A Session of ‘Tickling’, Experimenting and Exploring

Session two of our art workshop took place last week and it was a voyage into the unknown for our artists as they started to apply colour to their creations. In the two weeks since they started this process, the textural base of their work has cured and solidified, ensuring a solid base for the application of colour.

But before I get ahead of myself, let me talk you through the environment in which we found ourselves. Jan’s studio is nestled in a courtyard of botanical wonders within Belgrave Gardens. A smart, functional space plays host to many of his works in progress; a kaleidoscope of colours and all the tools needed to work magic on a canvas.

We started off by discussing everyone’s colour palettes, using Jan’s ‘works in progress’ to help provide inspiration. The studio is a wonderfully eclectic mix of pieces in various stages of completion, and Jan was able to talk through how the effects were made and how applying the materials is often influenced by the textures created previously. The method of applying colour varied depended on the individual piece - it was all far more complex than initially anticipated!

Our group was then able to begin. Brushes were loaded (sensibly) with colour, bristles swirled over surfaces and pigments worked into uneven surfaces with unbridled enthusiasm.

Whilst they painted, I explored the gardens - and what a treat that was! Unassuming greenhouses hid all manner of incredible flora and fauna. Following the winding paths further into the gardens, I was treated to scenes that would not be out of place in the Jurassic Park films - enormous ferns and tall grasses aplenty (without the threat of angry velociraptor, always a bonus).

I then returned to the studio to see how the artists were doing and was met with a scene entirely different to that which I had left. The previously white textures were now all manner of colours - from mottled greens to vibrant purples to moody blues. It was incredible to see how each artist had chosen an entirely different colour palette and overall ‘theme’ for their piece and seeing them come to life with colour was truly special.

After a short break for a quick drink and breather, the group returned to finish off their final layers of colour before leaving them to dry for the last time until the final session. Later today we will be back in the shop to make some magic…

B x

P.S - I haven’t forgotten to update you on Harrogate, I’m still processing how many gorgeous new products we have on the way, and trying to work out where I’m going to put them all!