Paint • Play • Create: Find Your Wild — From Nature to Abstract

Look closer. Discover the unexpected. Transform nature into your own expressive abstract artwork. What happens when you stop looking at nature as something to paint and start noticing the lines, shapes, colours, patterns and textures hidden within it? In this relaxed two-hour workshop, you'll explore a natural reference through a series of playful close-up drawing and mark-making exercises before choosing one of your discoveries to develop into your own expressive abstract artwork. You'll use the colours, textures and forms of your chosen object as a starting point — but the final piece will be your interpretation, not a copy. The aim isn't to reproduce what you see, but to transform what you discover into something uniquely yours. What we'll explore • Looking closely at natural forms and discovering lines, shapes, patterns, colour and texture • Using close-up grid exercises to break your reference down into simple visual elements • Experimenting with expressive mark-making and different ways of applying paint • Exploring acrylic paint, pastels, chalks and charcoal • Playing with, scale, colour and composition • Transforming your observations into an abstract artwork I'll demonstrate techniques and guide you through each stage with creative prompts, but there is no finished painting to copy and no right or wrong outcome. What's included • All materials provided • Natural reference imagery • Demonstrations and creative prompts • Your own unique artwork to take home • Two hours of relaxed, creative time for yourself A couple of hours just for you Take a little time away from the everyday to slow down, get immersed in creativity and enjoy making something with your hands. No previous experience needed, no pressure and no need to get it "right". Come on your own, bring a friend, and enjoy a relaxed couple of hours, oh and wear something you don't mind getting a little paint on! Parking Please use the Paddock Car Park. Turn into Burrough Court, take the first left just before the black automatic gates (which will likely be closed on your arrival), follow the lane up to the Paddock Car Park. Once parked up it is a short walk to the Garden, following the signs for the Larder. About Ellie I am a local artist, creative tutor and co-founder of Kick Up the Arts. Through my workshops and creative projects, I am passionate about helping people discover confidence, connection and joy through artistic expression. My Paint • Play • Create workshops are designed to give you a little time away from the everyday. This is your opportunity to slow down, get immersed in creativity and enjoy the simple pleasure of making something with your hands. www.instagram.com/ellielovettartist www.ellielovettartist.com