Creative Workshops
An illustrator and artist with over 15 years experience in the creative industries, I host a range of workshops and creative retreats for brands, organisations and private and public events.
I co-host the Flow and Flourish Retreat with Jodie Rose Calligraphy each Spring and Autumn, and you can find out more here.
Creative workshops can employee wellbeing, promote connectivity and communication, build leadership skills and keep your team engaged. Whether you opt for an away day or workplace event, I supply all the guidance and materials to make your experience impactful and fun.
You can find out more about upcoming workshops below.
You can find examples of past workshops I have hosted below, along with some testimonials.
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“I've been joining Helen for her studio art club at Norden Farm over the autumn period. I have never had any art lessons before but I really look forward to these afternoon sessions every two weeks. They are fun, interesting, really relaxing and allow my inner creative side to come to life. There is no pressure to perform masterpieces and it is allowing me to explore different styles of art that I wouldn't normally have tried such as quick illustrative portraits and abstract art. Very mindful and happy experience”
Vicky
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“Helen's watercolour workshop was absolutely brilliant! I enjoyed it from start to finish. She really gave me the confidence to think outside the box and I came away with a piece of art that I will pop in a frame for my home. I would definitely recommend any class she runs in the future”
Jessica
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"Helen was informative, friendly and down to earth. We all had great fun, produced several pieces of art and were also treated to table service teas and coffees and cakes. Would highly recommend anyone to join another painting class with Helen.”
Karen
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“I thoroughly enjoyed Helens Abstract Watercolour workshop, I expected to find it really hard to get into or feel silly/out of my comfort zone but Helens suggestions and guidance really helped me find new ways to make marks and expanded my creativity. I really liked my end piece and feel inspired to do more. A lovely relaxing but also challenging few hours.”
Sarah
Upcoming Workshops
Autumnal Wreath Watercolour Workshop
Join illustrator Helen Ridley for a beautifully mindful and creative evening learning how to create loose and expressive autumnal wreath watercolour paintings.
Autumnal Wreath Watercolour Workshop
Join illustrator Helen Ridley for a beautifully mindful and creative evening learning how to create loose and expressive autumnal wreath watercolour paintings.
Paint Spring Florals in a Loose and Expressive Style
Join illustrator Helen Ridley for a beautifully mindful and creative afternoon learning how to create loose and expressive spring floral watercolou paintings.
Spring Florals Watercolour Workshop
Join me for a new watercolour workshop at Nood Stores in Caversham where will will explore creating loose and expressive watercolour florals.
Paint Watercolour Botanical Christmas Cards
Join artist Helen Ridley at Nood Stories in Caversham for a relaxing evening painting a botanical watercolour christmas cards, with bubbly and festive snacks included
Paint Watercolour Botanical Christmas Cards
Join Helen Ridley for a relaxed and inspiring afternoon learning to paint watercolour christmas cards at Cass Art in Bristol.
Paint Watercolour Christmas Cards
Join artist, Helen Ridley, at Cuppies ‘n’ Cream (Hartley Wintney) to create a series of beautiful illustrated Christmas Cards, with drinks and cakes provided.
Autumnal Florals Watercolour Workshop
Join artist Helen Ridley at Nood Stories in Caversham for a relaxing evening painting a selection of autumnal florals, leaves and seeds.
Paint Autumnal Florals in a Loose and Expressive Style
Join Helen Ridley for a relaxed and inspiring afternoon learning to paint watercolour autumnal florals at Cass Art in Bristol.
Paint Watercolour Summer Cocktails
Join artist, Helen Ridley, at Cuppies ‘n’ Cream (Hartley Wintney) to create a series of beautiful illustrations of summer cocktails, with drinks and cakes from Cuppies ‘n’ Cream included!
Florals and Botanicals Watercolour Workshop
Join artist Helen Ridley at Nood Stories in Caversham for a relaxing evening painting their collection of plants and dried flowers.
Paint Wild Flowers in a Loose and Expressive Style
Join artist, Helen Ridley, to create a series of beautiful illustrations of wild seasonal floral arrangements. You’ll be inspired by a selection of beautiful blooms selected by Helen.
You'll be guided through the artistic process in this small group workshop. Helen will demonstrate how to paint flowers and leaves with a range of techniques and materials, using watercolours, pastels and pencils. You will then have the opportunity to experiment with these techniques, before moving onto stylised compositions of the florals, to create a larger piece of work to take home.
All materials provided, with all abilities welcome.
£35 per person
Paint Watercolour Cakes and Florals
Join artist, Helen Ridley, at Cuppies ‘n’ Cream (Hartley Wintney) to create a series of beautiful illustrations of our delicious cakes, and seasonal floral arrangements – all studied from life!
Stylised Watercolour Portrait Workshop
In This Workshop…
Learn how to create simple, fun and colourful stylised portraits using watercolours, inks, pens and pencils. Perfect as a gift idea or a memento of someone special. The workshop will begin with a demonstration of portrait drawing techniques from illustrator Helen Ridley.
We will also look at famous portrait artists who work in a more stylised manner for inspiration and references. This will be followed by a series of warm up exercises to loosen up your mark making skills, and encourage a more stylised approach to portraiture. The rest of the workshop will be an opportunity to draw and paint stylised portraits using a range of materials, before working on a final portrait for you to take home and frame.
All materials will be provided.
£35 per person
Paint Watercolour Plants in a Loose and Expressive Style
Join artist, Helen Ridley, to create a series of botanical illustrations – all studied from life. You’ll be inspired by reference images of of tropical plants and seasonal foliage to produce your original work.
What will I do during the workshop?
You'll be guided through the artistic process in this small group workshop. You'll explore stylised compositions of plants and foliage and be encouraged to exploit a wide variety of media throughout (such as watercolour, ink, pastels and pen). You’ll experiment with mark-making, and work towards a larger final piece of work to take away.
What is included and who is the workshop for?
All materials are included. No experience or prior knowledge is necessary, the workshop is suitable for 16+ years. The workshop duration is 120 minutes.
£35 per person
Carmen Miranda Summer Headdress Workshop
Come and join me this July to create your very own Carmen Miranda style fruit headdress, perfect for summer celebrations.
The workshop includes a kit with materials and instructions on how to create your own fruit headdress from illustrated fruit. The fruit will be cut out and attached to a foam headband with elastic so that you can wear your very own fun and fruity headdress, inspired by Carmen Miranda and her fabulous outfits.
I will guide you through the session to ensure you have something beautifully hand crafted to take home with you.
All materials and a fruity cocktail included. Plus enjoy complimentary teas & coffee while you make.
Suitable for adults, no previous experience needed.
