Ali Mackie - The Garden Archive - Botanical Masterclass Course of 3 workshops

Join us in our light filled studio space for a three part Botanical Masterclass hosted by Ali Mackie.

Three 2 hour workshops £195 per person - Thurs 10th Sept / Thurs 24th Sept / Thurs 8th Oct

This series is designed as a journey of creative discovery, taking participants from raw botanical observation to high-impact design. Moving through my 3D Formula (Draw, Discover, Develop), guests will learn to build a personal reference archive and transform garden finds into a personal Hero Blueprint for future sketchbook play—all while embracing a Micro-Studio philosophy that fits perfectly on a kitchen table.

Ali Mackie: Creator of Joyful Colours

Ali Mackie is a contemporary abstract artist and Royal College of Art alumna who brings vibrant colour and soulful storytelling into modern homes. Blending a master’s degree with a fifteen-year career in interior architecture, Ali uses her expert, curated eye to bridge the gap between high-end design and joyful creative play.

Her expressive mixed-media paintings, previously exhibited at the RA Summer Exhibition, celebrate the "everyday magic" found in cherished, familiar objects. Driven by an optimistic outlook, Ali’s signature style focuses on bold palettes and authentic, hand-drawn marks that champion unique identity, self-expression, and warmth.

Beyond her original works, Ali offers beautiful giclée prints and folk-inspired botanical stationery. She is also the founder of the BRIGHT Sketchbook Playdate—a popular online community and workshop series providing creative souls with the ultimate permission slip to play, connect, and thrive.

Workshop 1: The Botanist’s Eye The Groundwork: Rules of Science vs Joy of Discovery

Thurs 10th Sept 10.30am - 12.30pm

In our opening session, we bridge the gap between traditional botanical study and contemporary expression. We begin with Slow Looking, using seasonal specimens to identify the structural hooks—the unique architecture and rhythms of stems and leaves. 

Focus: Expressive graphite work, tonal smudging, and colour collecting. 

The Outcome: Participants leave with curated reference archive pages that capture the DNA of their favourite plants, providing a solid foundation for further design.

Workshop 2: The Rhythmic Archive The Discovery: Structure to Pattern & The Joy of Repetition

Thurs 24th Sept 10.30am - 12.30pm

The second session is a mindful exploration of pattern-making. We use the Design Stress-Test to bypass creative blocks, using collage and repetition to turn individual plant studies into rhythmic motifs.

Focus: Watercolour washes, batch-cutting silhouettes from curated magazine clipings, and tactile composition play.

The Outcome: A vibrant, patterned blueprint that explores scale and movement, proving that high-impact design can be achieved with simple, everyday tools.

Workshop 3: The Botanical Hero The Development: Focus, Flow, and the Impact of Red

Thurs 8th Oct 10.30am - 12.30pm

Our finale is a masterclass in tonal power. We synthesise all the material gathered in the archive to create a final Hero Design. We introduce The Rule of Red—using middle-value colour to create drama and structural strength without the need for black or heavy outlines.

Focus: Watercolour layering, intentional line work with coloured pencils, and the Black & White value audit

The Outcome: A refined, personal botanical blueprint. Participants leave with the confidence and a portable kit to continue their creative ritual anywhere

The Experience at The Folde 

Philosophy: Each workshop reinforces the Kitchen Table Studio—the gift of a manageable, daily creative practice that requires minimal space but yields significant joy.

Visual Story: To support the workshops, I will display a selection of my own botanical sketchbooks and archival plates, providing a rich, inspiring backdrop for the sessions. A range of botanical inspiration will be needed for the first class, possibly from your garden or your florist.

Connection: This series is designed to complement an exhibition at The Folde, allowing participants to see the direct link between sketchbook play and finished gallery pieces.

£195 per person

ALL MATERIALS ARE INCLUDED FOR EACH OF THE WORKSHOPS

Your ticket includes tea or coffee and a slice of locally made cake.