Kitty Hillier
My approach encourages play, experimentation and trust in our gut intuition. It’s always great to hear that after trying some of the quick mark-making and drawing exercises that I teach, people are keen to repeat them at home regularly as a way to relax or reset.
Based in Cornwall, Kitty lives and works in Penryn. Her work is rooted in her belief that fundamentally all things are connected. Seeking this out both above and below the surface of what she sees in nature, biomorphic forms are distilled, overlapped and reconstructed through various means. The results are effortlessly playful images and sculptures that reference these observations.
Kitty studied at Falmouth (Foundation) and Bath Spa (BA Fine Art Painting 2007). Her ongoing research into the divided human brain, communication and plant intelligence informs her practice. Over the last 12 years she has partnered with Newlyn Art Gallery, Somerset Art Works and Grays Wharf to lead workshops and was selected for Doorstep’s Anatomy of Design Residency. She was also commissioned to work on filmmaker Rachael Jones’ project Moving Landscapes in partnership with Sensory Trust. Her most recent installation was ‘Rockpool Mind’ exhibited at Penzance Exchange.
Website: Kitty Hillier – Artist, Falmouth UK
What our students say
Kitty was so brilliant throughout and created and encouraged a magical atmosphere of calm, alongside furious productivity. I enjoyed every second of it, it was exactly what I needed to loosen up my style and I will be embedding many of the techniques into my own practice. Wonderful people in a truly inspiring space!
I learned that my natural instinct to play and experiment with the elements of art is the right path for me. The instructor made it clear that allowing yourself to play without judgement is truly the way.
Kitty has a lovely relaxed meditative approach and is so generous in sharing her personal processes.
I find Kitty’s approach very freeing. It helps me to loosen up and just have fun with line, shape and color. The session was well organised and well paced.
It was delivered in a calming, easy to understand way. Kitty was supportive and encouraging, and pushed us out of comfort zones enough to get the best out of every student.
Kitty was so brilliant throughout and created and encouraged a magical atmosphere of calm, alongside furious productivity. I enjoyed every second of it, it was exactly what I needed to loosen up my style and I will be embedding many of the techniques into my own practice. Wonderful people in a truly inspiring space!
This course has inspired me to kick start my practice.
The course was excellent, Kitty really enabled me to re-frame the way I think about art and creation, giving us the tools and the space to be free to explore and experiment. It’s been an incredible experience that has reignited my creativity and left me buzzing with ideas.
Transformative in terms of artistic process.
The course was really well designed, and Kitty Hillier was clear, coherent and very patient. She created a really special learning environment.
I enjoyed the pace and range of materials that Kitty covered. The course has given me lots of ideas and things to think about over the next few weeks. We were lucky enough to see Kitty’s piece in the exhibition at the Penzance Exchange, and it helped understand her thinking. The studio was really well organised – lovely to be able to have coffee and biscuits too!
The course was very well organised, Kitty was very experienced and enthusiastic. The experimental side was fantastic. Thank you!
Kitty supports and guides you down your own path in a non-judgemental manner, providing you with lots of information and ideas. Although the three days were challenging, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
This course surpassed my expectations. Completely liberating.
The course exceeded my expectations. Kitty Hillier is an excellent tutor and her passion for the subject was obvious throughout.
I had a great time and learned to experiment and explore and keep the playfulness as a main focus in my art practice.
Just thankful for the wonderful course.
Transformative in terms of artistic process.
Courses with Kitty Hillier
Abstract Coastline
Short Art Workshops - Mixed Media - Abstract
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000QpQSm
Active Instance: a02Nz00000N9U4rIAF, 19-Sep-2025
Create abstract and experimental compositions in collage and watercolour inspired by the Cornish coastline.
| 19 Sep - 3 hour(s) 13:30 - £55 | Full | Request |
Abstracting Nature
Art Courses - Mixed Media - Abstract
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000K5jCK
Active Instance: a02Nz000009BtvFIAS, 26-Sep-2025
This course encourages you to slow down and connect with your surroundings. It invites playful experimentation with colour and materials, allowing the creation of unique, layered artworks.
| 26 - 28 Sep - 3 days - £425 | Book |
Collage & Surrealism - Eileen Agar
Art Courses - Mixed Media - Abstract
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000FIivu
Active Instance: a024J00000CzMb9QAF, 01-Sep-2026
Spanning painting, collage, photography and sculpture, Eileen Agar transformed the everyday into the extraordinary.
| £30 - 1.5 hour | Book |
Experimental Drawing + Collage
Online Pre-recorded - Mixed Media - Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000IRoIM
Active Instance: a024J00000C1ZcNQAV, 01-Sep-2026
Enjoy creating experimental and abstract compositions inspired by your everyday surroundings in this recording.
| £30 - 2 hr | Book |
Mindful Ways to Paint
Short Art Workshops - Acrylic - Abstract
Active sort order:
Course ID: a00Nz00000DfMI4
Active Instance: a02Nz00000N9TS9IAN, 19-Sep-2025
Take a pause from your day-to day life and discover a journey into mindful ways to paint.
| 19 Sep - 3 hour(s) 09:30 - £55 | Book |
Seabed, Cove + Coast
Online Pre-recorded - Mixed Media - Landscape
Active sort order:
Course ID: a004J00000FGhII
Active Instance: a024J00000CjgA2QAJ, 01-Sep-2026
Enjoy creating dynamic reliefs inspired by the landscape around you in this four-part online course.
| £90 - 4 sessions | Book |