Our Programmes

Painting and Alchemy

29th May 2025 - 1st June 2025

Facilitator: Marius von Brasch

This course introduces you to both the intriguing symbolism of Renaissance alchemical imagery and how to make paintings or drawings in response to what the pictures, motifs and colours trigger in us as individuals. It invites the participants to actively engage with these ancient pictures and develop their own contemporary visuals.

Event time: 29th May 2025 4:00pm - 1st June 2025 4:00pm

Interested in spreading the cost of this course? Select Clearpay at checkout.

Not seeing Clearpay? Email info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk for your payment options.

What Is Included

For the majority of our courses, both residential and non-residential rates are available. Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments and exclude B&B. Some of our short day courses, events and talks do not include meals and refreshments. For more details about this course, please see the Practical Information section below.

Additional Activities

Mindful walking through our woodland trails
Meditate in our Woodland Sanctuary
Go on a hike and explore the Cotswolds AONB
Discover surrounding charming market towns

At a Glance

A visual and creative introduction to symbolic alchemy.
Painting inspired by alchemical illuminations and prints.
Touching on personal inner alchemy with painting.
The potential of symbolic alchemy for navigating turbulent times.

What You Will Gain

A better understanding of symbolic and alchemical transformations.
New ways to access or rekindle their creativity.
An idea of where they are right now in terms of their own inner alchemy.
An idea of how to contribute with their work to the current times.

Booking Options

Residential (single)Residential single rate

£790.00

Residential (shared)Residential shared rate

£715.00

Non-residentialNon-residential rate

£610.00

18-26 Discovery Bursary18-26 Discovery Bursary - Residental Single

£395.00

Interested in spreading the cost of this course? Select Clearpay at checkout.

Not seeing Clearpay? Email info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk for your payment options.

Painting and Alchemy Tutors

Marius von Brasch

More about Painting and Alchemy

This course aims to explore new ways of visualising what alchemy has to offer in our contemporary world, and to allow the art historical and symbolic aspects to provide unexpected springboards for the new.

Symbolic alchemy, also known as the ‘Great Work’ of transformation, presents enigmatic and fearless visions of symbolic deaths and resurrections. The surreal procedures and balancing acts lead ultimately to an integration of the complementary forces of light and dark, female and male.

The transformative ‘Work’ culminates in the emergence of vital healing and redemption for an individual, but also for humanity on a greater scale. It rehabilitates the individual and the world as ‘divine matter’ and rejuvenated ’gold’ of the sun. Strikingly contemporary, and contrary to most Western religious models, alchemy maintains an equality of spirit and matter, woman and man, body and soul; and demands, in a political sense, the fusion of power and service.

You will be introduced to Renaissance illuminations and prints from Splendor Solis, Aurora Consurgens and Atalanta Fugiens, followed by time for painting, meditation and discussion.

You are invited to work alchemically by merging the materiality of paint with the transformative input of thinking, feeling and unconscious elements.

Painting and Alchemy is for artists of all levels of experience who feel a call to explore and work with alchemical ideas and visuals.

'The course closely relates to my own practice as a painter, and I am passionate about supporting individual (not pre-conceived) approaches to painting.' - Marius von Brasch

Practical Information

Because of the course’s short duration and emphasis on experimentation, we will work with acrylics, wax pastel and crayons on paper. All quality materials are included (also brushes; however, if you wish to bring your favourite acrylic brushes, please do so).

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Not ready to book yet?
We understand that you might have a few questions before confirming your place. Whether you're wondering about the course content, schedule, requirements, or anything else, contact Cathy, our Bookings Manager, with your questions and she will be happy to help: info@hawkwoodcollege.co.uk

'The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.'

Marcel Proust

About Hawkwood

Hawkwood is a stunning Grade Il listed 19th Century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - it is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a diverse selection of nearly 150 courses, there's plenty to choose from, including courses in transformative leadership, future thinking, inner life, music and the arts.

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