Over in the Online Art group we’ve been continuing with the brilliant Express & Illustrate sessions with artist Jess Knights. We’ve been invited to slow down, connect to movement and the seasons, and respond with mark making, texture and collage.

Movement & Rhythm


Reflecting on an activity we love – be it dancing, knitting, gardening or cycling – we explored the shapes our bodies make while doing it, drawing not literal forms but the energy behind them, with sweeping lines, looping gestures, and gestural marks. Using oil pastels, watercolour, coloured pencils, and paper scraps, we built textures layer by layer.

Seasonal Selves

For the next session we turned inward to sense which season matched our inner state on that day. Autumn’s mellow warmth? Winter’s stillness? Or something in between? Jess guided us through a short visualisation, leading a fine line up the body’s centre as a bridge between our two halves. We then explored self‑portraits (sometimes with our non‑dominant hand to really challenge ourselves) and created textured pieces to echo our chosen seasons.

The core of these sessions with Jess, much like so many sessions here on the online art group, is that process matters more than perfection. We’re focusing on listening to what our bodies and the materials want to say, and giving them space to surprise us! 

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
Oct 1
*no session 5 November*

New artist Lisa Takahashi from 19 November

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