In this playful workshop, you’ll use colourful inks and acrylic paints to create bold and exciting abstract artwork.

Led by artist Laura Menzies, you’ll learn a technique inspired by Helen Frankenthaler, a famous American artist who made her mark in the 1950s. She used watered-down paint to soak into the canvas, creating beautiful, flowing effects – and now you get to try it too!

You’ll play with layering colours – exploring how inks mix and spread, and how acrylic paints can be layered to add depth and texture.  Use a variety of tools to make fun marks and loosen up your style.

This workshop is all about enjoying the process, not aiming for perfection, and creating bright, expressive pieces that are totally your own.

For young artists aged 11-16, this group helps young people connect with their creativity and get to know contemporary art practices.

SCHOLARSHIPS: Thanks to generous support from our fee paying families and St Ives Rotary, we are able to offer up to 4 scholarship places per session awarded on a need basis. If you are on a low income please contact [email protected] for an application form to apply for a free scholarship place.

FUNDRAISING: If you are able to support a free place for another child, we would be hugely grateful if you would add a donation to your booking at checkout.

What to Bring

Our studios are fully equipped and we provide you with all the art materials you need for your workshop, so just bring yourself and lots of enthusiasm!

We provide aprons but encourage you to not wear your best clothes.

Timings and Breaks

The workshops start at 2pm and finish at 4pm. We will have a comfort break in the middle.

The class will be held in the ground floor studio at the School of Painting.