FIRST WORKSHOPS AT HORTON

This week was the first time I used the village hall at Horton, Dorset for three workshops. The hall has a great view through the long window straight over the rolling fields to Horton Tower at the top and gives great inspiration for painting. My first workshop was ‘Abstract Landscapes’ and artists used the view through any of the windows to take an initial sketch of the scene which could then be made as abstract as each artist desired working through a series of steps. By the end of the session there was a variety of different pieces which were individual to each artist.

The second workshop was ‘Painting Without Brushes’ where we explored making marks using all sorts of implements found in the home and outside. This workshop was designed to free up the way we make marks by thinking of alternatives to reaching for the usual brushes.

The final workshop was ‘Using Colour For Drama & Impact’ This looked at some colour theory and how different colour mixes can be achieved to compliment and contrast a painting. Once you get into mixing your own colours and understand the theory behind it a whole new world opens up before you.

WHAT MY WORKSHOPS AIM TO ACHIEVE

I think it’s important for people who want to learn something to be helped to teach themselves. It’s all very well to learn by copying someone else, and in the early stages it’s maybe what is needed, but as people advance the focus should shift to using the information they’ve learned in a way that teaches themselves. This is done by experimenting and using the basic principles they’ve collected and applying it in practice. This is the way I like to look at my workshops. They are a platform which can be used to launch a persons own creativity and unlock a hidden or not so hidden talent. My workshops will be held regularly so please visit my website to check what’s coming up. If you’d like to receive information on all my upcoming events as well as what’s happening in my studio, please subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this page.