WORKSHOP
PAINTING PEONIES FROM A PHOTOGRAPH with Francesca Currie
Spend a day immersed in painting flowers in oil paint. Inspired by the rich colours and dramatic lighting of the Dutch Masters, we’ll create a stunning still life of vibrant pink peonies, in a glass vase against a deep black background.
After a lovely conversation with one of my students, we realised that painting from a carefully chosen photograph gives us the best of both worlds. Rather than relying on flowers staying fresh for two days or the light behaving itself, we can spend the entire day focusing on what really matters- learning to paint.
I’m delighted to be offering this one-day traditional oil painting workshop for £145.
Throughout the day, I’ll guide you step by step as we all work from the same carefully selected reference photograph. By using one image, I can demonstrate every stage of the painting as we go, making it much easier for everyone to follow along and giving you plenty of individual help whenever you need it.
Together we’ll explore:
- How to compose a traditional still life
- How to begin a painting with confidence
- How to work with a limited palette
- How to mix luminous, natural colours
- How to paint soft, lifelike petals without overworking them
- How to paint convincing transparent glass
- How to create depth, atmosphere and that wonderful sense of light that brings a painting to life
This workshop is perfect whether you’ve never picked up an oil brush before or you’re looking to build confidence and improve your painting skills. It will be a little more structured than my usual workshops, with demonstrations throughout the day, but there will still be plenty of time for individual guidance and encouragement. If you’re a more experienced painter, you’re equally welcome to work more independently while I support you along the way.
By the end of the day you’ll leave with a 30 × 24 cm oil painting ready to frame and hang on your wall, as well as a much deeper understanding of traditional oil painting techniques that you can take into your own work.
What’s included
- Professional oil paints
- Painting mediums
- Easels
- The studio space
- The reference photograph
- Step-by-step demonstrations
- Individual tuition throughout the day
Please bring
- A 30 × 24 cm canvas (or similar)
- Oil painting brushes
- A palette
- An apron (or clothes you don’t mind getting paint on)
As this is the very first time I’m running this workshop, I’d love to hear your feedback afterwards. I’m really excited to share this new way of teaching and can’t wait to see everyone’s paintings come to life.
Accessibility
We want everyone to feel welcome at The Artery.
Arch 28 is fully step-free and wheelchair accessible, with wide, level access throughout the venue and a large accessible WC. Our spaces are on one level, making it easy to move between the gallery, workshop and studio areas.
We’re happy to accommodate different access needs wherever we can. If you have a question about accessibility, or there’s something you’d like us to arrange before your visit, please get in touch — we’re always happy to help.
Getting here
We’re tucked away in the railway arches on Croft Walk, Worcester WR1 3BD, right by The Hive and just a few minutes from Worcester city centre.
On foot
From Worcester city centre, head towards The Hive and the river. We’re along Croft Walk, at the bottom of the railway arches. It’s around a 5–10 minute walk from the city centre.
From Worcester Foregate Street Station
We’re really easy to find. Walk directly out of the station and follow the railway arches down towards The Hive. We’re at the bottom, just before you reach The Hive — around a 5-minute walk.
By car
There are several car parks within walking distance. Croft Road and Cattle Market are both nearby. Croft Road is in the green parking zone, while Cattle Market is in the amber zone.
By bus
Most city-centre bus services stop within easy walking distance. Head towards Foregate Street / The Hive, then follow Croft Walk towards the railway arches.
Our address
The Artery Studios – Arch 28
Croft Walk
Worcester
WR1 3BD
Have a question?
If you need any more information about our venue, how to get to the artery or want to know anything more about this workshop you can get in touch by clicking here and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.