Art and Soul on Saturday Morning

Sometimes, a cafe is more than just a place to enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry. It can be a hub of creativity, a space where artists come together to explore their passions and talents. 

Art and Soul, a charming cafe nestled in the heart of St Neots, recently hosted me for a workshop that did just that. For three hours, nine enthusiastic artists enjoyed tea, coffee, at least one bacon roll and of course some relaxed paiting.

The Deceptively Simple Scene

The workshop began with a 20-minute demonstration that set the tone for the day. Mistakes were made (by me), lines were scribbled and colours were splashed...

And in the end it turned out ok! In fact, I believe the final vote is that it was better than my practice piece of the same scene.

A seemingly uncomplicated scene was chosen — a countryside pub, set in a flat landscape and a clear blue sky. The choice was deliberate; it forced the participants to grapple with the challenges of simplicity. In the absence of intricate details, it can be easy to get lost.

And, of course, there was a super fun dragon sat at the front of the pub to make sure there was something 'unusual' to enjoy.

Embracing Awkward Beauty

One of the most intriguing aspects of this workshop was the participants' willingness to embrace beauty in the awkward. 

Instead of opting for the usual picturesque subjects, they gravitated towards scenes that were delightfully unusual. 

A wonky lamp lost in hedge, a towering Berlin street and a very British village lane with the most awkward perspective were among the chosen subjects. These artists were on a quest to push their creative boundaries and explore the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary.

The Power of Encouragement

As an instructor, there's nothing more fulfilling than witnessing your students rise to a challenge. 

With gentle encouragement and a supportive environment, each participant produced artwork that was not only impressive but also a testament to their artistic journey.

A Promising Beginning

The workshop at Art and Soul was a resounding success. It was a reminder of the power of creativity when nurtured in the right environment. 

As the day came to a close, there was a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie among the participants. They had explored the enchantment of simplicity and awkward beauty, leaving with a collection of artwork they could be proud of.

A Bright Future

This workshop was just the beginning. 

I'm very hopeful to continue with workshops in St Neots and around - if you're interested in hosting me, please just reach out and let me know!