Barge art on a boat
What you'll do
This is a fun afternoon of creativity where you’ll discover the colourful world of barge art - the traditional narrowboat style of painting - on the front deck of a river boat in Portishead Marina. Your experience will be hosted by Barbara, a practising artist who works in painting, sculpture and print, with a particular interest in folk art and boat culture.
With Barbara’s help, you’ll make unique, memorable creations to brighten up your home or give as bespoke gifts. You’ll be able to adorn small household items, like tea light holders, and wooden spoons, with simple decorative canal ware motifs. You can choose what you'd like to paint from Barbara's collection, or if you'd like to, bring along your own small item to paint (we would need to discuss this beforehand as it would need to a little preparation).
There will be designs available as a guide, and also a hand out on the history of barge art which can be mailed if wished.
The front deck is a peaceful, private waterside setting where Barbara will provide all the materials and inspiration you need with the painted backgrounds already prepared for you.
Barbara will be available for gentle guidance, and there will be a glass of wine with nibbles to help the flow of the creative process - the scene is set for a lovely afternoon with creative mementoes to take home with you!
If you would like to book other times/dates please contact Barbara, they can be arranged
Upcoming dates
What you'll do
This is a fun afternoon of creativity where you’ll discover the colourful world of barge art - the traditional narrowboat style of painting - on the front deck of a river boat in Portishead Marina. Your experience will be hosted by Barbara, a practising artist who works in painting, sculpture and print, with a particular interest in folk art and boat culture.
With Barbara’s help, you’ll make unique, memorable creations to brighten up your home or give as bespoke gifts. You’ll be able to adorn small household items, like tea light holders, and wooden spoons, with simple decorative canal ware motifs. You can choose what you'd like to paint from Barbara's collection, or if you'd like to, bring along your own small item to paint (we would need to discuss this beforehand as it would need to a little preparation).
There will be designs available as a guide, and also a hand out on the history of barge art which can be mailed if wished.
The front deck is a peaceful, private waterside setting where Barbara will provide all the materials and inspiration you need with the painted backgrounds already prepared for you.
Barbara will be available for gentle guidance, and there will be a glass of wine with nibbles to help the flow of the creative process - the scene is set for a lovely afternoon with creative mementoes to take home with you!
If you would like to book other times/dates please contact Barbara, they can be arranged
Share this experience
Yuup extras
- Mulled wine and cosy blankets are available when the weathers cooler.
Facilities
- Refreshments available
- Toilets
COVID-19 guidelines
- The front deck art-making area is separate from the boat's living space and will be thoroughly sanitised
- This is a private experience for two people and only yourselves and Barbara will be present
- There is ventilation, hand gel, sanitising wipes available and space for safe social distancing
- Barbara can wear a mask at all times or just when giving technical assistance and is happy to discuss this before so that guests feel safe and relaxed
On the day
The workshop may be a little messy so please wear old clothes and/or an apron
There is on-street parking available & a pay & display at the Lock Control building 5 mins away, or alternately the venue is 2 mins from a bus stop with regular buses to/from Bristol.
The closest landmark is Hall & Wodehouse pub BS20 7FP.
*You need to make contact before the session so please message the host beforehand so you can exchange numbers. Thanks :)
Changes happen, don't worry
About Bristol Art Workshops
Barbara is an artist and tutor that enjoys hosting hands-on, creative art workshops in Bristol and Portishead marina. In fact, she's been making art since she was a child and it's always been a huge part of her life. Barbara studied fine art and completed a masters in sculpture and has been exhibiting, creating projects and commissions ever since. She had a studio at Spike Island and then spent 10 years in Bangalore working in different parts of India, before returning to Bristol to live on a boat in Portishead. As well as being a part time tutor at Bristol School of Art and the Folk House, Barbara is now happy to be launching art workshops on her boat, exploring a range of creative making experiences.
View more experiences by Bristol Art WorkshopsYour host
Your host will be Barbara, an experienced artist and teacher. Barbara teaches at Bristol School of Art and the Folk House, and loves sharing art experiences which help people discover their creative side and have fun.
How to get there
Any questions?
Ask your question directly to Bristol Art Workshops.