Crazy last few years.....

Wow the last few years have been absolutely crazy. When I shut down the in person classes I only thought it would be for a couple of months. Who knew it would be years later that they would finally start up again. I'm starting a new venue come September at Ardleigh House Community Centre and I cant wait to be back in the classroom with my regulars. I have done a few sessions at West Horndon Art Group, which is always a pleasure....

It was a bit scary to be back in person and I kept my mask on the whole time. I think I'm more relaxed now that things have calmed down. However it was so lovely to see everyone creating in front of me. I also forgot how exhausting it was, a complete shock to my system after working from the comfort of my studio for so long!

I started zoom classes to keep my learners doing something creative and to stop me going insane with home learning. It's been such a positive experience that I'm going to keep doing them on a Tuesday. It's great teaching from the comfort of your own home with slippers on and a coffee to sip on. The learners said it was good to see me working up close, sometimes in a large room it can be a struggle to see properly but online you have me up close and personal : )

 

The weekly practice of drawing and painting is great to develop skills. In the past most of my time is taken with learners and helping them with their artwork that I didnt have the chance to complete work but I've noticed that through zoom I draw and paint so much on my own work and it's really helped me to develop and find my own voice. Which I know sounds really cheesy but the main thing I've learnt is that by drawing and painting weekly you'll discover what you like and what you don't which will direct you to your own style. In class we experiment, for example adding ink pens on top of watercolour. One learner has found her style and finds this too bold so uses soft pencils instead, keeping it soft and muted in her style. So go experiment and see what happens plus you'll have lots of fun along the way.

If you're interested zoom classes will be running on Tuesday mornings, 10-12. Inperson classes will be starting in September, exciting!

 

 

I'm starting a new venue......

My Thursday art classes are getting really popular, so much so that I can't fit everyone in. So I'm starting a new venue at Fairkytes Art Centre in Hornchurch on Tuesday mornings. So my art class that I teach on a Thursday morning which covers a wide range of media will be repeated on a Tuesday morning.

I'm excited to start a new venue and at Fairkytes which has been an art and cultural hub in Havering for years now. We'll be based in the art room overlooking the garden. Plus I've just bought a new toy, a projector, so I can show everyone inspiring artists along with step by step instructions for anything we're working on. So if you're interested in joining us get in touch and pop along.

I'm running them on a pay as you go basis, which everyone is loving as you only pay for the sessions you can make. 

Here's a little outline of what we'll be covering.....

There's a slight chill in the air, the leaves are starting to fall and my daughter keeps coming home with pocketfuls of conkers.....It can only mean one thing... yep... the Autumn art classes are about to begin and I cant wait to get creative with you all again!

Here's a few pictures from my last sessions of the summer term where we get adventurous and go plein air..... it was so roasting we had to hunt for shade for fear of over heating : )

This was the from my Drawing and Painting class up near Havering-atte-Bower at the back of the Green and the horses stables. It was recommended from a learner (thank you Terry) as one of his favourite walks and I can see why, it is absolutely beautiful. If you want to get inspired by nature definitely head up there for breath taking views and you might be as lucky as us to have the horses wondering past.

Here's the watercolour class enjoying the views and shade of Hornchurch Country Park. It was so lovely down by the river where it was cooler than in the centre, glorious.....

There's something magical about drawing and painting outside, almost like a Cinderella moment as chicks swim past, dragonflies dance in front of you and the birds sing. Definitely good for the soul. If you havent tried it I would definitely recommend it.

Exhibition at Hornchurch Country Park Visitors Centre.....

On Sunday we had our exhibition at Hornchurch Country Park Visitors Centre, Ingrebourne Valley. This was a chance for all the learners from my Drawing class, Watercolour class and Painting and Drawing class to display their work in their first exhibition. 

I have to say I was so proud of them all as it looked absolutely fantastic. They've all worked incredibly hard and the results were amazing. Most of the learners are all complete beginners and haven't picked up a paintbrush or pencil since leaving school, which make their achievements even more applaudible.  
 

Some close ups of all their pieces..... It was really nice seeing the learners develop their own style during the courses and I love the wide range which you can see here

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It was always great to see their work in class but then to see the pieces framed or mounted for the exhibition was even more special.

My little section including the robin we did in one watercolour class....

It really was a lovely day especially as all the learners brought their friends and family to share the day too. The work is now going to be used for the Student Achievement night at Havering Adult College too, another great opportunity to celebrate their hard work. 

I cant wait for September to see their work develop further and meet some new students too. 

My Students Summer Show.......

I am very excited to announce that I am holding an exhibition of my students work. They have produced amazing work and I am very proud of everything they have achieved. This is a joint exhibition from my Drawing class, Watercolour class and the Drawing and Painting class. So there will be a great mix of different art works. Ingrebourne Valley Visitors Centre are letting us have their education room on Sunday 7th August to show our work.

I'm also doing some drop in sessions on the day so come along, sit down and relax with the amazing view across the park and have a go at a little drawing or painting. What better way to spend a Sunday.

Taking place on Sunday 7th August from 10am until 4pm. If you walk into the Visitors Centre, follow it through to the cafe and we'll be on the left, you wont be able to miss us. 

Hopefully see you there,

Kirsten

Still some places on this one too....

If you want to come along to draw and paint in a wide range of mediums then this is the class for you. I break down everything we do, showing you how to build up an image with specific techniques and mediums.