Abstract Painting Workshops
24 January & 7 February | 9:30 - 15:30
Awaken your creativity with our Abstract Painting Workshops led by artist Jo Starkey, where art and nature come together in perfect harmony. Jo will guide you through a range of expressive techniques, textured layers, and shimmering metallic highlights as you create your own floral or forest-inspired masterpiece. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, these immersive sessions promise a day of inspiration, creativity, and calm within the stunning surroundings of Leonardslee Gardens.
Abstract Floral Painting Workshop: 24 January | 9:30 – 15:30
Abstract Forest Painting Workshop: 7 February | 9:30 – 15:30
A break for lunch will be taken with afternoon tea which includes scones with cream and jam, a sandwich, a slice of cake and a tea or coffee per person. Please email info@leonardsleegardens.co.uk if you have any allergies or dietary requirements.
£125 per person | 10% off for Members | Over 16s only
Garden entry included | Tea & coffee will be provided throughout the workshop | Materials included | Free parking for Leonardslee members | Parking Information
Abstract Floral Painting Workshop
24 January | 9:30 – 15:30
Join professional artist Jo Starkey for a fun and inspiring full day of creating a beautiful abstract floral painting. Participants will learn the methods and techniques Jo uses in her own practice to develop their own unique piece.
The workshop explores impasto, acrylic layering and the use of texture and metallic highlights, which are signature elements of Jo’s work. Minimal brushwork is involved; instead, participants will experiment with tools such as silicone spatulas, credit cards, masking fluid, gutta (a water-based metallic liner) and metallic rubs. Through building up layers of colour and texture, everyone will discover how to compose a painting full of depth, vibrancy and interest. This is a creative, hands-on experience designed to encourage expressive techniques and produce a striking finished artwork.
A short introduction takes place at 10:00, followed by live demonstrations, gentle guidance and supportive help throughout the day. There is a half-hour lunch break. Participants will work through several stages using the techniques and materials Jo uses in her professional practice, with the aim of creating an abstract floral piece that incorporates them.
Abstract Forest Painting Workshop
7 February | 9:30 – 15:30
Join professional artist Jo Starkey for a fun and inspiring day learning how to create a beautiful forest painting.
Participants will explore the methods and techniques Jo uses in her own practice to develop their own woodland-inspired masterpiece. Jo has a long-standing passion for trees and forests, and this workshop focuses on capturing the feeling of walking through a magical, sunlit woodland. The techniques are simple, enjoyable and suitable for complete beginners as well as those with experience.
Working with acrylics on board, participants will build up layers of colour and texture to create depth and atmosphere. A range of tools are used throughout the process, including silicone spatulas, credit cards, applicator bottles, rigger brushes and even nails for scratching into the surface to add detail and character. The piece is finished with shimmering metallic rubs in gold and silver for a final touch of woodland magic.
A short introduction takes place at 10:00, followed by live demonstrations, gentle guidance and plenty of support throughout the day. There is a half-hour lunch break. Participants will work through several stages using the techniques and materials Jo uses in her professional practice, with the aim of creating a finished forest painting that incorporates them.
About Jo Starkey
Jo Starkey is an established local and worldwide selling artist. Working from her studio in Ditchling, the inspirational portrayals of meadow flowers, windblown grasses and trees, originate in her lifelong passion for nature and her experience of the Sussex landscape.
Growing up in a rural environment, gave her a great appreciation of the natural world and the countryside, which along with her love of art enthused her to become a floral and landscape artist.
Jo’s intention is to distil the essence of nature and its magic into her paintings, which she creates using acrylics and mixed media. She uses a layering process, incorporating a range of different materials, which lends itself to the scenery that she paints, creating depth and texture.
Jo likes to play with colour, and this can dictate the composition of a painting. She spends all the time she can walking in the Sussex countryside, and always has her camera to hand which allows her to capture a tableau as and when it happens.
She says: “There are those moments where the sun creates a beautiful light, glinting through wild grasses or meadows, or other times when it can be grey and mysterious, with light shining through the trees. I am drawn to colour and light, and I love the way nature is affected by the seasons and is constantly shifting and changing.”