Knowing your tools deeply — how they behave, how they age, how they respond to light and heat — changes the way you work and the confidence with which you make decisions.
During my time at Azur Studio in Kyiv, we took part in a number of art trips across Europe, visiting paint and medium manufacturers directly. These experiences were invaluable. Being able to ask questions about materials from the people who created them — the chemists, designers, and technicians behind the products — gave us insights no manual or catalogue ever could. Who could know the materials better than those who developed them?
Along the way, we also participated in workshops with local designers who introduced us to the full potential of different gels and pastes, transparent and opaque paints, and specialised products for textile decoration and pseudo stained glass. We explored techniques for creating patina, working with gilding, and layering surfaces in ways that expanded both technical knowledge and creative possibility.
I often find myself missing those times — being surrounded by like-minded professionals, travelling, learning, experimenting, and talking endlessly about what we loved most: paint, surface, and decoration. Those journeys shaped not only my technical approach, but also my respect for materials as active partners in the creative process.
I’m back in the studio, back to normality, and ready to continue sharing what I love most — my knowledge of art, different techniques and practical skills that can open up new possibilities for your own creativity. This October, I’m offering two very different workshops, both suitable for all levels and for adults and young people aged 12+. Come and spend a few hours making art, learning a new technique and getting your hands back to the brush. I look forward to seeing you in the studio! 🇺🇦 Petrykivka: Mastering the One-Stroke Technique Discover the beautiful Ukrainian folk painting style of Petrykivka. In this workshop, you’ll learn about the history of Petrykivka and how flowers, leaves and berries are built through different brushstrokes. You’ll also learn how to load two colours onto one brush and control its movement to create variations of colour, shape and tone. This is particularly valuable for artists and beginners because it gives you a chance to really understand your brush as a tool — how its shape and size affect the mark, how to control pressure and movement, and how to master the stroke of your brush. Illusion of Distance: The Tricks of Perspective
A Look Back at Our Winter Workshops 🌿🎨 We had some very enjoyable workshops in the studio over winter! With small groups, I can give each person the attention they need, demonstrate the techniques closely, and help everyone achieve a successful result. I’m especially proud of those who had never picked up a paintbrush before. Seeing them start with no experience and finish with a painting they are genuinely proud of is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. We experimented with different techniques, materials and approaches to painting — and, of course, had a lot of fun along the way. Here are some of the results from our winter workshops. I think everyone did a fantastic job!
