Spend a full day immersed in creative exploration, using collage and watercolour to develop abstract and experimental compositions inspired by the Cornish coastline.

Guided by artist Kitty Hillier, this workshop invites you to look at your surroundings with fresh eyes, discovering new ways of seeing through close observation, slow drawing and intuitive, playful mark-making.

The day begins with a gentle meander across Porthmeor Beach, where you will gather objects and visual references to spark ideas. Through observational drawing exercises, Kitty will encourage you to tune into your environment using all of your senses, paying attention to shifting light, seasonal changes, forgotten spaces and discarded objects.

Back in the studio, you will translate these observations into a series of exploratory collages. Working with layered papers, watercolour, line and colour, you’ll experiment with different ways of building and resolving compositions. Emphasis is placed on process over outcome, allowing space to test ideas, take risks and discover unexpected directions in your work.

Throughout the day, Kitty will offer guidance, demonstrations and one-to-one support, helping you to develop confidence in your visual language and expand your approach to abstraction. No prior experience is necessary, making this workshop accessible to all levels. It is ideal for anyone looking to refresh their practice, generate new ideas, or reconnect with a more intuitive and experimental way of working.

Please note: This is an adult workshop, however we would welcome children aged 14 or over, if accompanied by a paying adult. This is the case as we cannot guarantee that all our tutors have been DBS checked.

What to Bring

All materials are provided. As we plan to work outdoors for some of the duration of the workshop, please wear sensible shoes and bring a coat or sunhat as appropriate.

Timings and Breaks

The workshop will run from 10am until 4pm. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time so you can check in at reception and get settled in. We will serve tea and coffee at break times during the workshop.