SAC Events Programme 2026

Helen will lead a series of quick timed urban sketches in watercolour and fountain pen for members to sketch alongside. Weather allowing this will be held in various locations around the park (in the event of poor weather we this will take place inside the studio and will incorporate watercolour portrait sketching) Note - Helen will aim for 12.30 arrival for set up

A sketch book or paper ( a heavier weight paper that can withstand water would be better but not necessary) and something to lean on. A biro, fountain pen or marker. Water colours and a brush if you have. Alternatively coloured pencils, water colour pencils. A container for water.

This event is for committee members only. If you'd like to join the committee please reach out using the Contact page.

tbc

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Charcoal on board & masking tape techniques.

Talking through my approach and education etc. Going
more in depth with certain processes – masking techniques
and use of materials and encouraging participants to try
these out at the demo.

This event is for committee members only. If you'd like to join the committee please reach out using the Contact page.

My session will provide an introduction to linocut printmaking, demonstrating the full
process from initial sketch through to the carving, inking and printing (particularly
focusing on how to print without a press). I will cover key techniques, safe tool use
and practical tips.

Needed by artist for set-up: A table or flat working surface and access to a sink for cleaning materials. It may be useful to have cleaning wipes available on tables for hands and tools. Materials list:
● Lino (soft-cut or traditional grey)
● Lino cutting tools/relief carving tools
● Bench hook or non-slip mat
● Printing ink or ink/stamp pad
● Roller (brayer)
● Inking slab/tray or a similar flat, smooth surface
● Printmaking paper (100 gsm or less is best)
● Spoon or baren for hand printing
● Pencil and sketch paper/ sketched designs
● Apron or protective clothing. Artist will provide 75mm x 75mm traditional lino blocks for those who choose not to bring their own lino. I will provide a selection of my own personal cutting tools and inks for demonstration and shared use. I will also bring along some of my workshop materials like rubber rollers, wooden spoons/brayers, anti-slip mats and inking trays; these will be limited so I’m unable to guarantee there will be enough for every attendee - people may need to share! I will be bringing copier paper with me and I also intend to bring a selection of printmaking papers suitable for handprinting. Lastly, I will bring along my tabletop press for people to try.

Members may want to bring a sketch or reference image if they wish.

Gareth will demonstrate his individual style of creating portraits in charcoal and use of materials and encouraging participants to try

Materials being used: Newsprint / sketch paper / variety of charcoal & conte mark making sticks

This will be a calm, reflective session exploring botanical drawing as a gentle, creative practice. Using the gardens as our starting point, I’ll guide you through a series of simple, inspiring drawing prompts designed to help you slow down and really observe.
I’ll share how I use drawing to suggest rather than describe botanical forms, and how this way of working has become almost meditative for me. I’ll also demonstrate how loose drawing marks appear within the layers of my abstract paintings, and how I work to preserve and respond to them rather than refine them away.

Paper, sketchbook (whatever size you have is fine), HB and 4B pencil, retractable pencils, coloured pencils, carbon paper, sharpies

This event is for committee members only. If you'd like to join the committee please reach out using the Contact page.

Mix media techniques (including spray paint if weather allows)

Set up Fri 18th 2-6pm / Judging 6-7:30pm / Private View 7:30-9:30pm / Dismantling Sunday 4:15 - 6pm

Set up Fri 18th 2-6pm / Judging 6-7:30pm / Private View 7:30-9:30pm / Dismantling Sunday 4:15 - 6pm

info tbc

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This event is for committee members only. If you'd like to join the committee please reach out using the Contact page.

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