Weekly Art Classes at October Books, Southampton: Autumn and Winter

Are you looking for a new hobby or want to make time to explore your creativity? Join me for weekly art classes at October Books, Portswood every Wednesday!

Classes are open to all levels and include basic materials plus a hot drink.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned sketcher, you’ll learn and develop in a supported environment where experimentation is greatly encouraged!

This term's theme is: 'Autumn and Winter'

Week 1: Wednesday 11th November 11am - 1pm

At October Books, Portswood

Painting with natural inks. I'll bring in a collection of inks that I've made from plants, food and other organic materials. You'll have the chance to experiment with them and create a painting of a simple still life scene.

Week 2: Wednesday 18th November 11am - 1pm

At October Books, Portswood

Autumn leaves using watercolour. I'll demonstrate how you can pool together a range of Autumnal colours using the wet-on-wet technique to paint leaves in a range of life stages. 

Week 3: Wednesday 25th November 11am - 1pm

At God's House Tower, Southampton

This week we'll visit the ZEST Collective exhibition at God's House Tower. My sculptural artwork is part of the exhibition and I'll offer a talk and creative activity inspired by the artwork, as well as the wider exhibition.

Option to stay on after we're finished in the gallery space for a drink and light bite in the cafe downstairs.

Week 4: Wednesday 2nd December 11am - 1pm

At October Books, Portswood

Guided watercolour winter scenes using a range of watercolour techniques including salt, cling film and more. 

Week 5: Wednesday 9th December 11am - 1pm

At October Books, Portswood

Hand-drawn or painted Christmas cards. Using reference images and/or the techniques we've explored in previous weeks, I'll provide you with blank cards to create a series of cards to take home and gift for Christmas.

Week 6: Wednesday 16th 11am - 1pm

At October Books, Portswood

Collaborative Christmas mural painting! Using lining paper and acrylic paints, in pairs you'll be given a section of a reference image to create a large-scale mural. You'll collaborate with the rest of the group to figure out how the mural will fit together.

What to bring

- You will need to bring your own paper. I'd recommend getting a pad of good quality watercolour/mixed media paper (ideally 300gsm). Daler Rowney, Winsor and Newton and Seawhite are all good brands. Something like this is also suitable.

- Basic materials are provided such as paints, palettes, pastels, collage materials etc. If you have your own materials that you'd like to use, feel free to bring those. Often people will try out materials in class and then get their own once they know what they like to work with.

- Bring an apron or wear something you don't mind getting a bit messy.

Travel information

The nearest car park is Westridge Road which is a short walk from October Books. The cost of the car park is £1 for 2 hours and £1.50 for 3 hours (I'd recommend getting 3 hours so you have enough time either side of the class)

There is a bus stop very close to October Books with routes from around Southampton and outside of Southampton.

The nearest train station is St Denys which is a 14 minute walk away.

Cancellations, content and refunds

You are booking for a programme of classes which includes the sessions themselves as well as the planning, research, organising, facilitation and room hire that goes into running the classes. Fees are non-refundable once the programme begins, including if you cannot attend a session for any reason. 

Sessions, including trips, may occasionally be adapted due to circumstances beyond my control. Session content will be shared with attendees prior to the start of each programme of classes, with an indication of theme and activities. These are indicative and subject to change. Attendees will always be advised in advance of any changes to the planned programme.

In the unlikely event that I need to cancel, an alternative date will be offered and the programme will resume following the cancelled date.

If you have booked and can no longer attend the programme of six, you can transfer your ticket to someone else. Please contact me by email luciesmithart@gmail.com to let me know their name and contact details.