Art & Photography Workshops in Worcestershire: What's New at Olive & Plum Academy
Looking for art classes, painting workshops or beginner photography courses in Worcestershire? Discover a programme of creative workshops at Olive & Plum Academy in Arley, near Bewdley, Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.
Whether you're a complete beginner, a keen amateur artist or simply looking for a creative day out, Olive & Plum Academy offers opportunities to learn from talented professional artists in a friendly, welcoming studio.
Based at Arley Studios in the picturesque village of Arley, Worcestershire, our workshops cover everything from watercolour painting and wildlife art to coloured pencils, soft pastels, photography and seasonal crafts.
With three exciting new workshops launching for winter 2026 and spring 2027, plus the opening of our new gallery and shop in Bewdley, there's plenty to discover.
Watercolour & Ink Landscape Painting Workshop in Worcestershire
Beyond the Landscape with Andrew Hemming
Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 February 2027 | 10am–4pm | £250 per person
Would you love to paint more expressive landscapes, experiment with different materials or simply discover a new approach to watercolour?
Join landscape artist Andrew Hemming for this inspiring two-day watercolour and ink workshop at Olive & Plum Academy near Bewdley.
Rather than concentrating on traditional landscape painting, you'll explore how colour, texture, atmosphere and abstraction can bring new possibilities to your artwork.
Through practical demonstrations and creative exercises, you'll discover how to combine watercolour and ink, experiment with loose washes and granulation, and introduce unusual textures using tissue paper, oil pastels and everyday objects.
You'll then use your experiments to develop your own panoramic landscape painting, which we'll aim to have finished and framed for you to take home.
Is this watercolour workshop suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The workshop welcomes complete beginners as well as more experienced artists looking to explore new techniques and develop a freer, more expressive painting style.
All painting materials, lunches, refreshments and a panoramic frame are included in the £250 workshop price.
Beginner Photography Workshop Near Bewdley & Kidderminster
Understanding Your Camera – Unlocking Your Creativity with Andrew Hemming
Saturday 6 March 2027 | 10am–4pm | £75 per person
Have you got a DSLR or mirrorless camera but find yourself using Auto mode most of the time?
Perhaps you'd love to take better holiday photographs, capture family moments or explore photography as a creative hobby, but you're not quite sure where to start.
Our new one-day beginner photography workshop in Worcestershire is designed to help you understand your camera and gain the confidence to take more creative control over your photographs.
Led by award-winning professional photographer Andrew Hemming, this practical photography course introduces the essential camera settings in a relaxed, approachable way.
You'll learn how to use aperture, shutter speed and ISO, discover how to create beautifully blurred backgrounds, capture moving subjects and adapt to different lighting conditions.
You'll also explore how different lenses affect perspective and composition, helping you make more deliberate creative choices.
Do I need photography experience to attend?
No previous photography experience is needed. This course is ideal for beginners and camera owners who want to move beyond automatic settings.
You'll need to bring your own camera and any lenses you have. DSLR, mirrorless and other cameras with adjustable settings are suitable.
At just £75 for the day, it's a great opportunity to build your photography skills with guidance from an experienced professional.
Christmas Craft Workshop Near Bewdley: Sugar Poinsettia Flowers
With Jan Baybutt
Wednesday 25 & Thursday 26 November 2026 | 2pm–5pm | £75 plus booking fee
If you're looking for a festive craft workshop in Worcestershire, why not try your hand at creating beautiful handmade sugar flowers?
Join sugar flower artist Jan Baybutt for two relaxed afternoons learning to create a stunning sugar poinsettia arrangement.
You'll make a poinsettia in a colour of your choice, complete with coordinating berries and foliage, creating a beautiful decoration for your Christmas cake or festive table.
Jan will guide you through the techniques of sugar flower making, sharing her experience of creating intricate floral decorations for wedding and celebration cakes.
This workshop is suitable for beginners, with all materials provided.
Places are limited to just six participants, making it a lovely opportunity to learn in a small, friendly group.
