Sketching Days 2023


Come and join in these friendly sessions rain or shine.

Bring sketch books, camera, paints, pencils, something to sit on, and if you prefer an easel.

Work in any medium, on your own or in a group. The venues are chosen for their convenience re. refreshments, shelter, car parks and toilets.


Dear TAS Member, with the arrival of British Summer Time, we are all hoping for more warm days when we can meet to sketch & paint outdoors. Our proposed schedule is:-

Monday 17 April at 1.30pm – Dudley Weatherley Jubilee Bridge, Tiverton Canal EX16 7AY

This lift bridge was named after a local artist who was a prominent supporter of the campaign to save & restore the Tiverton Canal.
Car park = Y Cafe & toilet = Y (at nearby Halberton Court Farm Shop. Cafe closes at 4pm).
Directions Leaving Tiverton along Blundells Road and then Post Hill, take the slip road on the left with the Country Park sign opposite the brown Grand Western Canal & Parking Sign on the right hand side of the road.

Tuesday 2 May at 2.00pm – Ashley Court, Ashley, Tiverton EX16 5PD

Tara Fraser has again agreed for us to visit the grounds of her home. The Regency house is surrounded by woodlands and gardens overlooking the river Exe. To be here feels like stepping back in time.

Car park = Y Refreshments & toilet = Y Cost: £6 cash
Directions – Leaving Tiverton on the A396 towards Bickleigh, see the sign on the left for Recycling Centre straight on and right to Ashley. Turn right here and next left. Ashley Court is on the left a short way along Ashley Back Lane.

Thursday 25 May at 2.00pm – by the Antiques Centre, Topsham Quay EX3 0JB

There is always something of interest to draw/paint when by the sea.
Car park = Pay & Display Toilet = Y

Wednesday 7 June at 1.45pm – meet by the church in Witheridge to car share to
Plaz Metaxu (Coombe House)

This is an opportunity to visit a rarely open & extraordinary garden created by Alasdair Forbes. It has been described as one of the most original gardens created in modern day Britain. Set in 32 acres it has it all – woodland, flowerbeds, a lake, a walled garden, a courtyard as well as unconventional sculptures and stone features dedicated to characters from Greek mythology.
Toilet = Y Refreshments = N

**** CANCELLED **** Wednesday 28 June at 2.00pm – meet at Blundell’s Visitor Car Park by the Ondaatje Hall building EX16 4DN ***** CANCELLED ****

Apart from the historic buildings on site, we may be invited to draw/sketch in a private garden on this occasion.
Car park = Y Toilet = N Refreshments = N

Tuesday 11 July at 1.45pm – meet on Bolham Lane Bridge over the Link Road to visit Coombeland EX16 7QP

Charlotte Lampard’s interesting property is set high in the hills above Knightshayes with great views of the countryside.
Directions – Heading out of Tiverton at the roundabout opposite Petroc College, turn right into Lea Road towards Moorhayes. Then turn second left into Bolham Lane to meet on the bridge over the A361.
Car park = Y Toilet = Y Refreshments = Y £1 cash donation

**** CANCELLED **** Monday 31 July at 2.00pm – meet near Witheridge Church to visit Hope House, The Old Rectory, Witheridge EX16 8AE **** CANCELLED ****

The owner of The Old Rectory invites us to sketch/paint the newly refurbished holiday cottage in the grounds. At the end of the afternoon he would like to choose his favourite from our collective effort to keep.
Car park = Y Refreshments = hopefully at the Art Cafe in the village centre.

Thursday 7 September at 12.30pm or 2.00pm – The Anchor Inn, Exbridge TA22 9AZ

Thursday 7 September at 12.30pm or 2.00pm – The Anchor Inn, Exbridge TA22 9AZ

Join us for lunch around 12.30pm at this riverside pub on the B3222 between Bampton & Dulverton. Otherwise meet at 2.00pm to sketch the pub’s garden or nearby bridge.

Wednesday 27 September at 2.00pm – meet in the entrance of RAMM,Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3RX

There will be lots of inspiration at this museum & art gallery for our last sketching session of the season.
Car park = Pay & Display nearby Toilet = Y Cafe = Y

We look forward to seeing you at some or all of the above events.

Kind regards Sandy & Gillian


If you wish to have a lift to a venue or would like to offer space in your car to others, please drop an email to sandymawer@ymail.com