2026 workshops at The Churn Room are open for booking now
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2026 workshops at The Churn Room are open for booking now +
make + learn + create
Great News!!!
Workshops at The Churn Room Dayboro, are open for booking, and I am hosting two workshops in my studio in October.
Join me in my Brighton Studio for a morning workshop all about acrylic
Learn to love acrylic, create exciting colour, surface, and texture.
This playful, hands-on workshop unlocks the full potential of acrylic paint. Whether you're just starting or looking to loosen up your practice, you'll discover how versatile, forgiving, and magical acrylic can be.
Through a mix of demonstrations and experimentation, you'll learn a wide range of techniques, including:
Mixing a beautiful, rich palette from just a few colours
Using mediums for glazing and layering
Additive and reductive approaches to mark-making
Creating complex surface texture
Understanding the elements and principles of abstract art (explained in simple, friendly terms)
I will guide you in exploring the creative power of play—an essential but often neglected part of art-making. You'll finish the day with new skills, a deeper understanding of acrylic, and your very own abstract painting to take home.
My teaching style is relaxed, generous, and supportive, and everything I share comes from my own studio practice.
All materials provided. No experience necessary. Just bring your curiosity—and wear old clothes!
Watercolour – Basic Techniques with Intention
September 12 at The Churn Room
Watercolour is a medium I have always loved for its luminosity and expressiveness, but I know how tricky it can feel. In this workshop, I’ll guide you through foundational watercolour techniques with a gentle, mindful approach. We won’t rush to produce a finished piece; instead, we’ll focus on understanding how the medium behaves and how you can work with it intentionally.
Together, we’ll explore:
Surfaces and materials
Paint application and water control
Colour mixing
Layering techniques
Observation and composition
I designed this workshop to help you slow down, work with purpose, and build confidence. You’ll learn how to observe carefully, make considered decisions, and layer paint with patience so you can let watercolour work with you rather than against you.
About Me as a Teacher:
I have used watercolour extensively in my practice and come back to it at times when I need space and quiet. I find it a soothing process for my soul and a chance to pause, breathe and consider.
My teaching is clear, structured, and generous, combining technical knowledge with encouragement. I aim to help each participant build lasting confidence and understanding, whether you’re just starting out or have more experience.
Don’t see something you want to learn?
I offer a range of workshops and teach at select venues
Want me to teach at your place? Got a dream workshop topic? Tell me all about it in the form, and let’s make it happen.
I have written an extensive workshop package. If you would like to host one of my workshops, you can download it below
Join me in my home studio in Brighton for my Colour Workshop
Unlock the Magic of Acrylic: A Colour Mixing Workshop
Learn the secrets to clean, confident colour, crack the code of acrylic and leave the muddy mess behind.
All materials provided
If you've ever struggled to mix the right colour, felt frustrated by muddy results, or been overwhelmed by all the confusing colour theory jargon, this workshop is for you.
Join artist me for a hands-on morning of learning and discovery, where you'll explore the full potential of acrylic paint and gain lasting confidence in your colour mixing. I will guide you through my proven approach to mixing a huge range of vibrant colours using just seven paints plus white—no more overflowing paint boxes needed!
You’ll learn:
How to use acrylic with confidence—from mediums and brushes to layering and finishing
The fundamentals of colour: colour wheel, value, tints, shades, saturation, and more
How to mix clean, neutral tones without using black
Practical tips to avoid making mud
What all those tricky colour terms mean (analogous, complementary, chromaticity, etc)
Whether you're a beginner or want to refresh your skills, this fun and friendly workshop will transform the way you work with colour.
No experience is necessary. Just bring your curiosity (and wear old clothes—things might get messy!).
Drawing from Life
August 15 at The Churn Room
Drawing from life is the foundation of all strong visual art. For me, it’s never about talent or perfection—it’s about learning how to really see.
In this workshop, I’ll help you develop your drawing skills and gain confidence working directly from life rather than photographs. We’ll focus on observing carefully, recording what you see with clarity, and making meaningful marks.
We’ll cover:
Observing and interpreting what you see
Translating three-dimensional subjects onto paper
Developing confident, purposeful mark making
Working in the field with focus and awareness
Letting go of comparison and fear of failure
Drawing is a way of thinking, noticing, and understanding the world. I’ll guide you in a supportive environment where you can build both skill and enjoyment in your drawing practice.
About Me as a Teacher:
Drawing is central to my practice, forming the foundation of my studio work and teaching.
My workshops are structured, supportive, and practical, helping participants develop skills, confidence, and a genuine enjoyment of drawing from life experience.
Workshops in my Brighton Studio
I am hosting two workshops in my home studio during The Sandgate Creative Trail in October
Both workshops will be full creative mornings,
jam-packed with information, demonstrations and practical help.
All participants are sent a fabulous field guide to their inbox with workshop notes. So you can soak up the class and not have to furiously write notes.
still life
still life
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about my workshops
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I use all the materials you use in class. There is no saving the good stuff for myself
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I’ll show you how I employ innovative techniques to make exciting and beautiful art
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My workshops are open and generous. I want you to go home inspired and buzzing with creativity.
Why do my workshop?
My workshops are for anyone curious about painting, from absolute beginners, returning creatives, to practising artists. If you want to slow down, see the world differently, and grow your confidence with colour and acrylic, this is the place for you.
No special skills are required, just a willingness to give it a try and be brave. Whether you want to build strong foundations or loosen up and reconnect with your creativity, my workshops are practical, supportive, and joyful.
If you love art, nature, and learning new things in good company, you’ll feel right at home. Each session is designed to inspire, encourage experimentation, and help you discover your own artistic voice.
What my students say
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Heather said........ “I’ve learnt an incredible amount from Helen’s workshops over several years. There are so many techniques and tips..
I’ve learnt that I still apply in my painting practice and I know every workshop I attend I will learn something new and inspiring!”
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Liz said................ "Helen is good communicator who walked us through the proportions for the still life workshop set up. I
particularly appreciated her deep knowledge of colours and her mix of textures, along with her vast technical background that supported what she shared with us"
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Katrina said .......... "I've attended 3 art classes with Helen over the years in an attempt to add more creativity to my painting.
Helen's deep knowledge of materials, colours and composition was amazing. Helen made the classes fun while guiding us to produce really lovely work. Helen has a real passion for creating art and shared her knowledge and methods to ensure we all benefitted from the courses"
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Kaili said.............. "I’ve done two of Helen’s workshops now and absolutely loved them!
She creates such a relaxed and welcoming vibe, and I’ve learned so much each time. I always leave feeling inspired and excited to keep painting. I’m looking forward to doing more workshops with Helen in the future"