Colour Beyond the Canvas Workshop - Inspired by Matisse

I believe creativity isn’t something you learn — it’s something you reconnect with.My work is about creating spaces where you can explore, express and surprise yourself, no matter your experience.My life has been a creative journey — and that’s exactly what shapes the way I teach today.I originally trained and worked as a Clinical Nutritionist and behaviour change specialist within the NHS, research and community settings, particularly in the field of mental health. Working alongside psychologists, I supported people to create meaningful, lasting change. What fascinated me most was not just what people needed to change, but how transformation actually happens — and the role creativity plays within that.Alongside this work, I was always creating and exploring how creative principles can be applied to everyday life. I see life itself as an evolving creative process — where life evolves creativity, and creativity evolves life.Over time, my artistic practice expanded into drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, and multi-media and light-based work — often immersive, sensory and experiential. A key realisation was that creativity is not reserved for “artists” — it exists within all of us, and when people reconnect with it, something shifts.Today, I offer workshops and creative coaching across a range of processes — from watercolour, drawing and painting, sculpture and collage to 2D–3D exploration, mixed media and experimental approaches. Some sessions are more skills-based, while others are more open and exploratory, but all are designed to support you in developing confidence, curiosity and your own unique creative voice.I’m passionate about creating spaces — through workshops, coaching, installations and collaborative projects — where people can reconnect with their creativity, feel more alive, and discover new ways of thinking, expressing and being.I now work across immersive art, interior environments and community-based projects, and have exhibited widely, with work held in public and private collections in the UK, Europe and the USA. I’ve received several Arts Council awards and collaborated across disciplines, including performative light works with dance artists.I am a qualified teacher with over 30 years’ experience, from Foundation degree level teaching to workshops, professional training and community programmes. I trained in Fine art at Camberwell College of Art, Goldsmiths and the Art Academy. I taught at the Art Academy for seven years and at New City College, and have worked with organisations including KPMG, Nesta, the Barbican, WOMAD and Futurefest.What I love most about teaching is witnessing those moments where something opens up — when someone who didn’t think they were creative suddenly surprises themselves. My approach isn’t about teaching people how to be creative, but helping them explore what they can do with the creativity they already are.Creativity and wellbeing are deeply connected. When we engage our senses, slow down, and explore without judgement, it can be both energising and restorative — something I consciously weave into all of my workshops and creative coaching.More recently, I’ve been collaborating on community projects such as Creative Voices for Peace in Winchester, bringing people together through shared creative expression and dialogue.Whether I’m working with individuals, groups or organisations, my intention is the same: to create meaningful, engaging experiences that spark connection, curiosity and transformation — and stay with people long after the workshop ends.One participant recently shared:“I just wanted to say how supportive and freeing I found your workshop. I loved the watercolour techniques and your way of teaching — so powerful. You grounded our practice in spirituality and art history, which I found fascinating. You are a great teacher and the workshops are all art teaching should be. I would highly recommend your workshops to anyone — beginner or established artist. You’ve inspired me to apply for a formal Art qualification — something I never thought I would do.”