In this 6-week mixed media course, you’ll learn to layer graphite, acrylics, pen and collage to create richly textured, colourful paintings inspired by still life flowers and the natural world. You’ll start by conquering the fear of the blank page — building up compositions through sketching, photography and gathering natural materials — and finish with a collection of work that’s distinctly and entirely your own.

Each session builds on the last, introducing new techniques for layering, collage and mark-making, with plenty of individual guidance along the way. By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence and skills to keep going independently — and potentially a piece ready to exhibit.

Perfect for complete beginners, or improvers who’d like to experiment with new materials.

A note for the curious:  This course runs alongside Handpicked: Painting Flowers from 1900 to Today at Kettle’s Yard (25 April – 6 September 2026 Kettle’s Yard) — a wonderful exhibition of flower paintings spanning the 20th and 21st centuries, and one that features work by Rowan artists. We warmly recommend a visit before or during the course for a dose of inspiration. Entry is free.

Laura Pearson-Clark is a Cambridgeshire-based mixed media artist and muralist whose work explores the detailed, intricate forms found in nature — from local landscapes to the microscopic world of mycology. She brings an eco-conscious approach to her practice, reusing materials and incorporating collage from previous experimental work. Laura was selected as a wildcard artist on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2026, and has been running her popular community Sketchbook Wednesday Club since 2021. She brings warmth, enthusiasm and a talent for making beginners feel genuinely at ease. See more of her work at artintheburrow.co.uk.

A complementary sketchbook for each participant is included in the booking fees. All other materials will be included, and you’re welcome to bring flowers, objects or images from home to use as inspiration.

Places are limited to keep group sizes small and allow for individual attention, so it’s worth booking early.

£170 for 6 week course

Max 8 participants

Please note there are no sessions on Mondays 4th and 25th May, and on Thursday 28th May.