We’re excited to share what we have been doing at the first two Express & Illustrate sessions with the wonderful Jess Knights!

Session one, If You Were a Plant, began with Jess leading a much needed moment of mindfulness, taking a few breaths and settling into our bodies.
This led on to playing with different kinds of line drawing, warming up with some swirly seed drawings, getting used to the motion of the pen and letting our lines find their way around the page.

Moving onto ink and brush, we were slowly growing all of the plants we felt we might embody on that day. It was such a brilliant introduction to this new bank of sessions, encouraging us to slow down and notice how we were feeling – helping us to all tap into that creative flow!

In session two we explored connecting with and illustrating our very own Spirit Animals! Drawing inspiration from some beautiful guided meditations, we each worked through some simple blind drawing exercises to meet our animals for the day. Using drawing, painting and collage techniques using whatever materials we had to hand, Jess created such a beautiful, calm and curious space for us to play with this joyful idea, getting to know ourselves a little better through our animal friends.

Artwork shared by members of the group included Bush Babies, Walruses and even Platypuses, alongside Jess creating her own flowing Newt; reminding us to go with the flow, to pause when we need to, and to trust the quiet rhythm of creativity.

images: group members and the lead artist

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The Somerset Art Works Online Art Group is an accessible space for people of all abilities to engage with art in a way that suits them.

Forthcoming sessions with Jess Knights:
Wednesday evenings 6.30 – 7.30
Sept 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