Why I Teach Art Workshops in Sherborne (and Why You Should Join)

My most recent beginner group this year

Why I Teach Art Workshops in Sherborne (and Why You Should Join)

A few years ago, if you’d told me I’d be running art workshops in Sherborne, I probably would have laughed (awkwardly) and changed the subject. Teaching wasn’t something I set out to do. Like many artists, I spent a lot of time working solo, head down in commissions, letting creativity quietly hold space in my own little world.

But sometimes life nudges you in a direction you never expected. During a particularly tough time, art became a huge part of my own healing—something I turned to for calm, mindfulness, and just a little creative play. It helped me reconnect with myself. And, as I shared my work more openly, friends and customers started asking: "Do you teach?" So, one sunny market day, I nervously said yes, and that's how my Sherborne art workshops began.

One of my earliest classes took place at Take No Wrap (now known as Reconsider, the eco shop in Sherborne). Liz, who runs the shop, was one of the first people to encourage me to share my art through teaching. The eco shop provided the perfect welcoming space to test out those first creative workshops in Sherborne, and build a little artistic community that has grown ever since. I'm so grateful for those early opportunities to teach in such a supportive local space.

That first workshop was a whirlwind—paint drying too quickly in the summer heat, me balancing between teacher and cheerleader, and a group of people who laughed, experimented, and surprised themselves with what they could create. It wasn't perfect (and it still isn’t), but that’s exactly the point. Art doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

My first ever watercolour class

What I Love Most About Teaching Art Workshops in Sherborne

I love the moment when someone steps back from their painting, grinning, saying, "I didn’t think I could do that." I love that my Sherborne art workshops aren’t about high-pressure technique, but about enjoying the process—whether you’re doodling a bee, splashing colours across a pumpkin, or finding the shape of a flower in a loose brushstroke.

The people who join my workshops are wonderfully varied. Some are beginners who haven’t painted since school. Some are hobbyists getting back into art after years away. Others are working artists wanting a creative reset. Together, we build this lovely, relaxed little creative community where laughter and helpful tips are shared in equal measure.

Beautiful artwork created in our drop in class in Sherborne

It’s About More Than Paint

For me, these classes aren’t just about art—they’re about giving people permission to pause. Life gets busy and noisy, and carving out an hour or two to create something with your hands (even if it’s messy, even if it’s imperfect) is such a gift to yourself. The mindfulness side of art is something I gently weave into my teaching, without making it heavy or serious. Just taking that time to focus on colour, shape, and movement can be such a release.

Pet portraits by some of my beginner watercolour class attendees

What to Expect If You Join a Class

If you come along to one of my art workshops in Sherborne, expect a welcoming space, friendly faces, and no pressure to get it "right." I provide all the materials for workshops and the first session of my beginners’ watercolour course. From there, I’ll help you source affordable, good-quality supplies so you can carry on creating at home—because, let’s be honest, practice makes progress.

We usually work with watercolours, sometimes adding pen or charcoal, and every session has its own theme—whether it’s bees and butterflies, autumn leaves, or Christmas card making. There’s soft music, plenty of snacks, and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Day one of a beginner evening class

Maybe You’ll Join Us?

If you’ve ever thought "I’d love to try that," I’d love to welcome you along. You’ll find upcoming art workshops in Sherborne and weekly classes right here on my website, and I’m always happy to answer questions if you're not sure where to start.

Come and spend an evening making a mess, learning something new, and (hopefully) leaving with a smile—and a painting—to take home.