‘I’m a retired painter and decorator, so I’m used to being plastered in paint. Thought I might get a bit creative, but after yesterday I think maybe not. Nico says we’re drawing today. Might ’ave a better chance with that.’

It’s hard not to laugh. ‘Well, good luck to you, John.’

Nico looks across, catching my eye for a moment as I settle down on one of the chairs he has set out in a semicircle. On each is an A4 artist’s sketch pad and a small tin, which I place on the floor by my feet.

‘Okay. Today we’re going to explore the art of sketching. If you open the tin, you will find a range of six different graphite pencils and a sharpener. You will notice that the blacker the pencil, the softer the lead. The rule of thumb is that for detailed work use one of the H pencils – you’ll see the scale printed on the side just here.’ Nico holds up a pencil to indicate. ‘If you want to create texture and tone, then you choose a pencil with B on it. The most popular ones for general sketching, and to begin with, are HB and 2B.’

Nico’s demonstration makes it look easy and, fortunately, instead of asking us to draw something from real life to experiment, we simply start with 3D shapes to see what each pencil does. It’s fun without being a daunting challenge.

‘Right. Practice time over. Now I want you to head out and find something to draw. It doesn’t matter what, but if this is your first time I suggest you choose something simple. A single leaf, or flower head for example. For the more adventurous, have a go at maybe one of the sheds down in the garden. It’s easier to focus on one thing, rather than to make it complicated.

‘Sketching can be like taking notes. A small drawing that at some point will inspire a much bigger work. Maybe divide your page into four for this afternoon’s task. Above all, make it fun, and I’ll be around if anyone needs any help or advice.’

We all stand and walk off towards the staircase when Nico motions for me to hold back.

‘I know you enjoyed yesterday’s session and I wondered if before you make a start, you’d like to see what a working artist’s studio looks like up close. It’s messy, I can promise you that.’

I’m intrigued, but then I can see he knows I will be. ‘I’d love to, thank you.’