Completing my OCA Painting Foundation

I just got off my final tutorial call with my mentor of the past year, Joanna Whittle. I decided to take on this painting foundation course with Open College of the Arts last June, while I was working full time for a fashion brand feeling sorely denied any creativity. My intention was just to show up and make time to paint on a regular basis, which certainly held up. And over the course of the year I have witnessed my creative self returning, opening up again to new ways of working, new materials, new ideas.

The year was divided into five core modules, each consisting of between 5 and 9 painting tasks. These tasks traversed a range of techniques and styles, and encouraged researching artists alongside for inspiration and direction. I have found great inspiration from attending OCA’s extra curricular workshops and talks, which are hosted regularly for all students regardless of course. These have included speed drawing workshops, seminars with practising artists, guest lecturers in photography and women artists from history.

The year has sped by, but I’m left with an eager anticipation for what’s to come. What will I paint next? I have free will. Where will the artistic road take me? I can’t wait to explore and find out.