Frida Kahlo in Silk: Exploring Colour, Symbolism and Mexican Culture with Hilary Simon
Ref: D2D42256
About this course
Explore Frida Kahlo's vibrant world through silk painting. Inspired by her iconic imagery, Mexican flora and symbolism, learn the French Serti technique to create a unique silk artwork using flowing dyes, colour and expressive design.
Course Description
This inspiring two-day workshop explores the vibrant visual world of Frida Kahlo through the expressive medium of silk painting. Drawing on Kahlos iconic imagery, her love of nature, Mexican flora and fauna, and the rich symbolism found throughout her work, participants will create their own unique silk artwork inspired by her distinctive style.
Led by artist Hilary Simon, a specialist in silk painting and Mexican textiles, the workshop introduces participants to the traditional French Serti technique, using gutta resist and flowing dyes to create beautiful effects of colour, line and movement on silk. Through demonstrations and guided practical work, participants will learn how to translate ideas from Kahlos paintings, personal symbolism and Mexican decorative traditions into their own compositions.
Aims:
- To introduce participants to the art of silk painting and the French Serti technique.
- To explore the colours, patterns and symbolism associated with Frida Kahlo and Mexican visual culture.
- To encourage individual creativity and personal interpretation through textile art.
Objectives:
During the workshop, participants will:
- Learn how to prepare and work with silk using specialist materials and techniques.
- Experiment with colour mixing, applying dyes and creating decorative effects using resist methods.
- Develop a design inspired by Frida Kahlos themes, including portraiture, botanical forms and symbolic imagery.
- Gain confidence in creating an original silk painting from concept to finished piece.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the workshop, participants will have:
- An understanding of the principles and possibilities of silk painting.
- Practical experience using the Serti technique and silk dyes.
- Created a finished silk artwork inspired by Frida Kahlo and Mexican artistic traditions.
- Developed new approaches to colour, pattern and creative expression.
Suitable for all levels, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to celebrate Frida Kahlos extraordinary artistic legacy while discovering the beauty and versatility of painting on silk.
Course Materials
Included
On this course the tutor will supply most of the materials including 1 metre of silk per student, dyes and gutta gum as well as frames.
What students need to bring
You are invited to bring paint brushes if you have them.
Available to buy
A good variety of art and craft materials are available to buy in the Gardens Gatehouse Shop.
Timetable
Student registration: 10.30am - 11am
Course teaching: 11am – 5.15pm
Morning session: 11am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm
General Information
Tutors
Further study options
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.