Welcome

‘Come as You Are’ is exactly that — a space where everyone is welcome, whatever your experience with art. You don’t need to be “good at art” or have any prior knowledge to take part. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or returning to something you love, this is a mixed-ability class where there’s no pressure and no expectations. My focus is on creating a warm, supportive, and encouraging environment where you can feel at ease, build confidence, and find inspiration.

How I Teach

I support each person as an individual while working within the shared energy of the group. The class blends gentle art mentoring with practical guidance in painting and drawing, so you’ll get support that suits where you’re at. Everyone’s journey is different, and I’m there to help you develop in a way that feels right for you, while also benefiting from learning alongside others.

A holistic Approach

I teach this way because I believe art is about more than just learning skills — it’s about you. Your experiences, viewpoints, and way of seeing the world matter, and they play an important role in the work you create. We’ll pay attention to what sparks your curiosity and imagination, allowing your creativity to unfold naturally.

More Than Technique

A meaningful creative practice goes beyond technique. It’s about noticing ideas, staying curious, and learning how to move from an initial spark to a finished piece. My role is to support you through that process, helping you explore, experiment, and bring your ideas to life in a way that feels authentic to you.

 Who You’ll Be Learning With

A fine art degree doesn’t always matter — but I do have one, along with a teaching qualification for working with adult learners. More importantly, I’ve spent over 30 years working as a professional artist, learning through practice, curiosity, and experience.

 Over the years, I’ve worked with almost every drawing and painting medium you can think of. I trained in realism and really honed my skills there, but I’ve also won awards for my abstract work. That range means I’m comfortable moving between styles and approaches, and I can support you whether you prefer structure, freedom, or something in between.

Above all, my focus isn’t on pushing one “right” way of making art — it’s about helping you build skills, confidence, and a creative practice that feels supportive, meaningful, and your own.