Mixed Media Art - Texture

Allow me to provide you with some context. I first met Jan Faulkner when he popped into the shop and asked if I’d be interested in some of his abstract work, and showed me some images on his instagram (tagged at the end of this post in case you fancy having a mooch). I said yes, he had an espresso and went his merry way. I waited. Hopeful and intrigued.

A visit to Jan’s home was arranged, and I was utterly spoilt for choice - there were incredible pieces in every size, colour and tone you could imagine, and I giddily chose some pieces for the shop to match our spring/summer nautical blue and grey theme. By the time I left however, the former Art and Design teacher in me was fizzing with additional excitement - in addition to a collection of pieces for the shop, Jan had agreed to run a workshop series for anyone interested in trying out his techniques and processes for themselves.

Which brings us to today - Wednesday 9th July 2025.

At 5pm sharp, a group of budding artists arrived at the shop, and began their journey to creating their very own masterpiece. Jan is a natural teacher - calm, patient and approachable. He started by talking through the techniques and materials that would be used during the workshop, explaining how to achieve varying textures and giving an insight into the tips and tricks he’s developed over the course of his career to date.

Then it was time for the group to get stuck in. Fuelled by iced coffees and powered by 80s ballads, work began on constructing the base layers for masterpieces. There were periods of quiet concentration, pauses for chat and caffeine replenishment and a lot of laughter - the sense of camaraderie was a joy to witness.

The two hours flew by, and our group explored three different materials in order to create their bases. These have now been taken to Jan’s studio to cure fully before the next stage - colour.

We will be relocating to Jan’s studio for the next session, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing where the magic happens first hand.