“The ability to draw lives in you as much as it does in any artist, in fact, it is your right. The journey of learning to draw contains some risk. There may be a feeling of clumsiness or foolishness as you start, and you may get a little lost, but there is a great reward at the end.” ~ Juliette Aristides
“Art at the hall”:
Our art class is suitable for all abilities, it is small, friendly and supportive. Based at Upperthong Village Hall, it is always a delight to be here, set in beautiful countryside with fine views all around. The windows are many and large, and the sunlight comes pouring in, creating an airy, happy and positive environment.
We explore many aspects of drawing and painting and we practise them by drawing the world around us as a starting point. We draw from natural objects, from ‘still-lifes’ that we set up in our lovely studio space, and we draw the beautiful views through the window. We then proceed to experiment with different materials and ideas, producing a wide range of artwork. The class is flexible and I try to cater for everyone’s needs. During the summer we go out drawing and painting in various locations, and we sometimes go and visit exhibitions together. The students have their own private area on this website with class information on, as well as a weekly blog with photos from each session.
If you are interested in our art class, or would like more information, or just a chat about what we do, please contact me here in the first instance, thank you.
Upperthong Village Hall, Wednesday’s, 1:00 - 3:00pm, £16.50 per session
“ONLINE MINDFUL DRAWING”:
Slow down and relax with gentle, mindful drawings of objects from your everyday life. We begin with a short, drawing related mindful meditation, followed by drawing tuition in one area of the ‘elements of drawing’, and then we move on to the main activity: a slow, mindfully observed drawing of a chosen subject matter for that week. Examples are: found natural objects, items from around the home, and views through the window. Suitable for all abilities. If you would like to join these sessions or would like more information, please contact me here in the first instance, thank you. ** These sessions are currently on hold to enable me to have some time in which to complete my masters course (Studies in Mindfulness). Please still contact me if you would like to be put on the mailing list for these sessions **
Online. First & third Monday of every month, 10:00 - 11:00pm. £6.00 per session (£1 goes to The Africa Vulnerable Children Project, Kantolomba, Zambia. https://africa.livingcompassion.org/vision )
“Drawing for fun”:
Come join us for a fun monthly drawing session. Have a cuppa and learn new skills and develop old ones in a friendly, calming and relaxed atmosphere at Unity Yard, Holmfirth. 1st Tuesday of the month: 10:30 - 12:00, £5. Contact me here to book on.
1:1 Tuition:
I currently offer 1:1 drawing and painting tuition. I will post further information soon.
WORKSHOPS:
I also conduct and facilitate workshops in different venues, around the themes of nature, still life and mindfulness. Working indoors or out, using drawing and painting to explore the world around us. Please don’t hesitate to contact me using my contact page if this is something that you might be interested in.
Art class student feedback:
“Anna is an inspirational and mindful teacher who has the underpinning belief that art is for everyone and thus all are made to feel very welcome in her classes. She puts a lot of time into producing supportive material for the sessions and encourages exploration of different techniques and styles.”
“Anna is a great teacher. She is enthusiastic, full of ideas and inspirational. I had never attempted any art since my schooldays (a long time ago) but with Anna’s encouragement and help I have discovered that art can be a real pleasure. Her classes are a joy.”
“A very welcoming group and totally non-competitive. Anna’s planning, preparation and presentation is excellent, sets the tone and is just right. There is always that important one to one contact each session. I like the long tables we work at which ensures a personal space to work in. Also the lovely quiet that drops on the class when we are working. I also really like the students blog”
Feedback from participants taking part in workshops:
“Anna’s workshop was very enjoyable and encouraging to all members of the group, the mindfulness of concentrating on making colourful images of natural subjects helped all to relax.”
“I have never done anything like this before and have found it fantastic - very relaxed and informative. Anna was brilliant and very engaging - materials provided were of good quality and variability.”
“Enjoyed this drawing workshop. It was very relaxing and I learned a lot.”
“Well structured - simply explained allowing me to then experiment and learn. This was then enhanced with useful individual guidance. “
“It was fabulous to be able to spend two hours of “me time” working alongside like minded people. An excellent range of resources were provided alongside encouragement to just ‘have ago.’ Anna provided excellent help and advice throughout. I really enjoyed this session!”
“Lovely, relaxing and able to learn techniques as a beginner. And is very passionate and talented.”
