
What we’re about
Based in a charming old Victorian school house in the heart of Yardley Hastings, Yardley Arts is a dedicated arts centre, established in October 2017. For those wanting to connect through and learn more about art, we provide an imaginative art programme of training workshops, creative personal development, events and exhibitions. Our aim is to provide a focal point for all those who live locally in South Northamptonshire, North Buckinghamshire and North Bedfordshire.
We welcome people of all ages and abilities and offer courses for those of all levels from beginners to professionals.
Yardley Arts is a not-for-profit organisation run mainly by volunteers. If you would like to be involved, find out more on our website, or get in touch by emailing info@yardleyarts.org or calling 01604 696906
Upcoming events
14
- £20.00

Saturday Art Club for Children - Tissue Paper Collage
Yardley Arts CIC, The Square, Northampton, GBThis experimental art class with Emma Lindsay will teach children new skills and how to use different materials in fun and varied ways.
A collage project using printed and plain tissue paper. We will create a beautiful layered tissue paper cityscape collage inspired by the work of Paul Klee.
WHAT TO BRING
An apron/old shirt and a snack and drink if required.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All required drawing materials and equipment, water and biscuits.
COST
£25 per child
Suitable for ages 7-12 years
Spaces limited to 12
HOW TO BOOK
You can secure your place(s), by contacting Emma via email on artworkshopswithemma@gmail.com or telephone 07570 772334.
ABOUT THE TUTOR
After completing a Fine Art and Art History degree at Newcastle University, Emma has worked in heritage organisations and in education, whilst maintaining a love for painting, drawing and printmaking. Emma’s work has been published in various books and guides, and she has exhibited in Covent Garden in London and Hatton Gallery in Newcastle. Emma is now concentrating on running art classes for both adults and children. You can see examples of her classes on Facebook and Instagram1 attendee - £130.00

Beginner Drawing & Mark Making (6 week course)
Yardley Arts CIC, The Square, Northampton, GBHave you always wanted to draw but don’t know where to start, or want a refresher course? Then join tutor Emma Lindsay on this relaxed beginners course and you’ll be drawing before you know it!
Over six weeks Emma will show you the key techniques to help you build your powers of observation and give you confidence in your mark making and drawing.
Each week we will look at a different technique or theme such as line and texture, negative space, light and shade, experimenting with different materials, mark making using found materials and more.
e will use a range of subject matter including still life and photographs and use a broad range of drawing materials including charcoal, pencils, pens, inks, pastels, crayons and more. You will be able to express your creativity and experiment with different mediums and develop your drawing techniques in a fun and supportive way.
Who is the course aimed at?
The course is designed for those who want to learn how to draw and learn about different types of mark making, or who haven’t drawn in many years and wish to rekindle their creative ability. If you’re feeling nervous or self-conscious then this is the ideal course for you! Those wanting tuition to continue to develop their drawing skills are also welcome.
Come and enjoy our beautiful art centre, with stunning natural daylight, and plenty of room to spread out and a welcoming atmosphere.
"I love Emma's style of teaching and I am thrilled at how much I have achieved in these workshops" - Richard
What's included:
All required drawing materials and equipment
Tea, coffee and biscuits
What to bring:
You may want to bring your own sketchbook (A4 or larger is ideal) and anything you specifically like to draw with.
Dates and times
Tuesdays, 10am – 12pm
6, 13, 20 & 27 January
3 & 10 February
Cost
£130 per person.
Suitable for ages 16+.
Spaces limited to 10 in total so book early to avoid disappointment!
How to book
You can secure your place(s), by contacting Emma via email artworkshopswithemma@gmail.com or telephone 07570 772334.
About the tutor
After completing a Fine Art and Art History degree at Newcastle University, Emma Lindsay has worked in heritage organisations and in education, whilst maintaining a love for painting, drawing and printmaking. Emma’s work has been published in various books and guides, and she has exhibited in Covent Garden in London and Hatton Gallery in Newcastle. Emma is now concentrating on running art classes for both adults and children. You can see examples of her classes on Facebook and Instagram.1 attendee - £149.00

Exploring Watercolour Techniques (6 week morning course)
Yardley Arts CIC, The Square, Northampton, GBUnlock the beauty of watercolour painting with award-winning artist Samantha Brockway. In this six-week course, Sam shares her passion for the medium, guiding you through simple yet effective techniques to help you paint with confidence. Whether you’re completely new to watercolours or have joined one of Sam’s previous courses, you’ll have the freedom to choose your own subject matter as your skills progress.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore a variety of paint effects and methods to build texture, manage mistakes, and select the right brushes for different outcomes. You’ll also gain an understanding of composition and colour theory, helping you plan and develop your own expressive paintings.
You’ll study master artists such as JS Sargent and Georgia O’Keefe for their vibrant use of colour. We'll also look to Hockney and Vincent van Gogh, examining their mark-making and watercolour sketching techniques for inspiration.
This course will also cover the basics such as:
· paper stretching
· creating washes
· colour mixing
· maintaining vibrancy with your colours
· development of brush techniques and effects.
By the end of this course, you will have completed a minimum of 2 pieces of work. The first will be following a step-by-step process, thereafter working from a selection of images provided (multiple subject matter) or you can bring your own in to work from.
Who is the course aimed at?
From beginners to those who already have experience with watercolours, this course offers something for everyone. Join us to enjoy the subtle and mysterious world of watercolours.
“Sam takes you through the stages to make your own beautiful paintings. Lovely teacher and fun class to do for all levels.” KATY BURDETT
What to bring
Please bring with you a basic set of starter / beginner’s watercolour brushes.
Recommended websites: (just search for watercolour brushes)
Cass Art have good value starter and Winsor and Newton sets.
Hobbycraft have a basic pack with flat and round brushes (Gold flat and round Taklon Brush 6 pack) and Shore and Marsh have a 15-pack set and case - either are fine for beginners.
What’s included
All required paper, paints and other materials and equipment.
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be supplied free of charge
Dates and times
Wednesdays 10:00am - 12:30pm
7, 14, 21 & 28 January and 4 & 11 February
Cost
£149 per person.
Suitable for ages 18+.
Spaces limited to 12 in total so book early to avoid disappointment!
Booking
Booking is made direct through Yardley Arts. You can email bookings@yardleyarts.org or book online via our website here.
About the tutor
Samantha is a professional illustrator who works in many mediums but has loved working in watercolour since she saved up as child for her first boxed set of paint. She has always loved the translucent nature of watercolour and the texture of the pigments in the water.
Graduating from Bristol with a BA Hons in Graphics and Illustration, Samantha was shortlisted for the Macmillan Children’s Book Illustration Competition. She went on to illustrate several books and exhibited her work in London, Bristol, Kings Lynn, St Ives and Cambridge before becoming an in-house illustrator for the Greetings Cards industry where she worked for 15 years.
Samantha is now working as a freelance artist and illustrator and runs regular workshops in Northamptonshire. She believes everyone can paint and with the right skills become more confident in the process. A prize winner at Northants Open Studios 2023, 2024 and 2025 Exhibitions and first prize at KDAS 119th Exhibition 2024.
To see examples of her work and more information, please visit her website or find her on Instagram1 attendee
Past events
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