Watercolour and Illustration Workshops

I teach watercolour and illustration classes in Berkshire, Bristol, London and beyond, and will soon be teaching online.

I aim to create an environment where you can learn a new skill, build your confidence and create beautiful intuitive artwork.

If you’d like to book me to teach a class at your next event, please email me here.

Upcoming Workshops

  • “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

  • “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

  • "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

  • “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

Private Watercolour Workshops

  • Are you organising a hen do, a baby shower, or a significant birthday? Perhaps you're planning a corporate event, team building session or wellness day?

    Why not book me to host a bespoke watercolour workshop for 5 - 20 people. Have fun, learn a new skill and get creative!

  • Available for private or corporate guests, choose from a range of themes, with all materials provided.

    Florals

    Sweet Treats

    Botanical Plants

    Cityscapes

    British Birds

    Group bookings receive a 10% discount per person.

  • To arrange your private watercolour workshop please get in contact to discuss your requirements helenanneridley@gmail.com

Upcoming Workshops and Events

Filtering by: “Workshop”

Paint Wild Flowers in a Loose and Expressive Style
Jul
30

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

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Stylised Watercolour Portrait Workshop
Jun
4

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

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Paint Watercolour Plants in a Loose and Expressive Style
Apr
22

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

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Carmen Miranda Summer Headdress Workshop
Jul
21

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.

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@helenridleyillustration