Welcome to Back Room Art

Back Room Art has been founded on 10 years of Art teaching of children in schools, young people in colleges and adults in informal teaching environments. I have an honours degree in Fine Art Painting and Post Graduate Art Teaching qualification GTP.

I am always being told "I can't draw", or "I was good at this at school, I wish I'd carried on". These art classes are aimed at age 16+ and all ranges in ability.

You may be starting from scratch, have a bit of knowledge, perhaps you did it years ago and want to restart. Are you in need of strengthening your Art portfolio (GCSE, BTEC, A-Level, Degree). Whatever your motivation: encouragement and guidance will be provided at Back Room Art.

The classes are taught in small groups (maximum five) in a homely environment. They run at weekly 90 minute sessions here in Stourbridge. As a student you will be encouraged to provide your own starting point or aim in the type of Art that you would like to create. However, inspiration is always close to hand. A range of materials will be supplied to try, but you are asked to purchase your own equipment if a larger scale project is your ambition.

My specialisms include drawing (pencil, graphite, charcoal, chalk and oil pastel), painting (watercolour, poster paints, batik, acrylic and oil) and printing (lino and mono). I also have experience in sculpture (usually with found materials).

"I have had an interest in Art for most of my adult life and having never studied it at school I was nervous of taking up any classes so late in life. However, by chance whilst trying to find local art classes I happened to stumble upon Back Room Art and I sent an enquiring email. From the very first communication Heather put me immediately at ease and gave me the confidence to go to my first class. I joined a wonderful group of people. Heather works well to ensure we are all included in the lessons, working at our own pace and with projects and materials we feel comfortable to use. Heather’s inspiration, openness and motivation have given me a confidence in doing something I never felt capable of doing. Our works are encouraged and praised and Heather’s communication with everyone is brilliant to ensure we all get something out of it. She listens carefully to our aspirations and helps us to achieve them with advice, suggestions and with realistic goals. The facilities we work in are relaxed, friendly and well stocked with all the artistic materials you could wish for, giving me a chance to use resources I would not generally have tried out at home on my own. Coming to this class has given me so much more than just the opportunity to create art; it has opened my eyes to art I would not normally have looked for, expanding my horizons and opportunities. It is the one thing on a Monday that I do look forward to."
Teresa

"I had no idea where to start after enjoying Art at school but never holding a paintbrush again until I started working with Heather. Her work is vibrant and it is clear she demonstrates her passion for all types of art in her teaching. I didn't want to be told what to do in an adult Art class, but I know much more about perspective and abstract technique than I ever did."

Sarah

"I so look forward to my Tuesday evenings- a time to just let go and enjoy creating - perfect to de stress amongst great company with a lovely laid back vibe and fab cuppa tea! "

Abigail

"Drawing stick people was my trademark, but drawing with Back Room Art I started to draw real looking faces....Never thought I could do this."

Sean

"I liked painting the flowers, and had a laugh at my finished piece. Heather just says have a go once she teaches us some techniques and she says if we go wrong, it's not working, it's artistic license. The beauty of painting is that you can always paint over it."

Janet

To inspire creativity and encourage skills