Return to the carefree creativity of youth. Join our mindful, expressive workshop exploring different techniques, creating your own abstract flower vase.
Join Issy to pick up your crayons, pencils, ink, paint brushes — or anything that makes a mark — and draw with the freedom you had as a child.
As we age, the freedom of creativity is often replaced by expectations. We are taught that art must follow rules, master techniques, and strive for perfection in order to be considered valuable. What was once playful and instinctive becomes overshadowed by theory, technique, and the pressure to create “serious” art. This workshop gently shifts away from those ideas. Issy will guide you through a series of playful, intuitive drawing and painting exercises using abstract ink and paint techniques, leading towards the creation of a vibrant flower bouquet image. These exercises are designed to help you loosen up your creative practice and rediscover the simple joy of making art for art’s sake.
You will be encouraged to tune into yourself, enjoy the expressive process of mark-making, and connect with your present self — returning to the carefree creativity of youth.
You’ll be welcomed with a hot drink before Issy gives an introduction to a range of art techniques using a variety of art materials. The morning will be spent mindfully experimenting, playing and exploring the freedom of mark-making to create a range of abstract papers.
After a lunch break, you will come back to the workshop to start arranging your abstract flower vase artwork. Issy will talk you through composition and layout ideas, before you assemble your own flower vase picture using your abstract paper creations from the morning.
Anyone welcome, beginners included! No prior art experience is needed—just a willingness to explore, play, and create.
All materials and equipment, though you are welcome to bring your favourite materials if you wish.
Aprons will be provided, but it is advised to wear clothes or an overshirt that you don’t mind getting messy.
An abstract flower vase art piece that you will create yourself.
Tea and coffee throughout the day.
Issy is a Lecturer in Art & Digital Design at a Further Education (16+) college; teaching and supporting students on UAL (University Arts London Diplomas), Level 1 – Level 4. Having completed a BA(Hons) Costume and Performance Design from the Arts University Bournemouth, Issy has worked as a Costume Trainee in the film industry. Before her university degree, Issy completed an Art Foundation course, as well as A levels and GCSEs in Art and Textiles. Previously, she has worked as a Lecturer teaching Arts & Crafts sessions to SEND students. She also has experience working as an Arts & Crafts supervisor at a primary school afterschool club. Issy has run several drawing workshops for adults, including Life and Still Life drawing, that explore both traditional and experimental drawing techniques.
Issy’s own creative practice centres on the exploration of abstract forms, shapes, and textures. Guided by intuition and curiosity, her approach to art embraces experimentation with a wide range of mixed media, involving spontaneous mark-making and a mindful philosophy. At the heart of Issy’s teaching practice lies an understanding of art as a meditative and healing force – the act of creating is viewed as a way to connect more deeply with oneself and others, using visual language to process emotion, provide a sense of calm, invite reflection, and gain a sense of freedom.
Our very own studio space is set within the grounds of Old Barn Garden Centre, Dial Post, South of Horsham. Our dedicated space for courses, is a light airy and spacious place to learn.
Friday 29th October 2027
10:00am – 3:00pm
Sussex Garden School Studios, Old Barn Nurseries, Worthing Rd, Dial Post, Horsham RH13 8NR
Standard ticket: £55
Once you have booked, you will receive an email confirmation of your booking – please check your junk mail. Near the course date you will receive another email, giving directions and joining instructions – please check your junk mail if you haven’t received anything.
admin@julietsargeant.com
Tel: 01273 834 083
Sussex Garden School
Oak Studio
Old Barn Nurseries
Worthing Road, Dial Post
Horsham RH13 8NU
