Donna Preece Academy (The DPA) invites you to our creatively fuelled work-life balance-inspired Abstract Painting Session (non-toxic paints mainly acrylics) for all levels and expertise. It will be taking place at The Tin Community Space, The Tin Music and Arts | Units 1 - 4, The Canal Basin, CV1 4LY.

Are you creatively stuck, uninspired and unmotivated? In a rut and want to break past your creative barriers?

Or maybe you are overwhelmed, bored or disenchanted with constant streaming and online events? Do you find it difficult to switch off and have no real downtime? Are you struggling to focus at work and bring new fresh ideas and perspectives?

In this hyper-hustle world, we live in it’s hard to carve out quality time to learn new things, develop yourself and have fun in creative the process.

Why not take time for yourself, do something different and push your comfort zones?

• You walk away with...

  … your own abstract artwork, and walk away with something unique and personal to you

  … your creativity engaged by breaking through any creative blocks and playing with your creativity
  
  … new creative techniques such as painting techniques, composition rule awareness and experiments with unusual materials
  
  … new freeing focus on imperfection and creating for fun and the sake of it, not obsessing with perfection
  
  … new friends and contacts meet like-minded people, that you wouldn’t necessarily meet in your day-to-day life
  
  … a relaxed body and mind. by taking the time to relax from the day-to-day and use parts of your brain that get neglected

  … new perspectives by taking the time to engage other areas of your brain you don’t normally will enable you to return to your day-to-day life with fresh perspectives and a renewed focus.

• What will happen in the workshop?

  Session Objective - The main objective of the session is for you to create, and understand basic composition and colour theories and the effect of your work.
  
  Part One - How - abstract painting techniques and basic colour theory, inviting collective creative questions and suggestions.
  
  Part Two - Create - give it a go allowing you to create where you feel drawn and have fun!
  
  Part Three - Review - how did everyone get on? How did it make you feel? How does your work affect people in the group?

• What you need to take part?

  If it’s your first time, come along, and we will take care of you. Just make sure you bring an open mind, get ready to go with the flow and wear messy clothes and shoes.

  I provide a Basic Supply, of paint, paper and some painting utensils which is a solid foundation for you to get started.
  
  As you build up your confidence through the sessions you may want to bring other Bonus Supply items with you if you want, such as what is listed below, but it is not essential.
  
  Bonus supplies - (What else you may like to bring with you)

  
  Mess protection - A dust sheet - plastic or fabric (an old double duvet cover can work well), not essential but helps me out if you can
  
  Whatever you want to create on? - Wooden panels, card, canvas boards or canvasses (whatever you prefer to paint on), this is a matter of preference and choice
  
  Something to mix paints on - A palette pad, plate or something sturdy and water-resistant you can use as a palette. You can also use a piece of paper for the first time whilst you are experimenting
  
  Your favourite colours - This session is about fun, so if there are colours you love or colours from your home in pre-mixed acrylic you would like to incorporate bring them along
  
  Experimental things you want to paint with or prep with:
  - Masking tapes, stencils or templates
  - Whatever you prefer to paint with brushes and palette knives
  - You may also want to experiment with geometric shapes, so rulers, compasses and string
  - Unusual bits and bobs can make for an exciting play/experimentation experience. I use plastic cutlery, straws, sponges, and whatever I think will create interesting marks

What would you say to someone who was thinking about joining this workshop?

Here is what the group said…

“Do it! Depending on who you are, it may take some time to adjust your mindset to a more "abstract" way of thinking, but it's a journey into yourself and your perceptions. You don't need to be "creative" or think you’re creative, as the workshop extracts so much. There's no judgment; it's playing and definitely worth it!” Michelle

“Definitely, a worthwhile experience, even if painting isn't your thing. There's some things that can help change your approach to things.” Luke

“It's very cathartic, and you'll get out what you put in. At the very least, you'll make new friends.” Trevor

“It's definitely worth a try. You never know what/how much you'll learn about yourself.” Andy

“Give yourself time and space to grow and push your boundaries in a safe space.” Sophie

“JFDI .. you will learn things about yourself.” Rishi

“Do it. It's a great way to spend a Saturday” Jade

“It's very cathartic, and you should join.” Tabitha

“Don't overthink it going in.” Angus

“Highly recommend it!” Martin

“Suitable for anyone.” Barnie

“Definitely do it. It proved to me I can do things like this and be sociable and friendly without worrying because those feelings have held me back sometimes in life.” Ashley

Who is Donna?

Donna is an ardent creative personal, events host and professional development facilitator, delving into the world of expressive abstract art, photography and contemporary crafts. Using her experience and technical abilities, she supports individuals to harness creativity to become self-aware, switch off, repair, and understand what they need to restore life balance.

Donna has a BA (Hons) in Fine Art and a Fellowship in Higher Education Professional Practice from the Higher Education Academy; she has had the privilege of teaching for 15 years and is a lifelong creative with a passion for psychology and what makes people tick.