COURSE/WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

This five‑week evening course invites participants to immerse themselves in The Natural World through a blend of mixed‑media exploration, observational study, and intuitive creative practice. Rooted in the energy and abundance of summertime, each session draws inspiration from seasonal flora, fauna, colour, and movement. Across the course, you’ll experiment with expressive mark‑making, pattern layering, and gestural techniques using materials such as paint, charcoal, oil pastel, soft pastel, and natural found objects. When the weather allows, sessions will extend outdoors for direct engagement with the landscape—observing, sketching, gathering textures, and collecting organic materials. Participants will also have the opportunity to forage for natural elements and transform them into handmade tools for mark‑making and expressive painting, deepening both creative play and connection to the environment. Over five weeks, you’ll build a body of exploratory work that celebrates the vibrancy of summer, culminating in a more resolved piece that reflects your personal style and creative journey. This course offers a relaxed, supportive space to unwind, experiment, and reconnect with your creativity. TUTOR INFORMATION: Olivia Mansfield is a tutor with over 10 years of experience running creative workshops alongside her own practice. Olivia has facilitated sessions in various disciplines; painting, ceramics, lino print, batik and wet felting. Olivia’s multidisciplinary practice is rooted in classical painting, iconography, historic culture, ritual and symbolism. Themes of myth, legend, folklore and symbolism intertwine in a playful balance of the abstract, botanical and figurative elements she encompasses in her work. MATERIALS PROVIDED FOR THE DURATION OF EACH SESSION: Easels and boards for the duration of the session. WHAT MATERIALS TO BRING WITH YOU: Sketch book/pad/or loose sheets of paper for drawing/painting on. Plus any materials you may have at home ie, watercolour paints/palette, inks, pastels, etc. (no oil paints please). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Enjoy complimentary teas and coffees on site. LOCATION: This workshop will take place in the Legge Room situated on the ground floor. Accessible parking spaces are available to anyone who requires them.