
- Group dinner in Truro.
Day 4 – Wednesday, 23 June | St Ives & Land’s End
- Early breakfast at Hotel Vara and then depart for St Ives.
- Morning exploration and plein air sketching in St Ives with Rod.
- Non-painters activity in St Ives
Visit Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden, it will give you some understanding of why St Ives became such an important artists' colony. Then, guided "Artists of St Ives" walking tour, exploring the artists who made St Ives famous.
- Group lunch in St Ives.
- Continue to Land’s End.
- Afternoon sketching session with Rod overlooking the dramatic Atlantic coastline.
- Non-painters activity in Land’s end
Visit to the Minack Theatre: perched dramatically on the cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean, the Minack Theatre is one of Cornwall’s most extraordinary sights. Carved into the granite cliffs overlooking Porthcurno Beach, this open-air theatre offers breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into Cornwall’s unique cultural heritage. We’ll explore this remarkable setting and enjoy time to take in the spectacular scenery.
- Return to Truro.
- Group dinner in Truro.
Day 5 – Thursday, 24 June | Port Isaac & Tintagel Castle
- Breakfast at Hotel Vara, then depart for Port Isaac.
- Morning exploration of this beautiful fishing village, famous for its harbour, traditional stone cottages and narrow lanes.
- Morning plein air session with Rod.
- Activities for the whole group in Port Isaac
Enjoy a spectacular boat trip and see seals, dolphins, occasional whales, seabirds, dramatic cliffs and coves, Port Quin, Pentire Point, The Rumps.
- Group lunch in Port Isaac.
- Continue to Tintagel Castle.
- Activities for the whole group : Tintagel castle
Cross the bridge and enjoy the spectacular footbridge, medieval ruins, the Gallos sculpture, early-medieval remains and views over the Atlantic. Participate in a private King Arthur guided tour and discover the story of King Arthur, Merlin and the origins of the legend. To follow, cream tea and Cornish cake in the village.
- Return to Truro.
- Group dinner in Truro.
Day 6 – Friday, 25 June | St Michael’s Mount, Penzance, Newlyn & Mousehole
- Breakfast at Hotel Vara, then depart for St Michael’s Mount.
- Morning visit to the island and castle, subject to tide times.
- Non-painters activity in St Michael’s Mount
At low tide, you walk across the medieval cobbled causeway; when it is covered, you take a small boat from Marazion.
Explore St Michael's Mount castle, the terraced gardens and harbour.
- Group lunch: traditional Cornish Cream Tea experience.
- Continue to Penzance.
Non-painters: Relaxed walk along the seafront and historic centre, with time for cafés and independent shops.
- Continue to Newlyn.
- Non-painters: Visit the working fishing harbour and explore the village’s fishing heritage. This is particularly nice for photography.
- Continue to Mousehole.
- Afternoon plein air session with Rod around the harbour and village.
- Non-painters activity in Mousehole
Mousehole has retained its original fishing-village character, with galleries and craft shops tucked into the narrow streets.
- Return to Truro.
- Group dinner in Truro.
Day 7– Saturday, 26 June | Final Truro Sketching
- Breakfast at Hotel Vara.
- Morning workshop in the studio with Rod – 9:00 am–12:00 noon
- Final demonstration.
- Urban sketching and composition.
- Working from sketches and photographs gathered throughout the week.
- Time to develop unfinished work
- Non-painters activity in Truro
Visit to Trelissick Estate. It sits on a peninsula overlooking the Fal Estuary, with gardens, woodland, parkland and spectacular water views.
Enjoy a guided garden exploration, house/estate history, woodland and estuary views, browse the local crafts gallery, coffee/tea break.
- Group lunch in Truro
- Afternoon free to pack / do some shopping for souvenirs
- Farewell dinner: celebrate the end of the workshop with a relaxed dinner together.
Day 8 – Sunday, 27 June | Departure Day
- Breakfast at Hotel Vara.
- Check out at 10:00 a.m.
Time stipulations
- On arrival day, pickups at Newquay airport will be offered between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
- On departure day, we will depart the Hotel at 10, so we will be at the airport around 11:00 a.m., and the train station at about 11:30 a.m.
-We recommend allowing plenty of time for the journey to the airport and booking departure flights accordingly.
- Pick-up and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.
- We also suggest booking a night or two in the area at the end/beginning of your trip to explore and to make your departure/arrival flights more convenient. Please contact us for recommendations.