See The Light – Painting Workshops For Beginners, Aspiring & Improving Artists
New venue – Lamingtons Tea Rooms Bletchingley, Wednesday afternoon art workshops.
If you’d like more information please get in touch on 07740 471665 or sales@joenorrisart.co.uk.
Painting Workshop dates in 2026
I run my art workshops in several different locations in and around the Surrey Hills. Afternoon workshops are at Headley Village Hall, morning/lunchtime workshops at Little Bookham Village Hall, afternoons at Bletchingley Community Centre and occasional evening workshops at Stoke D’Abernon Village Hall.
My workshops are designed to be instructional and fun, an opportunity to learn from each other and explore personal artistic boundaries in a holding and supportive environment.
Price £40 per person per workshop. A discount of £5 per workshop is available for bookings of any two or more in advance. Bring your own materials.
Introductory discount: £25 or bring a friend for free.
For a limited period, come to any workshop and see what we’re all about for just £25, or pay £40 and bring a friend along for free. Call me on 07740 471665 for a no-obligation chat and to book.
If you have a friend or loved one with artistic flair, a gift card for one of my workshops makes a great birthday or Christmas gift. Buy a gift card here
For workshop or tuition enquiries, please contact sales@joenorrisart.co.uk or call me on 07740471665
March
Tuesday 3rd March – Early Signs of Spring
(Bookham Village Hall 11.30am)
Tuesday 10th March – Landscape Colour Harmony
(Bookham Village Hall 11.30am)
Wednesday 11th March – Landscape Colour Harmony
(Bletchingley Community Centre 2pm)
Thursday 12th March – Landscape Colour Harmony
(Headley Village Hall 1.30pm)
Tuesday 17th March – Spring Flowers
(Bookham Village Hall 11.30am)
Thursday 19th March – Spring Flowers
(Headley Village Hall 1.30pm)
Tuesday24th March – River Scene
(Bookham Village Hall 11.30am)
Thursday 26th March – River Scene
(Headley Village Hall 1.30pm)
Tuesday 31st March – Stylised Techniques
(Bookham Village Hall 11.30am)
Here are the basic equipment requirements (specific details will be sent out to attendees after booking):
Kitchen roll
Table covering (newspaper, old sheets)
Water pots (old pet-food or yoghurt containers work well)
Drawing board and masking tape.
Acrylic paints and brushes, palette knives or card if you have them.
Acrylic paper or primed board.
Mixing palette or similar (Grease-proof baking sheets work OK).
Painting Parties and Corporate Events
If you would like to arrange a private painting workshop ‘experience’ for a party or a corporate team-building event please get in touch. More info here…
Art Society Demos & Workshops
I am available to give demos or lead workshops for art societies, clubs & groups anywhere in the UK. Contact me to discuss the subject matter you’d like to focus on and to book a date.
Look at life with the eyes of a child.
Henri Matisse
Are you a beginner or aspiring artist who who wants to discover new horizons?
Would you like a better grasp of how to create an impression of distance and scale in your work?
Would you like a better understanding of colour & tone ?
Are you looking for a new direction and inspiration?
Learning, Mindfulness & Fun Through Painting
My mini-workshops will introduce you to the fundamentals of planning and executing a painting, and particularly more convincing landscapes and cityscapes. We’ll cover how to establish composition, proportions, horizons, eye level and vanishing points. We’ll also explore the power of aerial perspective and how colour choice can be used to focus the eye on important elements. With these foundations established, we’ll break free of the theory and discover a freedom beyond.
The emphasis is on discovering and learning and breaking down barriers in a relaxed and friendly environment. There is a different theme/subject for each one. It’s loads of fun!
What makes my workshops different?
When I set up my art workshops several years ago, I had attended numerous workshops given by different artists. While my own experience of each one varied, I felt that I wanted to offer something a little different. I often left workshops feeling I’d learnt something, and in most cases I enjoyed them. But I almost always felt we were trying to emulate the artist giving them. And there’s the problem, I felt… By trying to emulate someone else, and pick up their style, you are doomed to fail every time. You can never be someone else. And no-one can make a better job of being you, than you.
So, I made it my mission to help other artists discover an approach that suits them, and work towards their own style. I’m proud to say that I think most of my students have gained a sense of identity and confidence by being encouraged to take risks and let go of their inhibitions. I often do this by being open and transparent about my own artistic journey, admitting to my doubts and fears along the way. For example, I will often say “I haven’t actually tried this, let’s see if it works” And sometimes, it doesn’t. In such cases we can all explore the whys and wherefores together, and in most cases reach a new level of understanding. In this way, we are all on the same level.
The great thing is, the benefits of this encouraging approach go way beyond art. My workshops are an opportunity to find your true identity, a version of yourself you can be proud of, in a safe and supportive environment. So, I invite you to join my little mini-movement in pursuit of the you you’d like to be.
Some Lovely Feedback on our Workshops…
“Joe’s classes are informative, exciting and always good fun. I have learnt so much and my paintings have become far more confident.
Cannot recommend this artist enough.”“It has been relaxing and fun joining Joe’s teaching sessions – as an absolute novice. I have also learned so much about light, colour and depth. Highly recommend it.”
“I’ve been searching for something to force me into a more loose & creative painting style, & your workshop did exactly that… To anyone who is considering joining this workshop I would say give it a go! I found the group very welcoming & friendly, which was also lovely.”
“Highly recommended!!
I’ve been attending Joe’s Painting Workshops for a while now and each time I come home happy and inspired by new techniques, welcomed encouragement, and expert advice given throughout the afternoon.
The atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly too, with literally all levels of painting ability are welcomed – I hadn’t picked up a paint brush in 40 years and I’m loving it!”“As an intermediate level painter, I was looking to extend my skill set: I’ve found the right teacher and class. Joe is clear, patient and in each session he focuses on certain aspects of painting (such as perspective) whilst giving you insights into how to paint different types of subjects. I have found has this has grown me as a painter and given me confidence.”
Tessa Simpson14:09 05 Jun 23It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced or less experienced (like me)artist, Joe is great at suggesting different techniques and experiments, and has a great way of explaining why things work or don’t work. It’s a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon with like-minded people. No pressure to do things in a certain way, you can use Joe’s friendly and helpful artistic experience to expand the boundaries of your art. Highly recommended.julia10:56 05 Jun 23As an intermediate level painter, I was looking to extend my skill set: I've found the right teacher and class. Joe is clear, patient and in each session he focuses on certain aspects of painting (such as perspective) whilst giving you insights into how to paint different types of subjects. I have found has this has grown me as a painter and given me confidence. During the class he shows you how he sets about a painting and works through a step at a time in front of you, coming round to see what how we are doing, commenting helpfully and encouraging you to work in your own way too. The classes are small and friendly and we learn from one another as well which is great.Susan Ogier12:36 02 Jun 23This is such a lovley group and a wonderful way to spend the afternoon !Elaine Higman09:49 16 Feb 23Thank you Joe, I feel my art has taken a leap forward... I dont know where it's going to land. But it's exciting! ElaineAnn Evans20:37 08 Feb 23Joe’s Workshops are really enjoyable! Hadn’t picked up a paint brush in years … but the friendly, helpful and creative atmosphere, makes for a truly enjoyable, easy going afternoon - now I want to get painting at every opportunity! and can’t wait for the next workshop!!.
