Acrylic Painting Essentials - Beginners
Saturday 24th October 2026 - Henshaws, Knaresborough
Available spaces
Join us for an inspiring one-day acrylic painting workshop set in the grounds of Henshaws Arts and Crafts centre, hosted by North Yorks Art School and led by Christopher Shaw, Head of NYAS a seasoned artist dedicated to nurturing creativity in beginners. Designed for those new to painting or seeking to build foundational skills, this workshop guides you through the essentials of acrylics, from materials to creating a vibrant, full-colour painting. You’ll explore acrylic paint properties, gridding techniques, and underpainting with a limited palette and slowly moving onto colour theory and mixing. You’ll then create a full-colour artwork from transposition and hone in on what you learned earlier in the day. Set in the welcoming, creative hub of Henshaws, this beginner-friendly workshop offers a supportive atmosphere, ensuring you leave with a finished paintings and the confidence to continue your artistic journey. All materials are provided, allowing you to focus on creativity and learning. So why acrylic painting? Acrylic painting, a modern innovation developed in the mid-20th century, revolutionised art with its fast-drying, water-based formula, offering versatility unmatched by oils or watercolours. Introduced commercially in the 1950s, acrylics became a favourite of artists like Andy Warhol and David Hockney for their vibrant colours, durability, and ability to mimic other media. Requiring only paint, brushes, and a surface, acrylics are accessible to beginners, making them ideal for creating everything from fine art to home decor. Their usefulness lies in their flexibility, suitable for canvas, paper, or even wood and their eco-friendly water-based composition, which requires no harsh solvents. All materials - acrylic paints, brushes, canvas paper, and pallet knife - are provided in a kit for you to take home. A handout detailing acrylic techniques, colour mixing, and project ideas will also be provided to support your ongoing practice. Saturday 24th October 2026 10am - 4pm with Christopher Shaw This workshop takes place at: Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre 50 Bond End Knaresborough HG5 9AL Workshop includes refreshment and lunch as well as an acrylic painting kit containing paints, brushes, pad and palette knife worth £65 for you to take home following the workshop to help you continue your acrylic journey.
Cancellation Policy
Booking & Cancellation Policy Payment Options You can pay in full at the time of booking via card, Google Pay, Apple Pay or PayPal, or choose to pay a 25% deposit and pay the remaining balance 45 days before the event. Cash payment can be made in person at the school, shop or venue. Deposits A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place on Workshops, Courses and Residentials. This deposit is non-refundable in all circumstances. Balance Due If you pay by deposit, the remaining 75% balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the start date. We will send you a reminder email with a payment link. Cancellation Policy Courses & Workshops More than 8 weeks before start: Full refund minus £20 admin fee. 4–8 weeks before: 70% refund. 2–4 weeks before: 50% refund. Less than 2 weeks before or after start: No refund.