The Art Workshop

I'd attended classes with Petra for about a year and very much enjoyed them, as a total beginner I felt very welcome. Interesting sessions, learnt a lot. Looking forward to getting back to it when my schedule allows.

I joined on a whim, really not believing for a minute that I could be taught anything! I have not only surprised myself but all my friends and family and I can’t believe how much I have learned in only a few weeks. Not only that but I feel my whole way of interacting with my surroundings has changed in the light of what I have learnt. Genevieve is a wonderful teacher and the other students are really supportive and encouraging. I look forward to Tuesday mornings like I would never have believed possible. Once the session is finished we reconvene locally for coffee and a natter, you couldn’t find a more friendly bunch anywhere

I have attended Experimental Acrylics and Drawing courses, both of which have been excellent, helping to improve my skills, to see things in a different way and expand my mind. The courses are friendly and inclusive, and the environment supportive. I would recommend the Art Workshop for anyone of any age or ability!

I'm currently in my fourth term of Art and Drawing at the Art Workshop in Rhiwbina and can highly recommend it! Each term has a theme, and each weekly two-hour session is usually divided into two parts: tuition/discussion on the theme, in which you are encouraged to look at various artists and artwork with new eyes, and really think about their works; then a practical part, in which you are encouraged and helped to undertake some artwork of your own. So much to learn, and so much to do! Only the most basic of equipment is needed to start the course, and if you don't have what you need, it can be supplied by the workshop very reasonably. Gen, our tutor, is so knowledgeable, warm and welcoming and the other group members are very friendly and supportive. Plus, the opportunity to have your efforts displayed to the public in the Art Workshop's exhibition is both terrifying and satisfying! A further bonus is that some of the group members are able to adjourn to the local coffee shop after class for a chat - I feel I've made new friends.

I'm very lucky to live near The Art Workshop! I discovered it about eight years ago and since then have tried out most of their classes - oils, acrylics, printmaking, art and drawing, as well as some Saturday workshops such as photography. All the tutors are really inspiring - they get you looking at art in different ways and thinking about what you are trying to achieve in whatever medium you are using. As well as being very thought provoking and rewarding in the way your own work develops, the classes are full of lovely people who quickly become friends. My current class is art and drawing after which many of us go for a coffee together. You should try it!

I’ve been coming to the Art Workshop on and off for 4 yrs. It’s everything I hoped for- interesting, challenging and inspiring. Gen and her colleagues have created something quite special: a real community for people of all ages, talent levels and differing artistic interests.

Excellent experimental acryllics class with Petra Cooper. V well planned, encouraging and stimulating. I’ve leaned so much about modern artists and sculpture, as well as developed my own practice. Calm, fun and relaxing atmosphere.

My wife booked a drawing course as a present for us. My present was getting me drawing again, her present was getting me out of the house. Either way I have been to several printmaking and photography classes as well as the drawing class over the past 5 years; and I have enjoyed them all. My only regret is not having started earlier.Art has certainly improved my mental wellbeing. It does not matter what level you think you are, as it is such a nice creative & supportive environment. I have met some lovely people and seen some amazing art. I feel that the Art Workshop team have helped me improve in so many ways, and I am very grateful. I recommend the courses to everyone.

It opened in 2012 and I first attended in 2014. Over the nine years I have attended most of the courses provided; all excellent. It is amazing that such a treasure is available in Rhiwbina and within walking distance! All the staff have inspired me to take seriously the tiny bit of skill I may have, to sit down and absorb their advise and expertise. It has been a definite growing experience.

I'm attending my first class at The Art Workshop (Exploring Acrylics) and very much enjoying it. Petra is a lively and engaging teacher - we learn a lot and have the opportunity to put our learning into practice in a non judgemental environment. It's fun to work as part of a group. I will definitely be signing up for next term!