Ref: S1D38322
This one-day workshop invites you to explore the natural world through a playful and expressive lens, using circular compositions, layered mark-making and vibrant colour to create dynamic botanical-inspired artworks. Drawing on both observation and abstraction, the focus will be on leaves, plants and flowers as the basis for composition, paying close attention to their shapes, shadows and how light filters through them from behind.
You will begin with simple visual exercises using viewfinders and phone cameras to reframe and simplify natural forms. You will explore the use of negative space and consider how light and contrast can be used compositionally, especially how backlighting transforms leaves into luminous, almost abstract forms. The circular format will act as a compositional tool, helping you to discover balance, movement and focus within a bounded space.
Working with high-flow acrylics, inks, oil pastels and graphite on circular Khadi paper, you will experiment with fluid techniques and layering to build two expressive, mixed-media artworks. Emphasis will be placed on process over perfection, loosening the grip on representation and letting the materials guide the outcome.
By the end of the session, you will have developed:
Whether you are new to painting or looking to loosen your approach, this workshop offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature, colour and creative instinct.
On this course the College will supply all of the materials, including Khadi paper discs, paper, newsprint per student and white acrylic paint, hi flow acrylic paint in a variety of colours and pastels to share amongst the group.
You can prepare by spending some time looking at leaf shapes and colours - particularly when the light is shining through them. You could fill a sketchbook page with different ways of painting or drawing one leaf - dots, smears, scribbles, watery pools, ghost prints, etc. The goal is to explore.
Available from shop:
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Student registration: 9.15am - 9.30am
Course teaching: 9.30am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.30am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm
Teaching finishes: 5pm
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Lara studied at Hastings College and Oxford Brookes. After a period of teaching art abroad, she returned to Brighton in 2000 and established her studio and gallery. She predominantly works as a painter, best known for her characterful abstract still-lifes and large-scale colour-field paintings.
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.
