Abstract Portrait Painting Workshop

Artidote began in a simple way. In January 2024 I started a small free art group in Norwich. After more than 40 years working in the creative industries, I wanted to step away from the computer and get back to art and craft, making things by hand again.Through word of mouth, the group quickly filled up. We capped it at 25 people and met once a month. People loved having a space where they could relax, experiment and make things without pressure.At the start of 2025 I began running small creative workshops to see if there was interest beyond the art club. We hosted sip and paint evenings in coffee shops, ran workshops for organisations and networking groups, and creative sessions for local businesses. Over 200 people took part in that first year, and the feedback and testimonials were incredibly encouraging.Later that year my partner Bev and I closed our existing business after ten years. It was a big decision, but it created the opportunity to turn our old showroom into something new. We transformed it into a welcoming creative studio filled with natural light, plants, colour and art. That space became Artidote.What makes Artidote workshops different? These aren’t traditional art classes, I don’t see myself as an art teacher. My role is more like a creative workshop facilitator — helping people explore ideas, experiment and discover their own creativity.Most people who come to Artidote say the same thing when they arrive:“I’m not creative"or I can't draw." Many haven’t made any art since school, that’s completely normal.Our workshops are designed to help people relax, try new things and enjoy the process of making without worrying about getting it right.There’s never any pressure and judgement, just curiosity, play and creativity.Over the past two years we’ve experimented with more than 25 different workshop ideas, including:* Abstract portrait painting* Clay and charcoal sculpture* Cardboard mask making* Lino and gel printing* Watercolour and ink* Cyanotype printing* Tetrapak printmaking* Life drawing* Lego creativity sessions* Designing family crests* Creating ideas for children's books* Drawing personal maps of meaningful journeysSome workshops are light and playful, others become unexpectedly meaningful. One workshop where people drew maps of personal journeys from their lives became quite emotional for the group. That’s one of the wonderful things about creativity, you never quite know where it might lead.Artidote workshops are:

• Beginner friendly
• Relaxed and welcoming
• Small groups (around 20–25 people)
• Social and creative

All materials are provided and you don’t need any experience, just bring curiosity and an open mind.Creative art and craft has a powerful effect on people, when we start making things with our hands, something changes. We slow down, become absorbed in the process. Ideas appear that we didn’t expect. For many people it’s the first time they’ve made something creative since childhood.Our hope is that people leave feeling inspired and perhaps rediscover creativity as a regular part of their lives. Creativity isn’t just about art, It’s really about connection, curiosity and community.That’s what Artidote is all about.