So, what’s this new Paint Club I keep going on about? I will explain.
If you have been following my business for a while, you will know that over the last 10 years I have been an artist selected for many public art trails around England, where I have decorated a whole medley of animals including a Shaun the Sheep, hare, pig, rhino, otter and penguin, yet interestingly, only one of those animals has been decorated with mosaic, the rest have all been painted. Mosaic may be my passion, but painting will always be my first love.
You may have noticed that there are so many ‘Paint & Sip’ workshops popping up all over the country in pubs, village halls and, in fact, my very own daughter, Mollie-Mae, is a fabulous painting host for a specialist ‘paint & sip’ company based in Liverpool.
And it got me thinking, as well as delivering my normal mosaic workshops, why not introduce some fun, painting sessions in the studio too? Seems a bit of a no brainer really – I have the space, experience and the ideas. So, I started to dabble in the idea last year and ran some sessions for children as part of the Gloucestershire County Council Holiday and Activity Food programme and the results by those kids were just amazing. It convinced me that if they can do it, anyone can!
So, in January I spent some time painting a few examples so that I could run my own Inspiring Creativity Paint Club in my studio. I know that lots of people are so fearful of painting – since their school art lessons they have been put off picking up a paintbrush, but you don’t need to be worried or anxious, my Paint Club is about having FUN. The intention is for a relaxed, supportive and friendly environment for you to unleash your creativity, in a simple and easy to follow, step-by step activity, so that you leave with a piece of art you can be proud of. It is aimed at beginners, seasoned artists or just anyone wanting to get creative with like-minded people. It is not a ‘normal’ painting class, there will be music, you are encouraged to sing a long and enjoy yourself – it’s definitely not like an art lesson from your school days!
The ticket price covers your canvas, materials, tuition plus a glass of bubbles and a little snack. However, I am finding that more and more people prefer just a cup of tea, rather than alcohol, so that will also be available too, there’s absolutely no pressure to ‘sip’ while you paint if you don’t want to! Each month there will be a different theme, you can come to them all or just dip in and out to the ones you like the look of. And, you don’t have to copy my example completely – why not switch things up, choose different colours from me, add extra flourishes – make YOUR canvas completely unique to YOU. You are the artist. And, if you can't make the public dates, if you can round up a minimum of 6 friends, I will deliver on a day and time to suit you. There's also opportunities for you to commission me to create a unique design for you to enjoy with your friends - just get in touch.
Have I convinced you to try?! Join me in my studio on Lydney Park Estate for a fun, creative and therapeutic time – I guarantee you will surprise yourself on just how easy it is to unleash your inner Picasso.
