Helen Ridley Illustration

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Everything You Need to Know About My New Workshop

My plan for 2022 is to do a lot more in person events, which is why I’ve teamed up with the lovely Sue and Tamalia at MADEbyTamalia in Reading to host an intuitive and inspiring Abstract Watercolour Workshop on 30th March 2022.

This will be my first workshop at this venue, so I thought I would do a little overview of what you can expect at the workshop, and hopefully answer some of your questions.

Abstract Watercolour painting example


What Level of Experience in Watercolours Will I need?

I have created this class to be accessible to people from all kinds of abilities with watercolour painting. Whether you’re an professional painter looking for a class to take you out of your comfort zone and try something new, or if you’re a complete beginner wanting to try a material that you’ve always felt unsure of, you should find something to enjoy in this class, and a new set of skills to continue using long after you take my workshop.

What Materials Will We Be Using?

All materials will be provided with this class, so you will have access to watercolour paint palettes, watercolour brushes and paper. We will also be using simple cartridge paper to practice on and try out lots of different mark making techniques in the warm up exercises.

I also love to use pastels, pencils and inks to add details to my watercolour paintings, so these will be on hand as well for you to add extra textures and definition.

I’ll also be encouraging you to use different mark making materials such as sticks, paper, tissue, cling film and more to experiment with making new textures and finishes with the watercolour paint.

What Is the Venue Like?

The workshop will be at the wonderful Creativ Spaces studios in Caversham, run by the MADEByTamalia team. These are magical rooms filled with amazing art, eclectic curiosities and foraged treasures. They are somewhere to escape to – providing a calm environment in which to create and relax.

What Will Happen in The Workshop?

The workshop is 2.5 hours long in the evening from 7 - 9.30pm. I will begin the session with a short introduction, and then a quick demonstration of how I create abstract watercolour paintings. We will then do a quick warm up of mark making practice together on 1 large sheet of paper as an ice breaker. Then we will spend 45 minutes experimenting with mark making on some simple cartridge paper, inspired by the colours and shapes that we will see in the still life arrangements in the studio space.

Once you have finished these warm up exercises and experiments, you will then be able to spend the remainder of the workshop working on a final composition on watercolour paper using the techniques you have learnt.

I will be on hand to give advice and feedback throughout the workshop.

There will also be complimentary tea and coffee available while you are painting.

What Are The Event Details?

When: 7-9.30pm on Wednesday 30th March

Where: Creativ.Spaces Art Studio & Event Spaces
2b Southview Business Park,
Marsack St, Caversham
Reading RG4 5AF

How Can I Book My Space?

You can book your space at the workshop via the MADEbyTamalia website. Just click the link below: