Oxford Art Safari – Exploring Creativity in Summer: ART MAKING FOR WELLBEING

You will begin the day with fun art activities, such as playing with doodles and painting with brushes to music. Next, you will learn about zentangles and mandalas before using pencils and pens to create your own patterns, which will then be coloured in. Following this, you will explore experimental mark-making with everyday objects such as toothbrushes, golf balls and recycling materials before moving on to more considered image-making using monoprinting.

A range of materials, such as palette knives, sponges, and objects from nature, like leaves, will be available to use. You will explore using these materials to make an imprinted image before taking a relief print. You will then go on to explore layering printed images with different marks and colours, creating layers of texture.

These prints can be used as the backdrop for your collage at the end of the day. You will create a wellbeing-focused reflective art piece using traditional collage materials such as magazines and newspapers. The traditional collage materials can also be used in conjunction with your own monoprints to create an abstract collage/s.

At the end of the workshop you will have learnt about and tried the following art techniques:

• experimental art approaches like mark making and painting to music, to facilitate expression and build confidence.
• mindful art approaches such as zentangles and mandalas to support relaxation.
• introspective art approaches such as collages to support self-care and wellbeing.

Through experimental art methods, you will experience the benefits of using creativity for relaxation, wellbeing, and self-care, as well as learn art techniques that you can continue to benefit from at home.

No previous art experience is needed—all you need to bring is your curiosity and a desire to express yourself creatively.

Basic materials will be provided and available, but please bring any collected collage materials to personalise your image-making!

Remember to bring a packed lunch, a water bottle, and other refreshments to keep you energised throughout the day.

Enrol today and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery through art. Explore the broad range of art courses available at City of Oxford College and unlock your creative potential today!

Tutor: Victoria Kearney

A practising abstract artist who is inspired by nature, colour, connections with others and her own personal wellbeing journey. Victoria’s practice includes painting, print and collage, but she also loves experimenting with new techniques.

She is a South Oxford Arts member and regularly attends a local life drawing club. She also exhibits as part of Oxfordshire Artweeks.

“Creativity and art make me feel myself and are an essential part of my identity and wellbeing. I am passionate about sharing creativity and teaching art to support people’s personal journeys. Combining my experience and skills as a mental health nurse and artist I compassionately teach artmaking with adults to improve wellbeing.”

You can read more about Victoria at: Victoria Kearney ART