Still Life with Helen Evans #1 : Beyond the Bowl of Fruit: Techniques and Trade Secrets

NOTE: Updated Date due to Cyclone Alfred

Join Helen Evans for a hands-on workshop to create a still life painting - from composition to finished painting in acrylic.

This 5-hour workshop is suitable for beginners, and includes all the tools and materials you'll need.

Set against the backdrop of Helen’s solo show, "A Sense of Self," the workshop will take place in the atmospheric Mezzanine Gallery at The Churn Room, providing an inspiring environment.

Still-life is often misunderstood as a dry and pedestrian genre, but it holds endless potential for creativity. This workshop will show you how captivating still-life can be and reveal the creative alchemy of acrylic paint in the process.

Known for her openness and generosity in sharing her vast knowledge, Helen is dedicated to equipping you with the tools to bring ease and confidence to your art practice. She doesn't hold back on artistic trade secrets!

During the workshop, Helen will demystify key aspects of painting, such as composition, value, colour, and technique. She’ll guide you through selecting a subject and designing a dynamic composition, all the way to creating a finished piece. You’ll also explore the diverse techniques Helen employs to create your own expressive still life.

You can expect to work on at least one still-life painting from start to finish, with plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning. Helen will offer practical demos, pro strategies, and personal mentoring to help you develop your unique approach to still life.

Note: there will be a short lunch break during this workshop. Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch, or can purchase food from Silverwood Cafe (next door to The Churn Room).

About Helen Evans

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Helen Evans' art is bursting with exuberant colour and texture, brought to life in acrylic on board.

Her solo show at The Mezzanine Gallery in The Churn Room explores still life as an autobiographical device, inviting viewers to engage deeply with her visual narrative.

Helen has been teaching art for many years, offering weekly drawing and painting classes as well as occasional specialist workshops. With a BA and MA in textiles from Manchester Metropolitan University, she has spent the majority of her career as a full-time artist, exhibiting globally.

Notes for Workshop Participants

• Please arrive 15 minutes before the workshop start time to get settled in our Workshop Area

• Workshops are held in the Mezzanine, located upstairs within The Churn Room

• Street parking is available on Williams Street

• Workshop participants must wear closed in shoes and have long hair tied back.

• We suggest wearing comfortable, breathable clothes suitable for warm weather conditions - we have fans, but our building is not air-conditioned

• Access to the Mezzanine may be difficult for persons with significant mobility issues. It is not wheelchair accessible. Please consider this prior to booking.