More Art Classes & Wildlife Painting Workshops in Worcestershire
Alongside our new workshops, Olive & Plum Academy has several creative experiences coming up before the end of 2026.
Giraffe in Coloured Pencils with Jess Pritchard
Friday 20 November 2026 | £120
Develop your coloured pencil techniques with award-winning wildlife conservation artist Jess Pritchard.
This one-day refresher workshop is ideal for artists with some previous coloured pencil experience who want to improve their layering, blending, textures and fine details while creating a realistic giraffe portrait.
Tiger Portraits in Soft Pastel with Sarah Stribbling
Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 November 2026
Learn how to create a striking tiger portrait in soft pastel with wildlife artist Sarah Stribbling.
Over two days, you'll explore colour mixing, layering, realistic fur textures and fine details, with individual guidance throughout.
Suitable for all abilities, including beginners.
A Very Merry Christmas Donkey with Jess Pritchard
Saturday 5 December 2026 | £120
Enjoy a festive coloured pencil workshop creating a charming donkey peeking over a snow-covered stable door.
You'll learn how to draw realistic fur, winter textures and festive details, leaving with your own completed Christmas artwork.
Suitable for beginners and intermediate artists.
Discover Our New Art Gallery & Shop in Bewdley
There's more exciting news for local art lovers, with the opening of the Olive & Plum Gallery & Shop at 93 Welchgate, Bewdley, Worcestershire.
Open from 4 November to 13 December 2026, our pop-up gallery celebrates the creativity of local artists and members of our artistic community.
Visitors can enjoy both an adult gallery and a children's gallery, with a wonderful variety of artwork on display.
Our grand opening takes place on Saturday 21 November 2026, coinciding with Bewdley's Christmas lights switch-on.
The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–4pm, except Wednesday 18 November, when we'll be closed.
Whether you're visiting Bewdley for the day or live locally, we'd love you to pop in and explore.
Where Is Olive & Plum Academy?
Olive & Plum Academy is based at Arley Studios, School Bank, Arley, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1XG.
Situated in the beautiful Severn Valley, close to the River Severn, Arley Arboretum and the Severn Valley Railway, the studio provides a peaceful and inspiring setting for creative learning.
Our location makes Olive & Plum Academy an option for people looking for art and photography workshops around Bewdley, Kidderminster, Bridgnorth and the wider Worcestershire and West Midlands area.
The studio offers a light, welcoming workspace, with free parking and refreshments available during workshops.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Art & Photography Workshops
Are there art workshops for beginners in Worcestershire?
Yes. Olive & Plum Academy offers a range of workshops suitable for complete beginners, including watercolour painting, photography, soft pastels and seasonal crafts.
Where can I find a beginner photography course near Bewdley?
Olive & Plum Academy in Arley, near Bewdley, is running a one-day beginner photography workshop with Andrew Hemming on Saturday 6 March 2027. The course covers camera settings, exposure, composition and practical photography techniques.
Do I need to bring my own art materials?
Many of our art workshops include materials and equipment in the booking price. Check the individual workshop details for exactly what's provided. For our photography workshop, you'll need to bring your own camera.
Can I attend an art workshop on my own?
Of course! Many people attend creative workshops independently. Our friendly, relaxed classes are a lovely opportunity to meet people with similar interests while learning something new.
Where can I find weekend art workshops near Kidderminster?
Olive & Plum Academy offers weekend and weekday art workshops at Arley Studios near Bewdley, including a two-day watercolour and ink landscape workshop on 6–7 February 2027.
Find Your Next Creative Workshop in Worcestershire
Whether you're searching for watercolour classes, wildlife art workshops, beginner photography courses or creative experiences near Bewdley, Olive & Plum Academy offers a welcoming place to learn, experiment and enjoy making art.
Our workshops are led by talented artists who are passionate about sharing their skills, helping you build confidence and discover new creative possibilities.
Why not make a little time for yourself and try something new?
We look forward to welcoming you to Arley Studios soon!
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