Elspeth J Collier

For information on forthcoming workshops, see my News page.

Since 2006, I have been running my own mixed media art workshops at various local venues. As a practising visual artist, I know how much pleasure I personally get from making my own artwork and I aim to use my skills and experience to pass this sense of joy on to others.

The workshops are suitable for all abilities – from the complete beginner to the experienced artist who perhaps just wants to try out some different techniques and media.

Although I realise that drawing is a very important element in painting, I do not want to put anyone off by giving them a pencil and demanding they do observational drawing. Instead I provide a whole range of materials – acrylics, watercolours, pastels, watercolour crayons, inks, wax crayons, along with good quality paper. The only rule is that there are no rules and the emphasis is on experimenting with materials and having a fun and relaxing time.

I believe the main criteria for encouraging people to be creative are: providing the space and materials, showing them techniques, giving them initial ideas and inspiration, being approachable, enthusiastic and encouraging and also, not forcing your own style or ideas onto them. After initial guidance and sharing of my own ideas, I stress that there is no right or wrong way to proceed. Participants are then free to develop their chosen theme in any way they choose. If anyone is uncertain, I offer ideas and advice as a starting point. I then observe their progress from a distance, commenting constructively and encouragingly as the work progresses. Quite often little further help is required as total absorption in the creative process ensues. The resulting images are always a delight to look at – the same initial starting point and materials will reveal a multitude of different interpretations. I have watched my participants become more confident and able to express their own personal ideas and carry them out.

Using the best materials possible is also very important to me. An artwork produced using cheap paper and student quality, insipid and chalky paints will never reach the same heights as an image painted onto thick watercolour paper using juicy, vibrant artists’ quality paint. Winning the Society for All Artists Painting Bursary in 2006 for “inspiring and encouraging people to paint” has meant that I have been able to provide all the art materials for my workshops.

“I learnt not to be afraid of trying different things.”

“It was great fun, very relaxing and the time just flew by.”

“Thank you for a wonderful Saturday - I enjoyed myself so much, it was a real tonic.”

“I’m inspired enough to go and buy a sketchbook and watercolour crayons to take on holiday.”

“Learnt to ‘be bold’!”