Celebrating Creativity: Highlights from our colourful acrylic Art workshop at Pride Hub Egham

December brought a burst of colour and creativity to the heart of Egham. Our acrylic art workshop at the Pride Hub was a lively gathering where participants embraced the joy of painting, letting their imaginations run free. The event was a chance to get messy, experiment with vibrant acrylics, and create unique artworks to take home. This post shares the highlights from that inspiring day, capturing the energy, techniques, and community spirit that made the workshop so special.

Setting the Scene at Pride Hub Egham

The Pride Hub in central Egham provided the perfect backdrop for our workshop. The space is welcoming and inclusive, designed to support creativity and community connection. Bright natural light filled the room, highlighting the vivid colours of the acrylic paints laid out on tables. Participants found their spots around large worktables, each equipped with canvases, brushes, and palettes.

The atmosphere was relaxed and encouraging. Whether someone was a seasoned artist or trying acrylics for the first time, everyone felt comfortable exploring their style. The Pride Hub’s supportive environment helped foster a sense of belonging and freedom to express through art.

Getting Messy with Acrylics

Acrylic paint is known for its versatility and bold colours, and our workshop embraced both. Participants mixed paints to create new shades, layered thick brush strokes, and experimented with different textures. The hands-on approach meant it was a bit messy, but that only added to the fun.

The technique I taught through this particular workshop was the Swirly 'figure of eight' method:

• Blending colours directly on the canvas for smooth gradients

• Using varied thickness to add texture and dimension

• Applying greater and lesser volumes of water for subtle highlights

• Creating abstract patterns with bold, sweeping strokes

  
  

These methods helped participants discover how acrylics can be both forgiving and expressive. There is joy in the unpredictability of the medium, where a splash or drip could become part of the artwork’s story.

What Participants Took Home

At the end of the workshop, everyone left with their finished acrylic painting. These artworks are more than just colourful canvases; they're reminders of an afternoon spent exploring creativity and community. Participants expressed pride in their work, surprised by what they had achieved in less than a couple of hours.

Some paintings will decorate homes, while others might become gifts for loved ones. The workshop also inspired some attendees to continue painting, either at home or by joining future art sessions.

Tips for Trying Acrylic Painting at Home

If the workshop inspired you to try acrylic painting, here are some practical tips to get started:

• Start simple with a limited colour palette to avoid overwhelm

• Use thick paper or canvas designed for acrylics to prevent warping

• Experiment with different brush sizes to create varied effects

• Keep a jar of water handy to rinse brushes and thin paint

• Don’t be afraid to layer paint; acrylics dry quickly and allow for corrections

• Protect your workspace with newspaper or a plastic sheet to manage mess

  
  

Remember, acrylic painting is about enjoying the process as much as the result. Allow yourself to experiment and learn with each brushstroke.

Building Community Through Art

The workshop was more than a creative outlet; it was a way to build connections. Sharing space, materials, and stories helped participants feel part of a supportive community. The Pride Hub’s role as a safe, inclusive venue made this possible, encouraging people from different backgrounds to come together.

Events like this highlight how art can bring people closer, spark conversations, and promote wellbeing. Creativity becomes a bridge, connecting individuals through shared experiences and mutual encouragement.