Invariably, during lockdown, I have found myself at a loss with what to do, or the possibly worse alternative, comparing myself to other people’s lockdown experiences with some feeling that I wasn’t doing enough and if I was, not doing it right. Behold, the online workshop or art class. A joyous experience to be had by all, often immersive and, as you’re experiencing the workshop only with the people around you at home, less scope for comparison. 

A sunny Sunday morning was spent painting paper and cutting it out to jazz music thanks to The London Drawing Group. Donation-based means that it is dependent on what you can pay; making it all the more accessible. The nature of trying to make Matisse cut-outs mean it could look questionable but it’s modern art so… anything goes (see this posts featured photo). I constantly get reminders for repeats of the Matisse workshop so it happens quite regularly. If Matisse isn’t your thing, then they have such a range of classes: from kids workshops to the art of the vulva. Also on different days and times to suit your schedule. Literally cannot rave on about their classes enough, I have to thank Katie for recommending the Matisse one.

The group itself is a female art and teaching collective; founded in 2016 with the aim to make art more accessible and less alienating in the way it has been taught and practiced. Even if you don’t participate in one of the classes, it’s worth reading about the work they do – as a group but also as individuals.

A few weeks ago I was kindly gifted a kit by Hello Workshop to take part in a beginner’s embroidery workshop. All you needed to participate was included; getting the kit in the post was such a treat. As a sucker for all things arty, spending two hours on a Saturday morning Zoom call learning some new embroidery stitches was ideal. The concept of Zoom is brilliant for an online workshop, even if it is smaller. If you don’t want to be seen, fine. If you don’t want to be heard, fine. If you’d like to ask a question, also fine. It’s also lovely to see the outcome through social media afterwards. You’ve been to the class, shared your goods, but are also sitting comfortably in pyjamas at home… how every art class in the should be. Hello Workshop, which is actually an sewing café in Leeds, have a lot of different virtual workshops happening throughout July and August (the hand-building pottery class looks particularly appealing).

In my local town, the shop that ran art classes closed around two years ago due to underfunding. It was the one space where art workshops were more accessible locally, despite the expense. Replacing them with online workshops is perfect and I sincerely hope they continue. Either that or casa Eleanor will turn into a makeshift art space.

Facebook has been more fruitful than ever in lockdown. Not only have I joined various groups to do with Ethical Fashion, Crafting and general Durham freshers groups for this September (classic), there are Art workshops galore. I’ve only done a few and they vary in price but I thought I’d share some: 

Art Enthusiasts London – provide a variety of art workshops, for both kids and adults – all under £10. They’re also at times appropriate to work or engage in a fun evening activity. Now lockdown is easing and socially distanced meets are possible, a balmy summer evening with wine, friends, paint and Kandinsky sounds more than appealing. If that’s not feasible, organise a facetime and have a virtual art evening. I also can’t lie, the kids workshops look quite appealing as well. 

Artreach Studios – are doing a range of workshops, again for adults and kids in the evening. There’s a Matisse acrylic painting workshop soon which looks incredibly tempting. As webinars go, Matisse is a great choice of artist to get inspired by.

Cheese and Wine Painting Club – provide free painting sessions every Friday lunchtime, a chance to paint a specific painting or piece of art. Although it may limit artistic freedom to a certain extent, it could open up to a certain style or different technique. 

Isolation Art School – on Instagram provide lessons, tutorials and all things arty in bitesize clips. If you didn’t want a full live workshop but still wanted to soak in the arts on a lunch break.

Ultimately, engaging with art workshops and classes online does make it more accessible to a wider audience. Not only are you often funding their continuation, but the workshop times and materials allow them to be the perfect after-work of evening activity.

I was talking to another maker at the market in my town (I’ve started selling with Felt Fancy which is all very exciting), about the importance of art and mental health. Booking online art classes, whether free or paid, develops a greater sense of accountability and immersion; and possibly less pressure than sitting down with a blank easel. I hope that, as we emerge from lockdown, art continues to weave into our everyday lives, taking the time to get creative. Catch me trying to persuade my friends to make this a social occasion.

Have you tried any online art workshops or classes recently?

Lots of love, eleanor xx