For his last two sessions with the Online Art Group, Gary Mills kept things fun and accessible, building on the playful mark-making and image-making techniques we’ve explored together so far.

Living near the coast, a lot of Gary’s own artistic practice is influenced by nature. Across all four sessions, he’s encouraged us to draw inspiration from our own surrounding, whether it’s a sweeping landscape or a tiny pebble, helping us integrate the outside world into our creative play.

In session three, Gary guided us through building a landscape using collage. We began by sourcing and matching found materials – almost like choosing the perfect paint colour – to reflect the mood or texture we wanted to create. He walked us through the building blocks of composition: where to begin, how to place different elements next to each other, and how to embrace the unexpected by trying surprising combinations.

For session four, we sat back with ‘a cup of Joe’ focusing on our one material: Coffee! Gary shared how he began using it as a painting medium during lockdown, when art supplies were scarce, and how it’s since become a go-to for its versatility and warmth. Depending on how strong or diluted it is the coffee can create thick, inky tones to delicate, watercolour-like washes.

Gary showed us how to create layered, abstract coffee backgrounds and play with what images might emerge from the shapes. Using another high tech piece of equipment – the humble biro pen – we worked into these washes to build scenes from nature. And eventually ended the session by exploring coffee in a more traditional, painterly way, layering washes to create deep and rich landscape scenes.

It’s always such a pleasure to have Gary with us in the Online Art Group sharing his skills passion for making, but it’s time to look ahead to new horizons as we welcome illustrator Jess Knights who will be joining us until October. 

images: the lead artist and group members

Forthcoming sessions with Jess Knights:
Wednesday evenings 6.30 – 7.30
July 16
Aug 6, 20
Sept 3, 17
Oct 1, 15

Join us twice a month for creative sessions, delivered online by a range of exciting artists. Keeping creativity as accessible as possible – either join us live or watch back in your own time.

No experience needed, new members welcome at any time. Free spaces available for Somerset residents – donations welcome.

First and third Wednesdays 6.30 – 7.30pm on Facebook Live. Plus recordings.
Contact Emily for more information and bookings: admin@somersetartworks.org.uk
www.somersetartworks.org.uk

With thanks to funding support in 2025 from Somerset Community Foundation and Arts Council England