This course has been rescheduled from spring to the new date summer date of Thursday 2nd July 2026.
Places are limited and each course is carefully prepared. We encourage you to review our Terms & Conditions before booking. By booking, you agree to them and to the principles that shape our courses.
Seated lunch | Afternoon tea | Small-group
Led by Julia Blaker, Painter, with life-observation support from Mere Down Falconry, historical insight from Asterion & Co., and framing by Studio Art & Frame.
Paint an original portrait inspired by a bird of prey seated before you.
Within a week of the course, your framed artwork will be ready to keep or gift.
𐡷𐫱𐡸
Meet the quiet power of a bird of prey in this immersive one-day painting masterclass at The Old Vicarage.
Create an expressive A3 portrait through direct observation, guided by gesture, light, form and character rather than technical illustration.
A calm, supportive day of craftsmanship, curiosity and focused making, led by Julia Blaker and shaped by Asterion’s heritage-inspired learning philosophy.
During this one-day course you will:
Explore birds of prey in art, myth and natural history
Learn to read gesture, silhouette and gaze for expressive portraiture
Work from live observation, supported by expert falconry handling
Capture movement, weight and presence through composition and tone
Create an A3 artwork shaped by both subject and instinct
How the day unfolds:
Warm welcome and introduction
Falconry encounter and live observation session
Studio demonstrations from Julia
Structured painting sessions with individual guidance
Time for photography, reference gathering and planning
Final refinements and signing your piece
Short framing conversation with Asterion & Co.
What you’ll leave with:
A finished A3 expressive painted portrait
Greater confidence in your observational eye
Practical tools for future painting
Memories of a rare close encounter with a bird of prey
𐡷𐫱𐡸
Workshop Details
Date: Thursday 2nd July 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: The Old Vicarage, Leigh-on-Mendip, Somerset
Pricing: £295 per person
Includes: All painting materials, expert tuition, a guided falconry observation session, printed photographic references, refreshments and a seated lunch. Places are limited to eight guests.
Booking terms
By booking, you are entering into an agreement with Asterion & Co. in accordance with our Terms & Conditions, including our cancellation policy and course guidelines.
This course draws on Julia’s unique approach to expressive portraiture from life and Asterion’s heritage-inspired learning philosophy — an unhurried, supportive day of craftsmanship, curiosity and quiet focus.
About Julia Blaker
Julia Blaker is an artist attuned to form, presence and the poetry of seeing. With a practice rooted in observational painting, she helps guests move beyond surface likeness to capture gesture, spirit and moment.
She encourages painters of all levels to work with openness, courage and confidence, with an emphasis on play, presence and thoughtful decision-making throughout the process.
Read more about Julia in The Asterion Journal.
Our Bespoke Framing Partner
For courses that include professionally finished artwork, we work with Studio Art & Frame, an independent framing workshop based in Frome, Somerset.
Known for meticulous craftsmanship and a thoughtful eye for proportion and materials, they create bespoke frames that quietly elevate each piece.
All framed works from our art courses are finished using high-quality, conservation-minded materials.
Discover more about their work at Studio Art & Frame.
This course has been rescheduled from spring to the new date summer date of Thursday 2nd July 2026.
Places are limited and each course is carefully prepared. We encourage you to review our Terms & Conditions before booking. By booking, you agree to them and to the principles that shape our courses.
Seated lunch | Afternoon tea | Small-group
Led by Julia Blaker, Painter, with life-observation support from Mere Down Falconry, historical insight from Asterion & Co., and framing by Studio Art & Frame.
Paint an original portrait inspired by a bird of prey seated before you.
Within a week of the course, your framed artwork will be ready to keep or gift.
𐡷𐫱𐡸
Meet the quiet power of a bird of prey in this immersive one-day painting masterclass at The Old Vicarage.
Create an expressive A3 portrait through direct observation, guided by gesture, light, form and character rather than technical illustration.
A calm, supportive day of craftsmanship, curiosity and focused making, led by Julia Blaker and shaped by Asterion’s heritage-inspired learning philosophy.
During this one-day course you will:
Explore birds of prey in art, myth and natural history
Learn to read gesture, silhouette and gaze for expressive portraiture
Work from live observation, supported by expert falconry handling
Capture movement, weight and presence through composition and tone
Create an A3 artwork shaped by both subject and instinct
How the day unfolds:
Warm welcome and introduction
Falconry encounter and live observation session
Studio demonstrations from Julia
Structured painting sessions with individual guidance
Time for photography, reference gathering and planning
Final refinements and signing your piece
Short framing conversation with Asterion & Co.
What you’ll leave with:
A finished A3 expressive painted portrait
Greater confidence in your observational eye
Practical tools for future painting
Memories of a rare close encounter with a bird of prey
𐡷𐫱𐡸
Workshop Details
Date: Thursday 2nd July 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: The Old Vicarage, Leigh-on-Mendip, Somerset
Pricing: £295 per person
Includes: All painting materials, expert tuition, a guided falconry observation session, printed photographic references, refreshments and a seated lunch. Places are limited to eight guests.
Booking terms
By booking, you are entering into an agreement with Asterion & Co. in accordance with our Terms & Conditions, including our cancellation policy and course guidelines.
This course draws on Julia’s unique approach to expressive portraiture from life and Asterion’s heritage-inspired learning philosophy — an unhurried, supportive day of craftsmanship, curiosity and quiet focus.
About Julia Blaker
Julia Blaker is an artist attuned to form, presence and the poetry of seeing. With a practice rooted in observational painting, she helps guests move beyond surface likeness to capture gesture, spirit and moment.
She encourages painters of all levels to work with openness, courage and confidence, with an emphasis on play, presence and thoughtful decision-making throughout the process.
Read more about Julia in The Asterion Journal.
Our Bespoke Framing Partner
For courses that include professionally finished artwork, we work with Studio Art & Frame, an independent framing workshop based in Frome, Somerset.
Known for meticulous craftsmanship and a thoughtful eye for proportion and materials, they create bespoke frames that quietly elevate each piece.
All framed works from our art courses are finished using high-quality, conservation-minded materials.
Discover more about their work at Studio Art & Frame.
Image 1 of 25
Image 2 of 25
Image 3 of 25
Image 4 of 25
Image 5 of 25
Image 6 of 25
Image 7 of 25
Image 8 of 25
Image 9 of 25
Image 10 of 25
Image 11 of 25
Image 12 of 25
Image 13 of 25
Image 14 of 25
Image 15 of 25
Image 16 of 25
Image 17 of 25
Image 18 of 25
Image 19 of 25
Image 20 of 25
Image 21 of 25
Image 22 of 25
Image 23 of 25
Image 24 of 25
Image 25 of 25
