Donna Preece Academy invites you to our creatively fuelled work-life balance inspired GROW Abstract Painting Session 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.

To book your space, it's £10 (follow the event link at the bottom of this listing to get your tickets and guarantee your space). This is an equitable ticket session; you will have an unpressured and discreet opportunity to pay what you can afford for this session.

Are you 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 develop yourself and have creative fun in the process.

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

Taking the time to engage other areas of your brain you may not get to work on regularly will enable you to return to your day-to-day life with fresh perspectives and a renewed focus.

In this unique event you will:

• Have fun creating your own abstract artwork

• Learn creative techniques such as painting techniques and composition rules and experiment with unusual materials

• Focus on imperfection and creating for the sake of it, not focusing on perfection

• Engage with like-minded people

• Take the time to switch off from the day-to-day and use parts of your brain that get neglected

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 affect 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 do you need to take part?

I provide Basic Supplies, paint, paper and some painting utensils which will be a solid foundation for you ro 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.

If it’s your first time, just come along, and we will take care of you. Just make sure you bring an open mind, messy clothes and shoes.

Bonus supplies:

• 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 prefer to work in pre-mixed, bring them along

• Experimental things you want to paint with or prep with

  • Masking tape, 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.

Do you struggle with time to get the equipment together?

You can purchase a Grow Art Kit:

·       If you want to take it more seriously with a higher level of results

·       Or put your learning into practice after the workshop.

The Grow Art Kit is purchasable through the website and collectable on the day.

I ask the group to share their honest thoughts after the session and this is what they said in response to…

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

“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.” Ashley

Who is Donna?

Donna is an ardent creative personal, 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 to understand what they need to restore life balance.

Donna has a BA (Hons) in Fine Art and has an HEA in Higher Education; 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.