Join TONIC ART CLUB [Spring Term 2027] Tuesdays evenings 6.30-8.30pm at Penshurst Village Hall and paint and draw in a supportive, social environment.
'It's my favourite time of the week' (testimonial)
Guided by tutors Eleanor May Watson and guest tutor Edward Liddle, you can set and reach your own creative goals, whether that means just carving out precious time to make art, building new friendships, or advancing your skills in composition, colour, and mark-making.
Bring your own project, sketchbook and photographs and create your work with the help of your tutors and the group! Meanwhile, every week Eleanor or Edward will demonstrate something new inspired by a selection of brilliant artists and set a drawing exercise for those who are looking for inspiration (all drawing materials will be provided but if you would like to spend time painting please bring your own materials). See the schedule below...
Eleanor will revisit your project regularly to give you individual help and guidance.
'Very relaxing and absorbing. Great to make time to do something creative in a friendly environment' (testimonial Tonic Art Club 2026)
Is it for me?
Anyone looking for helpful, practical feedback to improve their art whilst painting in company. Whether you are new to making work or a more experienced artist or maker. Tonic's focus is on making a positive, welcoming environment.
'Eleanor is a natural teacher with great deal of knowledge and skill. During the two day course I felt really supported with plenty of encouragement to experiment and apply my personal expression in my paintings.' (Testimonial Introduction to Oil 2026)
'It was a wonderful class, well structured and educational. As an absolute beginner I found all of the tasks easily approachable, and Ellie's coaching and guidance was really helpful. I'd absolutely recommend signing up!' (Testimonial Tonic Art Club 2026)
'Educational and relaxed with like-minded people. Love it' (Testimonial Tonic Art Club 2026)
Term Structure:
Week 1 (5th January) - Welcome, introductions and goal setting. It can take a little while to settle into a new environment and group, especially if you feel a little rusty or new to making work,
Ellie will introduce drawing form with ink with lots of fun warm up exercises to help with the first day nerves!
Week 2 (12th January) - Colour and Light.
Ellie will lead a pastel drawing workshop inspired by Edgar Degas. Ellie will also demonstrate colour mixing in oil paint using a reduced palette.
Week 3 (19th January) - Colour and feeling
Ellie will lead a oil pastel drawing workshop inspired by Edvard Munch
Week 4 (26th January) - Composition and mark-making.
Ellie leads trace monoprinting workshop inspired by Kemi Onabulé
Week 5 (2nd February) - Abstraction and colour.
Ellie leads a painterly monoprinting workshop inspired by Howard Hodgkin
Week 6 (9th February) - Colour and collage
Ellie will lead a multi-media drawing exercise inspired by Joana Galego
***No class 16th February for half term
Week 7 (23rd February) - Ed will explore drawing with paint.
Working from still life and found imagery, Ed will support students to create artworks that incorporate drawings techniques into their paintings. Students will learn how paint can be used to create works which feature drawing like qualities.
Week 8 (30th March) - Ed will lead exploring pattern.
Students will explore pattern making, from wallpaper to abstract repeating mark making. Students will learn techniques for how to create their own patterns, and how such pattern making can be used in the creation of artworks.
Week 9 (9th March) - Ellie leads a clothed life drawing workshop in charcoal on paper inspired by Paula Rego.
Week 10 (16th March) - Ellie leads a session drawing a portrait in charcoal as well as demonstrating painting a head for those who wish to paint.
Week 11 (23rd March) - Composition and tone.
Ellie leads a session drawing from still life in charcoal inspired by Pierre Bonnard.
Week 12 (30th March) - Mark-making with lines and dashes.
Ellie will lead a drawing exercise in ink inspired by Van Gogh and Per Kirkeby.
I hope you will join us again in the Summer Term for more TONIC ART CLUB fun! We plan to host some sessions outside to make the most of our beautiful setting!
Testimonial:
"Ellie's demonstrations were so interesting and well researched. The group was friendly and chatty and a pleasure to be part of, the painting was inspiring and fun."
TONIC ART CLUB: One off Tuesday evening 6.30-8.30pm
Book via this link
