Feeling inspired?
Teaching lessons
Creating art is at the heart of what I do, but teaching is just as meaningful to me. I’m passionate about encouraging others to unlock their creativity, build their confidence through useful techniques, painting tips, and guidance. With more than a decade of teaching experience and a community of returning students, I strive to make every session inspiring and enjoyable.
I run relaxed, friendly 3-hour painting lessons for adults of all abilities. Sessions take place roughly every month, with a choice of weekdays or Saturdays. We gather in a beautiful rural village hall in North Leigh, West Oxfordshire, where I’m based. Lessons explore watercolour, acrylic, and textured mixed media, with a variety of inspiring subjects.
£35 or £38 including materials (groups of approximately 10 people) 9:30am - 12:30pm or 1:30pm - 4:30pm
These sessions usually get booked up quite quickly. So if you are interested, join my newsletter list to be notified and don’t delay booking in!
Dates for February will be released
Fri 23rd Jan - Silver Birch wood in acrylic NOW FULL
March dates to be released Fri 27th February
Gesso textures with watercolour
Guest Teaching
I am often invited to run lessons or day workshops for local art groups throughout the year. These vary from one-off events, regular monthly sessions or annual visits. I am pleased to say I have a growing number of guest teaching bookings with many repeat visits.
If you’re part of a local art group in or around Oxfordshire and would like me to host a session, or give a talk with a live painting demonstration, I’d love to hear from you.
Reflections lessons 2024 Turner Hall, North Leigh
Popular techniques in Acrylic
Palette knife seascapes
Woodlands using a sponge
Creative drippy landscapes
Textured landscapes or seascapes (papers, plaster, sand)
Crashing waves using splattering
Painting without brushes
Plastic card woodlands
Splattered flower meadow
Dry brushing clouds
Underpainting in bright colours
Popular techniques in Watercolour
Woodlands using a sponge
Creative drippy landscapes
Textured landcapes or seascapes (papers, plaster, sand)
Crashing waves using splattering
Salt techniques
Masking techniques
Lifting off clouds
Experimental wet in wet flowers
Pen and wash
Gesso resist experimental techniques
Watercolour pencils
Popular subjects in acrylic or watercolour
Compositions
Complimentary and harmonious colours
Tonal values
One-point perspectives
Reflections
Shadows
Mist
Woodlands
Landscapes
Seascapes
Meadows
Sunsets
Simple buildings
Flowers
Birds
Animals
Simple figures in a scene
Boats
Bokeh
Still life objects
Studley Green guest teaching lesson
2024 Textured seascapes with acrylics
Shrivenham Art Group guest teaching workshop. Seascape using palette knife techniques in acrylics. 2025
…I really do demonstrate upside down!
Teaching feedback
Linda Smith, guest teaching at Hugenden Art Group.
“Thank you so much for your tutorial. We all thoroughly enjoyed your class, and your style and subject. One of our members of 17yrs actually said you were the best tutor we have ever had! It was great that you managed to give everyone some individual time. I have already had requests that we must ask you back again.”
Christine Purdy, guest teaching at Shrivenham Art Group.
“We had a very informative and interesting workshop with Cathryn. Her easy style and wealth of knowledge helped guide us through painting some landscapes to be proud of! Thank you Cathryn, we will see you again.“
Claire, attended a day workshop.
“I really enjoyed your workshop & felt that you gave some great advice (as someone who has only ever dabbled alone). Thank you!”
Pauline, attended a day workshop.
“Hi Cathryn, just to thank you for a lovely day painting atmospheric landscapes. I have learnt a lot today and hope to be more adventurous with future work.”
Caroline Taylor, guest teaching at Freeland Art Club.
“Everyone so enjoyed the workshop, the beautiful images you brought, your light-hearted, encouraging approach and I think we were all very pleased with our end results.
Wendy said "sponges are the way to go"! and I'm sure we will find many more uses for them!
Thank you so much and see you again soon.”