Before launching into what’s coming up in January, I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their support over the last 12 months. 2025 has been an important year for my little creative business and I really appreciate everyone who has attended a workshop, followed me on social media and given my words of encouragement over the year. I’ve started to get an idea about what I’m doing and realised how much I love teaching. It’s been great to see some aspects of the business grow and develop, such as the art club at Dungworth and working with schools. I’ve also loved starting new things like the workshops at the Botanical Gardens and art at the bedside at the Children’s hospital. More than anything, it’s been such a joy to work with so many lovely people and encourage their belief in their ability to create art. Thank you to everyone who has been involved this year!
So on to January – it might not be the month we all look forward to but actually there is something special about this quieter month with less expectations. I like getting back into routine, getting out for some bracing walks and noticing glimpses of nature that would normally not be the star of the show. It’s a great time to start a nature journal or sketchbook habit. Why not treat yourself to a new year sketchbook and commit to some regular practice? Having just completed my second year of #52WeeksofNatureArt I can confirm that regular practice has helped me improve my art skills and the focus on nature has helped me to learn about and appreciate the world around me. You can join me for #52WeeksofNatureArt2026 over on Instagram and if you feel you need a bit more support, join me in March for my next Nature Journalling workshop (details below).
Coming up in January…
Adult Art Club at Dungworth Village Hall
Wednesday 7th and Thursday 22nd January 2026 – 7-9pm
Portraits
Back by popular demand – this month we focus on portraits. Yes they are tricky but they also a really good way to practise a number of skills including proportion, use of shading, and colour mixing. You might want to bring along a copy of a photograph of a favourite person or just an interesting face. We’ll also try a bit of drawing from life in this session so be prepared to show your best side!
The group is very friendly and open to everyone with or without prior experience. The sessions focus mainly on drawing and watercolour painting techniques but I like to throw in other processes such as printing occasionally. Each week is a stand alone session so don’t worry if you can’t commit to each one but if you do attend regularly, you’ll really start to notice your skills improve over time.
I provide stimulus and gentle instruction so you don’t have to worry about knowing what to draw. I also provide paper, drinks and usually homemade cake! I can provide a sketchbook, graded pencils and watercolour paints or you are welcome to bring your own. Sessions are £9 each or £32 for 4 sessions booked in advance.
Other workshops booking now:
Spring Art Club at Dungworth Village Hall
Nature Journalling – Spring! @ The Botanical Gardens
Monday 16th March 2026 – 9:30am – 12:30pm
Botanical Printing – Spring! @ The Botanical Gardens
Other great things to do in January!
- Get out and see the starlings – I’m determined to see the starling murmuration this year. I’ve been doing my research and the best place locally seems to be Potteric Carr nature reserve. Advice seems to be to arrive 30mins before sunset as the starlings are coming in to roost. You can check out The Woodland Trust’s website for more details.
- Enjoy a sunrise – So the days are short but at least that means you don’t have to get up too early to enjoy a lovely sunrise! Choose a bright day and try and get out before the sun comes over the horizon to see the changing light and experience how it effects the landscape.
- Start a sketchbook habit – You may already have a sketchbook or you may want to treat yourself to a new one. Either way why not try committing to some regular practice? I’ve just bought myself a new A4 book because I want some more space to just play and try ideas out. Whatever you go with, try and get a book with good quality paper (200gsm plus) and just draw or paint in it – it doesn’t matter what! If you find it difficult to commit, set yourself a 5 minute timer and draw or put paint on the page until it beeps. Do that every day for a week and see a page fill up. Try it every week for a year and see a sketchbook fill up! Some of it will be terrible and you’ll hate it but it all builds towards improved skills and you’ll start your own creative record.
- Visit ‘Of the Oak‘ at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park- This immersive installation piece has taken over the Chapel space at the park. It features huge projections and sounds to bring interconnectivity and ecosystem of an oak tree to life.
Thank you so much for reading this and supporting me! If you’ve enjoyed this newsletter and want to stay in touch with upcoming workshops, ideas and tutorials, please add your email below to subscribe and why not share this with friends who you think might also fancy something creative in their lives?!
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