DRAWING WORKSHOPS

WITH JULIA MCKENZIE

Each of these day-long workshops is a standalone session.
However, booking all three will allow you to broaden your skills and experience across a range of techniques.

Workshop 1 – Saturday 29th August. 10:30am to 4pm – £70 pp
Workshop 2 – Saturday 5th September. 10:30am to 4pm – £70 pp
Workshop 3 – Saturday 12th September. 10:30am to 4pm – £70 pp

‘The world around us is a magical place and observing it deliberately allows us to slow down and bask in the wonder just outside our front doors… if we care to look’.
Frances Tophill – A wildflower year 2025

Artist Julia McKenzie produced more than 70 drawings and paintings to illustrate Frances Tophill’s wonderful book celebrating some of the author’s favourite wildflowers. These original works will be featured in an exhibition at ACE Arts celebrating the publication.

Join Julia for this full-day drawing workshop, where she will share her knowledge and experience of observing and recording the plants and flowers found in the natural world. Through a range of drawing tools and techniques, you will develop skills in using line, colour and texture, while exploring ways to combine delicate linework with expressive shape and layered colour.

With more than 30 years of teaching experience alongside her own artistic practice, Julia has developed a fluid line and a keen observational style that communicates the imperfect perfection of nature.
“I celebrate the lost, fragile and forgotten characteristics of the natural world.”

During the workshop, Julia will introduce some of the artists who have influenced her practice, including Dürer, Ivon Hitchens, Jan van Kessel and Mary Delany. Surrounded by flowers, plants, insects and natural specimens, participants will draw from direct observation throughout the day.

By the end of the workshop, you will have strengthened your observational drawing skills, developed greater hand–eye coordination, gained confidence in experimenting with different techniques, and discovered new ways to capture the beauty and character of the natural world.

For further info and booking, click here

Free weekly creative sessions — open to everyone, no need to book.

✨ Create & Connect
Wednesdays, 10:30–12:30
Bring along whatever you’re working on—whether it’s a sketchbook, drawing, crafting, or something else—and enjoy a friendly, supportive space to share ideas and connect with others.

✏️ Drawing for All
Thursdays, 10:30–12:30
Spend a morning drawing in our community cafe. Take inspiration from the current exhibition, capture the view from the windows, or sketch from still life in a relaxed atmosphere.

🧵 Sew Creative
Fridays, 10:30–12:30
Drop in for stitching sessions with fellow makers. We provide a selection of needles and threads—bring your own fabrics and let your creativity flow. Join our community project Known & Sewn.