Light & Dark Painting Workshop at Muswell Hill Creatives Make & Mend

Light and Dark are fundamental elements of painting and can be used to create contrast, depth, atmosphere and rhythm. Learning to recognise and work with this contrast can transform the way we see the world around us, helping us notice shapes, spaces, textures, and details that might otherwise remain hidden.

In this mindful painting workshop led by artist and creativity coach Beatrice Nespega, you will experiment with different tonal values and textures, discovering how changes between light and dark can transform a composition.

Explore how the painting can be built up by removing, layering, scraping, and blending to create different visual effects. The aim is to develop confidence in using paint, mark-making, and tonal contrast as expressive tools, allowing the painting to evolve through experimentation and discovery.

What to expect

• A playful and mindful experience where you can practise being present, slow down, and feel creatively inspired through guidance, prompts, and reflective questions.
• Freedom to experiment and express yourself, supported by technical and theoretical guidance throughout the creative process.
• New tools for developing your artistic voice, helping you connect with your intuition, access your creativity, and explore your own way of making.
• A safe and supportive environment where there is no right or wrong way to create — only opportunities to observe, experiment, and discover.

Workshop includes

• Guided and tailored painting tuition
• All painting materials provided
• A supportive environment for exploring creativity and mindfulness through abstract painting
• A workbook with the ideas, exercises, and tools explored during the session
• Practical tips to help you continue your creative practice and create your own painting space at home

Materials provided

• Mixed media board and paper (A4 or A3)
• Basic drawing and acrylic painting materials

You are encouraged to bring

• Comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting a little paint on
• Ideas and sources of inspiration, such as photographs of places they've visited, artworks they enjoy, meaningful objects, magazine images, or memories
• Any additional painting tools or materials you feel inspired to work with

No previous experience is required. Both experienced painters and beginners are welcome !

Suitable for ages 16+

Beatrice is running two mindful painting workshops at the Make and Mend Festival.

• Light and Dark - 11.30am-1.30pm - £35
• Expressing Through Colour - 2.30pm-4.30pm - £35

Each workshop explores a different area of visual expression, with its own exercises, ideas, and creative focus. They are designed to complement each other, but each can also be experienced independently. Taking both workshops will give you a broader visual and creative experience, encouraging you to develop both your way of seeing and your way of expressing what you see, building a richer visual vocabulary that you can bring into your own painting practice.

Book BOTH workshops for a discounted price of £60 for the full experience. Use discount code BEATRICEMULTI at checkout.