So many people would like to paint but feel they lack natural artistic ability to begin – well maybe I can help?

My name is Chris and today I spent the morning demonstrating watercolour painting at the Stanwick Lakes Craft Cafe. The Visitor Centre is a beautiful place for arts and crafts because of the natural light that streams through the windows and the monthly Craft Cafe which features crafts such as knitting, cross stitch, lace making and willow weaving.

With the lakes as a backdrop, I showed the group how to take the first easy steps in watercolour painting, including how to capture light on water, deal with reflections and distant trees.

Angela, one of regular Craft Cafe members said: “I am really enjoying painting with watercolours today, I did some years ago, but this is a great refresher and I am finding it so relaxing”

I will also be running a further watercolour class on the 29th June, 10.30am to 1pm at Stanwick lakes when a more detailed lakeside painting will be painted by participants. You will need to pre-book this class. This one off  session will be for beginners or returners to painting and will include the use of all painting materials for just £8. Book your place now by ringing me on 01933 460676.

I have been teaching painting for many years and specialise in beginners and I am particularly keen to teach people who say they ‘can’t even draw a matchstick man’. It amuses me to see them come into the class worried about making a fool of themselves and see the delight in their eyes when they leave the session with a complete painting. My recent successes include 2 ladies in their mid eighties learning to paint for the first time. Both have sold paintings since, one of them after only 6 lessons! I also teach at my studio in Ringstead and other places along the Nene Valley visit http://www.learntopaint.org.uk/

Stanwick Lakes is such an inspirational place to paint. So if you have wanted to paint for years now is a perfect time to get started.