Create Your Art, Create Your Life: A Spring Awakening in West Wales

There’s something magical about West Wales in the spring—when the wildflowers bloom, the light softens, and creativity feels like it’s stitched into the very landscape. It’s here, in this breathtaking part of the world, that we gather for the Create Your Art, Create Your Life workshop. But let me tell you a secret… it’s not just about making art.

It’s about becoming.

This workshop is an invitation—to pick up your brush, yes—but also to step into the most alive, expressive version of yourself. Because while we paint, we’re not just laying down colour and form. We’re laying down new ways of being. We’re rewiring old patterns, opening new paths. We’re creating a life that feels as vibrant and alive as the work on the canvas.

With expert guidance and gentle, inspiring structure, you’ll be supported every step of the way. Whether you’re just beginning or rediscovering your creative voice, this is a space of permission and possibility. We’re not here to "get it right"—we’re here to get real, to be curious, to follow the sparks.

What makes this workshop truly special is the creative catalyst at its heart—you. Each person who joins brings a unique energy to the group, and something beautiful happens when we create in community. New friendships are born over shared palettes and cups of tea. Ideas spark from quiet conversations and belly-laughs. It’s a kind of alchemy, really.

We paint. We walk. We talk. We rest. We share food we share stories . We remember who we are.

So if you’ve been feeling the pull to reconnect—with your art, your purpose, your people—come join us. Let the rolling hills, the sea breeze, and the wild beauty of West Wales in spring hold you as you step into your next chapter.

Create your art. Create your life.

We can’t wait to meet you.

April 25,26,27th, West Wales

Interested? you can see full details here.

How I made my own paint

Hey lovlies, I'm back from a beautiful break where I sketched and painted using different media - always interesting and sometimes frustrating as you can imagine. This time, as well as the inks I love to sketch with, I took along some gouache I had had languishing in my studio for years ... and I loved it! So of course I needed more gouache, more colours!

Here's a short video showing how I made my own gouache, and what I love about this unique paint.

Like playing with paint? join me for The Art Class online autumn term, starts Wednesday 8th Oct for 8 weeks, 6-7.30pm UK time.

All the info: https://www.helenelliott.net/service-page/the-art-class-autumn-term-8-weeks?referral=service_list_widget

If you're interested in making your own gouache and sign up the The Art Class I will send you a sample of Carrara to try... after all I do seem to have an abundance ;-)

Why do you paint what you do?

A question I sometimes get asked by students and buyers but more often this kind of information is requested by galleries as part of their submission process.

I've been thinking about this as I've had to write several 'artists statements' recently.

When asked what informs my art, and what motivates me to paint I used to hide behind a lighthearted reply and say "colouring in and making a living". Both are still true, but as I've developed and become more confident in what I do, I am more open to self-inquiry about what and why I paint how I do.

Questioning this is a useful exercise as strengthens my focus and makes me feel grounded in my 'whys'. It gives me confidence and validation in what I do. And it gives me a

If you struggle with finding what informs your art ask yourself - "What do I paint, and why?

and then ask why again

and again

and again

in fact ask five times why, in that way you'll really dig down.

For example

I paint village scenes, people, and dogs preferably on big canvases, with lots of colour.

Why? Because I like the village architecture where I live and the interactions between people there, and I like people to be happy which the colour seems to give to the scene.

Why? Because I'm interested in history and psychology - how people interact and how colour affects them.

Why? Because I love to feel that I belong in a place and connect with people and by painting the scene I become more part of it and understand it better.

Why? Because a sense of belonging, historical anchoring and communicating with people is important to me, and colour makes me happy.

Why? Maybe because I have felt a lack of these things in my past.