Abstract Florals Workshop
Tutor: Sarah Hemmings
Date: Saturday 12th June 2027
10am to 1pm
Venue: Arlington Arts (Mary Hare, Snelsmore Common, Newbury RG14 3BQ)
Maximum participants: 12
Overview
Join experienced artist and teacher, Sarah Hemmings for a vibrant and inspiring abstract floral painting workshop.
Suitable for beginners as well as those with painting experience, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the process of building a rich, layered background using acrylic paints, exploring blending techniques, colour theory, and composition to create depth, light, and atmosphere.
Over the workshop we will create a colourful acrylic floral painting on canvas.
They will start the workshop by looking at how to blend and layer acrylic paint to give a beautiful background for their painting, including areas of light and shade.
They will also cover colour theory, as well as composition and arrangement.
Once the background is complete, they will begin to plan and create the main focal flowers, drawing on inspiration from a still life floral arrangement.
They will look at the expressionist style, using fast and loose brush strokes to create stunning flowers.
Finally, they will finish the painting by creating our fillers, a range of smaller flowers, buds and foliage.
To finish the artwork, you’ll learn how to apply gold leaf to selected areas, adding a beautiful decorative touch and a luxurious finish.
By the end of the session, you’ll take home a unique floral canvas and the skills and confidence to continue exploring expressive acrylic painting.
Creative Communities
Creative Communities provide outstanding teaching and learning which aims to improve mental, physical social and emotional wellbeing, which is accessible to all.
Creative Communities is thrilled to announce Jo Brand as the new Patron of their charity!
Their courses provide opportunities for all learners to develop skills, regardless of previous experience or ability.
Participants can start as beginners and progress to more advanced techniques, enjoying the journey along the way, whilst fostering a sense of accomplishment and personal growth.
Engaging in artistic activities like painting, drawing, and crafting can have therapeutic benefits for everyone.
The process of creating can be meditative and help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting emotional wellbeing.
Learners will come together with like-minded individuals to learn in a fun and informal environment, improving social wellbeing and reducing loneliness and isolation.
Their courses provide opportunities for participants to be regularly creative, which has been linked to cognitive benefits.
Painting, drawing, and crafting stimulate the brain, promoting memory retention, problem-solving skills, and overall enhanced cognitive function.
Artistic activities require precise movements, which can help everyone, especially older adults to maintain and develop their fine motor skills.
Regular practice with brushes, pastels, pencils, and/or crafting tools can contribute to improved hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Orida Hotel
ORIDA Hotel Newbury is located off the M4, just over 10 minutes from central Newbury.
A perfect destination for families and couples to take in countryside scenery in West Berkshire, within 15 minutes of Donnington Castle, Welford Park and Newbury Racecourse.
The motorway also provides links to Oxford and Winchester.
With 113 spacious bedrooms, their valued guests will enjoy every comfort ORIDA has to offer, including their quality restaurant, lounge bar and ORIDA Health featuring an indoor pool, hot tub and gym.
Guests can also enjoy the convenience of an in house Starbucks, ideal for a morning coffee, a midday break or a relaxed meeting with colleagues.
Their highly experienced events team will help you plan every detail and deliver an event to remember.
For business events we are wholly equipped, with a wide range of meeting and event spaces available for hire, ideal for company conferences, exhibitions and product launches.
Enjoy contemporary and traditional cuisine served in elegant surroundings at the ORIDA Hotels Newbury restaurant.
Relax over breakfast or lunch with friends and family or stick around and sample fine wines over a traditional dinner.
There’s always a smile waiting at ORIDA Health Newbury – their team are there to help and create an exciting fitness plan based on your likes and goals.
Once you’ve discovered a routine you love, they’ll be there to celebrate with you, to push you further, and to motivate you if you lose momentum.
With a Gym, Fitness Studio, Pool, Sauna, Steam Room & Jacuzzi there’s something for every member of the family!
