News, Muse & Inspiration 25: WORKSHOPS!

It's been a while since my last blog post! That is because 2025 turned out to be a very busy year - and some of that activity was connected to the four new mixed media workshops that I created and delivered at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) in Bristol. You can visit the workshops page of my website by clicking here.

I have been wanting to create some workshops for a while now. When I show my work at exhibitions and art trails I get asked lots of question about my process. When I explain how my work is made, people become curious to learn about the processes for themselves.

My work is made using 3 main processes:

• PRINT - I use a number of printing techniques to create layers in my work. I also use various printing processes to create some of my collage papers.

• PAINT - I apply paint to my work using a range of tools. I mainly work with acrylics, but also use inks. I also use mark-making tools such as graphite, acrylic paint pens and crayons (water soluble and non-water soluble).

• COLLAGE - I make collages using found papers and my own handmade papers. Some artworks are made entirely using collage, others have collage pieces added to painted or printed layers.

The four workshops that I run at the RWA are designed to give participants the knowledge and experience to develop their own mixed media artwork. I share information about the background to each of the processes that I teach and give hints and tips on technique.

• In the Gelli Printing workshop, participants get chance to make stencils and stamps to use in the prints that they make during the day.

• In the Power of Colour workshop, participants explore how colour works and unlock the secrets of how to use colour effectively - in art (and other creative activities, such as interior design and garden design).

• In the Art of Collage workshop, we explore the history of collage as an art form and the vibrant contemporary collage scene. Participants create collages using various types of paper (whilst learning about the principles of composition in art).

• In the Mixed Media Abstracts workshop we use one method for starting abstract mixed media artworks, whilst also exploring colour mixing and the principles of composition in art.

But mostly I create a space where participants can explore their own creative ideas in a relaxed way. All workshops are suitable for everyone - from complete beginners to experienced artists. And everyone goes away with some exciting new artworks and lots of information and ideas to follow up at home. If you would like to find out more about my workshops, visit the workshops page of my website by clicking here.