Nourishing your wellbeing is at the root of finding creative flow. My courses encourage you to slow down, switch off and reconnect with nature. Courses are self-led so you can work at your own pace. I share what goes on in my head and how I challenge my inner critic. You will learn to use all your senses to feed your creative soul. Whether you are coming back to art after a long break or looking to re-boot your practice, I offer short and long courses, centred around the sketchbook.
Is it time to put your creativity at the top of your to-do list? Make space for playful, curious exploration. I share mixed media techniques with paint and collage so you can create colourful research pages in your sketchbook that allow you to develop your marks, pattern, colour and texture. Through a series of exciting inspirations and exercises you will be able to create dynamic, confident sketchbooks and find, or hone, your own artistic voice.
"I really enjoyed the research session. I had been struggling with finding and transferring meaningful marks from nature onto paper. This workshop opened my eyes and gave a good methodology on how to continue doing this in the future."
"The course matter was varied and exciting. I love that I was creating my own art and not just copying the tutor, which was my previous online experience"
"Thank you Helen. I have LOVED the course. I have always loved looking at other people's sketchbooks and been disappointed with my own....not any more! I have got so many ideas for future sketchbooks, it is keeping me awake at night!!!"
Are you ready to get past fear into a place of freedom and flow? Once you let go of outcomes and focus on process you can find joy in your artistic expression. Once you have a toolbox of techniques and approaches you can find direction and satisfaction in your output and progress your art beyond the sketchbook. My courses are aimed at those who want to create from primary sources and develop work for paint, collage or stitch.
"Thank you Helen for your inspiration and creativity and for your heart-full generosity in sharing so much of yourself as well as your techniques in this course"
"Helen I really enjoyed the course. I am a little slow and not always confident at each task, but your guidance - in particular the emphasis on taking the stress away of doing something perfectly, really helped."
"I have thoroughly enjoyed the Garden Sketchbook course and I have gained confidence in my drawing abilities and learned a lot along the way. Helen you are a fabulous tutor, knowledgable, clear and generous with your tips."
I am curious not perfect - I have given up on perfectionism. Follow your instincts, journey with your intuition, delve into curiosity. Try new techniques, begin again, and again, and again but keep creating until something clicks, a style, a technique, a motif, a sense of place – because there is such joy in that moment it’s worth it! Are you ready to create with curiosity and joy?
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do your courses work?
The course content is accessed via my website. You will be emailed a password to the protected pages. You can access the content at your own pace. You can also revisit the course as often, and as many tines as you wish.
How long do I have access to the content for?
Access is unlimited. You will get your own log-in and you can then return to the course content, as and when you want. Some courses that are set to be retired will have one year's access. You will be given plenty of notice so that you can complete a course.
Can I pay in instalments?
Some of my courses have this option with payment in three instalments. Access to the course is granted on receipt of the first payment.
Can I get a refund?
Once you have booked in and started the lessons you cannot receive a refund. If you wish to switch course that is at my discretion and dependent on whether you have accessed the content of your booked course. Changes need to be requested within 28 days of purchase.
What techniques will you be teaching?
I will be sharing techniques for you to be able to develop mixed media work so using drawing, mark making, paint, print and collage. Most of my courses are about an approach to drawing and creativity that shows you how to experiment and capture a sense of place. It's about giving you confidence to develop your creative skills and find your own visual language.
Do the videos have subtitles?
The videos do not have subtitles but there is a simple way of adding them if you use Chrome as your browser. It took me less than 5 minutes to set up. The 'Live Caption' setting then adds English subtitles. You can find out how to set it up here.
Can I share my log in with my friends?
The fee you have paid is for you, and only you, to access the course. A lot of time and love went into creating the course and there are ongoing costs in website hosting. I have kept the cost as competitive as I can. If you are part of a group and would like to buy a license to access the course as a group, please get in touch. I am able to see who has logged in to the password protected pages. You can of course share the course at home with your kids and partner.
When will you be available to give me feedback about my work?
Throughout the course you will have access to a forum so that you can share what you have produced and receive feedback from me and other course attendees. I will visit the forum regularly and you can tag me if you need more immediate feedback.
How computer literate do I need to be?
You will need to be able to access my website and use passwords to get into the protected pages to see the tutorials. The video content works best when accessed on a laptop or PC. You will need a good wifi connection to let you watch the videos. You'll need to be able to take photos of your work and upload these to a closed group on Facebook for feedback. You will need a Facebook profile to be able to join the forum (but this is optional).