Creative folk!
I have teamed up with two brilliant local artists to help you to carve out 3 hours dedicated to you and your creative pursuits. Louise, Martin and I will be taking turns to lead workshops each week, covering a multitude of mediums and subject matters. Each artist brings their own take and experience to each session, which we believe will create a rich learning experience. These workshops are designed to encourage you to follow your own artistic paths and interests whilst learning key skills and techniques.
With a joint passion and appreciation for the natural world, these workshops will encourage you to notice and appreciate the beauty in your surroundings and foster a deeper connection with the natural world. These workshops combine drawing, painting and making through observation and play to explore themes of mindfulness, nature appreciation and the freedom of creative expression.
More details to come… sign up to the mailing list for updates
So let me introduce you to the artists:
I’m Emma Britten, an artist/ illustrator whose work is deeply inspired by the beauty of the natural world and the simple joys of life. I studied my bachelor’s in fine art at the University of Northampton, graduating in 2020 with a first, followed by a master’s degree in Illustration at Falmouth University in 2023. Since then, I have continued to build my creative practice, starting a small business working as a freelance illustrator and art facilitator.
Through drawing, painting, collage and printmaking, I encourage others to slow down, appreciate the simple pleasures, and find happiness in the everyday. My work has strong themes of exploration and joy; my work has a tactile aesthetic that evokes a connection to youthful creativity, carefree adventure and endless curiosity.
Through part-time employment as a picture framer, gallery assistant and art tutor, I have gained a vast knowledge of many practical skills surrounding the creative arts.
Louise Brown
Her first love is portraiture in pastel and charcoal. She is regularly commissioned to create people and pet portraits and many other subjects. Louise has been teaching art throughout her life alongside her practice for many years. Throughout this time, she has explored many mediums, including pen and wash more recently. You can see Louise’s work at www.louisesgallery.com
Louise currently runs a small art group in Sixfields, Northampton, teaches workshops at Catanger Llama Farm and is a visiting artist at multiple village hall groups across Northamptonshire.
Louise’s strengths come from her experience in observation, which she applies when encouraging people to discover their own creativity and style. She strives to inspire people to experience new mediums and subject matters. She is brilliant at teaching the art of portraiture and is a great believer in the value of keeping a sketchbook.
Martin Nightingale
Born in London, Martin Nightingale has lived in Northampton for 40 years and considers it his home. In 1994, he graduated with a first-class B.Ed Hons degree at Nene.
In his 22 years of teaching art to a wide range of ages, his most significant growth as a teacher and an artist emerged during his time at The Duston School.
With several studio-based exhibitions at The Sanctuary and Delapre Abbey, Martin continues to draw inspiration from natural forms and environments within his local woodlands. He works with a wide range of media but usually prefers oil painting and pyrography.