Discover how light, dark and subtle changes in tone can transform a colourful painting in this hands-on oil painting workshop inspired by Vanessa Bell’s Still Life (c.1933).

Starting with Bell’s original painting, you’ll look closely at how colour helps separate objects, create form and build depth.

You’ll then reinterpret the composition using a restricted palette of white, black, yellow ochre and brown, exploring how much you can achieve without relying on bright colour.

What to expect

The session will begin with a short introduction to Vanessa Bell and her ‘Still Life’, followed by a demonstration showing how to identify light and dark areas, mix a range of warm and cool neutral tones and use contrast to give objects shape and depth.

You’ll then create your own monochrome painting, gradually building the different objects and surrounding space.

You’ll leave with your own monochrome oil painting and a stronger understanding of how tone, contrast and a limited palette can create form, depth and variety.

Good to know

Basic materials provided. Food and drink is also available for purchase throughout the session from our cafés.

This workshop is suitable for ages 16+ and is suitable for beginners as well as those with some experience of oil painting.

What is monochrome painting?

Monochrome painting uses a limited range of colours rather than a full colour palette.

By changing how light, dark, warm or cool a colour appears, artists can create the impression of form, depth and contrast without relying on lots of different colours.

In this workshop, you’ll work with white, black, yellow ochre and brown to create a range of neutral tones.

You’ll discover how small changes in tone can help objects stand apart, suggest their shape and create a sense of space within the painting.

About your tutor

Denisa Mansfield is an artist whose work explores expressive colour, movement, and emotion through the language of Impressionism and abstraction.

She works primarily in oils, with a focus on how traditional methods can be reinterpreted in contemporary ways. Her practice celebrates curiosity, creative risk-taking, and the joy of discovery through paint.