Wed 22 April 10am - 12pm UK time
Wed 20 May 10am - 12pm UK time
Wed 17 June 10am - 12pm UK time

 

This class is suitable for students of all abilities.

 

'A Year on the Coast' is a brand new series for 2026 with Ardington favourite, Karen Carter.  Brought up in a seaside town in Sussex, and inspired by her love of all things coastal, this series is made up of twelve exciting classes, split across four seasons.
 

Whether you treat yourself to the occasional visit to the coast or live a stone’s throw from the sea there is always a multitude of things to paint, draw, collect and observe in this most diverse of environments.  From towering cliffs, rocky headlands and the liminal spaces of estuaries and natural harbours, to the tiniest shells and pebbles and the unexpected beauty of beach flowers there is something to inspire at every turn.
 

So let us explore these ‘edgelands’ through paint, print, and paper using a variety of techniques and materials.  We will use acrylic paints to create colour studies, explore papercraft and collage, and use simple printing techniques you can do at home.
 

Each month is a stand-alone project exploring a different aspect of the coast rather than a progressive ‘how-to’ series, so you can join any season without having done the previous sessions.
 

In this first season we will start with the common denominator of all things coastal – water! We will play with light, colour and atmosphere. Then we’ll move beyond the tideline and have fun with quirky beach huts and dilapidated piers! We’ll finish off with a bit of beachcombing and see what tiny treasures can be found on the shore.
 

You can work along with Karen during some parts of the sessions or follow the demos in your own time. No experience needed – just a big apron, a willingness to explore and experiment (and maybe a bathing suit and a hat if you want to really embrace that seaside vibe!)