Art sessions in my home studio
I am starting to open my home studio for small, relaxed art sessions.
That sentence feels both exciting and slightly terrifying to write.
I am not launching an academy, promising transformation or claiming to have all the answers. What I am offering is time, space and a genuinely supportive environment in which to draw and paint, guided by someone who does this regularly and loves sharing the process.
Who these sessions are for
These sessions are for any adults, whether you are a beginner, enjoy drawing and painting already or someone who would like to enjoy it even more. You do not need to be good at art, but it is also fine if you are. Either way, all you need is a bit of curiosity and a willingness to have a go.
Many people stop drawing because they think they should already know how or because they are worried about getting it wrong. I know I often avoid trying a new style because I do not want to waste materials if the idea does not work. But, I am often pleasantly surprised by the results when I make myself persevere.
For me, going to an art class is a bit like going to the gym - I have to keep going because I think that someone is watching. My intention is for my classes to feel like the equivalent of a collegiate, fun gym session that does not result in anyone almost killing themselves by running 15kmph on a treadmill for 45 minutes because they think they are in a race against the person on the machine next to them. I am pretty sure my adversary on that day did not notice I was there…. Together, we can try to dismantle the pressure and avoid the experience feeling like a competition. There is no performance, no judgement and no expectation of a masterpiece.
What we will do
We will work with pen and ink, pencil and watercolour.
The focus is on slowing down and really looking, considering composition and building confidence with line and colour.
There will be plenty of flexibility. I will share how I approach drawing and painting, what helps when things feel stuck and how to keep going when the inner critic gets loud. Most of all, there will be time. Time to concentrate, to experiment and to enjoy the act of making.
The sessions take place in my studio in a beautiful house nestled in Dorset woodland, near Sherborne.
The setting matters. Being surrounded by trees, quiet and light makes it easier to slow down and focus. People often arrive at the house a little frazzled and leave noticeably calmer, even if nothing “perfect” has been produced.
Tea, coffee and usually something homemade are part of the experience.
How it works
Sessions are kept small so that everyone feels comfortable.
• Maximum 6 people
• Approx. 3 hours
• Nether Compton, near Sherborne
• £65 per person (basic materials included)
Dates are flexible and arranged according to interest and availability.
An invitation
If you have been meaning to return to drawing, or have always wanted to try but felt unsure, this is an invitation to do it in a relaxed way. It is also an excuse to have a nose around my house and give me ideas on interior decor - it is a bit of a blank canvas at the moment.
You may learn techniques. You will almost certainly learn something about how you see. And you will spend a few hours doing something absorbing and restorative, in good company.
If that sounds appealing, I would love to hear from you.
For dates and details, please message me or email vicky@vmjart.com.