Art Workshops and Classes
The aim of Rachel's workshops is to learn about how art can help you connect with the world and yourself, whether that's the social world in her sociological sketching workshop, the natural world in the plein air for beginners and everyday botanics class. Everyone leaves having learned a bit about the role art can have in their life, how to appreciate art more, and how to use art as a tool for mindfulness, flow, and connection. Rachel also teaches one-to-one art classes.
No previous experience or artistic skills are needed!
Workshops are usually 2-4 hours long. All materials are included and provided. Workshop costs start from £50 per hour. Please get in touch for an exact quote or to modify the workshop to fit your group's needs.
Plein Air for Beginners (most popular)
Painting "en plein air" is painting outdoors. You will not just be drawing what's in front of you, but also deepening your sense of place and connection with the natural world through art.
Rachel will guide you on how to step back and depict an outdoor location that will seal your memory of that refreshing moment. Plein air painting is also a great skill for travel journalling.
This workshop uses watercolor pencils, ink, and watercolor paint. All materials provided.
Sociological Sketching
Inspired by sociological research on the impact of everyday sketching as a research method, this workshop combines art and academia to broaden your horizons. Participants will depict people, objects, and/or the things they overhear about in a playful style to enrich their observation skills. It will give you a new appreciation for the sociology of everyday life.
This workshop uses watercolor pencils, ink, and watercolor paint. All materials provided.
Museum Sketching: Chiaroscuro & Composition
Rachel will take you to the Fitzwilliam Museum (or another art museum of your choice) and teach your group about how the principles of chiaroscuro and composition are used in painting.
Attendees will have the opportunity to then try some museum sketching techniques to deepen their learning.
This workshop uses pencil due to museum limitations. Materials are provided but participants are welcome to use their own sketchbooks.
Museum Sketching: Focus on Figures
Rachel will take you to the Fitzwilliam Museum or the Museum of Classical Archaeology. Together, we will look at sculptures and discuss the principles behind drawing figures.
Attendees will have the opportunity to then try some museum sketching techniques and a mini life-drawing simulation to deepen their learning.
This workshop uses mostly pencil due to museum limitations. Materials are provided but participants are welcome to use their own sketchbooks.
One-to-one classes
Rachel can meet with you for classes to teach foundational art techniques. They can be a one-off class or a series of classes. Lessons are not just about skill - they are about developing one's artistic eye and learning about principles of art.
This is a great way to explore a new artistic medium without committing to purchasing materials. Available materials and techniques include oils, acrylics, watercolor, watercolor pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, plein air painting, landscapes, figures, portraits, still life. Classes are usually held in your home or outdoors at a mutually suitable location.
This workshop uses your choice of materials. Prices begin at £30 an hour.
Everyday Botanics
Draw plants from life! Zoom in to nature's beauty and mindfully capture the details of the plant in front of you. You'll never see your garden the same way after this workshop!
A brief history about botanic illustrations will also be shared.
This workshop uses watercolor paint, ink, and pencil.
All materials provided.