Between the Studio and the Kitchen Table - Art and nature - Art Classes & Landscape Painting in Bath

If you were to peek into my world on any given day, you might catch two very different scenes.

In one, you’ll find me in the studio, working with ink, acrylic and oil on paper or canvas. My practice centres on the wildness of nature - looking into atmospheric landscapes that explore our wild places and our relationship with the natural world. It is a reflective space, often driven by a practice that seeks to find hope and connection through the environment and bring hope in the news of doom about our ecologies, species decline, global warming.

In the other, the Kitchen is filled with the anticipation of learning and creative pursuits in  small groups, relaxed space, cups of tea and light encouraging conversation. This is where we learn, I teach to facilitate confidence. I teach through demonstration and constant 1:1 coaching style conversations.

The Studio: Painting the Wild

My work as an artist is deeply rooted in nature connection. I paint wild places not just to capture their physical beauty, but to invite viewers to slow down and listen. In a world facing ecological uncertainty, I believe art holds a unique power: it can highlight pressing environmental issues while simultaneously offering a sense of groundedness and hope. 

Working with observation, and a willingness to let the materials respond. Bringing in the memory of the place, on a painting that often started in the landscape. Recalling the feeling of a view in Scotland, or of swimming in the cool dark clear waters of the Dart in Devon.

The dialogue and spiritual deepening of a sense of place will also be unveiled in the performance garments I create.

The Classroom: Cultivating Creative Confidence

The same philosophy guides how I teach. To unpick nature connectedness through observation and experimentation, aiming to soothe the inner creative dialogue that is not always positive to build us up as art practitioners.

Whether I’m guiding weekly art classes, day workshops, 1:1 sessions, or supporting students preparing portfolios, my goal as an educator is simple: to help people upskill, build confidence, and discover their own unique motives for making art. 

This may be to create, build well-being, social interaction or academic. The making of art is about creating an open, encouraging environment where beginners can shake off the fear of the blank page, and experienced makers can push their boundaries.

Layering

Mark Making

Drawing

Natural form

Art news

This month I have had a recent favourite painting South - south-west from Cley Hill accepted at the annual Bath Society Open Exhibition, private view on the 18th September. 

Combe Down Art Trail has been an exciting success with a number of people booking into courses and a few pieces of art finding new homes.

Developing a new style - my art practice is loosening and growing bigger following a summer of inspiration in the Alps, Dartmoor and the Welsh Coast.

Join the Journey

Whether through a quiet landscape painting hanging on a wall or to join a local workshop, here in Bath, my hope is always the same: to inspire a deeper connection to nature, to process, and to grow our creative engagement.

If you’ve been looking to explore your own artistic path, build your skills, or simply spend time making in a supportive environment, I’d love to welcome you into one of our upcoming courses.

What we explore at the Bath Kitchen Table in small groups:

• Weekly Art Courses & Day Workshops: Small-group sessions focusing on drawing, printmaking, acrylics, and oils.

• Portfolio Preparation & 1:1 Tutoring: Tailored guidance for students preparing for art college or building dedicated bodies of work and building confidence

• Monthly classes and art workshops: Flexible, supportive learning designed to build creative confidence, looking at monthly plants in the hedgerow and a variety of landscape painting workshops

Monthly hedgerow class - subscription available

Abstract landscape class and winter landscape

1:1 tutoring and individual guidance

Interested in joining a class or viewing current available work? Explore my upcoming workshops and art gallery right here at https://www.sarahsidders.art/art-classes.