Painting and drawing class, tip and tricks for those wanting to bump up their skills

My lessons are relaxed, supportive, and structured to balance logic with creativity. I like to get to know each student first so they feel comfortable and understood, creating safe environment where they can explore without any pressure. Sessions usually begin with a demonstration or an explanation of basic painting techniques and class overview, followed by guided practice and plenty of time for experimentation. I’m not overly academic, my approach is visual, hands-on, personable, encouraging students to discover their own style rather than copy mine. I offer gentle direction, ask questions, and make suggestions, but I also encourage students to lead the process and trust their instincts which is really important. Whether in one-to-one sessions or small groups, my goal is to build confidence, enjoyment, and practical skills in a way that feels engaging. My content usually covers acrylic and oil painting techniques, colour mixing, tool choice and best practices for working with materials. I also place strong emphasis on mindset. Helping students overcome hesitation, perfectionism, or self-doubt so they can enjoy the creative process. Subjects include natural elements, scenery, composition, proportions, and observational skills, with a bit of theory where helpful but without being overly academic. For adult workshops, I more focus on what each participant wants to develop, identifying their strengths and areas for growth and tailoring guidance to that. With children, I simplify the process, returning to core basics and using clear demonstrations, suggestions, and encouragement to build confidence and skills in a fun and nurturing way.