An artistic escape in the heart of the city

So, let me set the scene: it’s February 2024, and there I am at Manchester Piccadilly ready to attend a Japanese painting workshop at La Collina on Tarrif Street in the Northern Quarter. Picture this – it’s pouring rain, proper Manchester style, and, thanks to a football match at the Etihad Stadium, not a taxi in sight. Classic, right? But let me tell you, the moment I stepped into La Collina, it was like entering a whole new world, away from the chilly, wet chaos.

The workshop run by Ula Fung from Floating Art Workshops. It was all about getting hands-on with traditional and contemporary Japanese painting techniques. We’re talking bamboo brushes, sumi-e ink, and those beautiful Japanese paints Gansai Tambi 顔彩耽美 (Traditional Japanese colours) – yes, even some gold leaf. And the best part? We got to channel our inner artists on rice paper.

Sparking creativity

Ula who is local to Manchester walked us through everything from the get-go. But what really got me excited was the array of reference materials from different Japanese art movements, like Ukiyo-e and Rinpa School. They also introduced us to seasonal topics, which was perfect for sparking that creative fire.

Now, onto my piece –I chose this utterly captivating image of three little birds perched on snow-covered cherry blossom branches. There’s something about that contrast, the silent promise of spring against the cold, that just spoke to me.

Despite the dreary weather outside, the vibe with Ula was anything but. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly – it felt like a little community of budding artists. Sipping on warm coffee while painting was just the cherry on top of this cozy, creative day.

And oh, before I forget, I snagged some 33 cm square paper to keep the creativity flowing at home. The folks there were so thoughtful; they wrapped my artwork in cellophane to brave the Manchester rain – talk about service!

Learning and fun

What set this workshop apart for me was the blend of guidance and personal freedom. It’s not one of these Prosecco and paint experiences (though I love them too). We started with the basics, sure, but then we were let loose to interpret our chosen images in our own styles. There was such a wide selection – landscapes, flowers, animals – you name it. It felt truly liberating to take those basic strokes and make something uniquely mine.

Reflecting back, that afternoon with Floating Art Workshops was more than just a painting class; it was a moment of zen, an artistic escape in the heart of the city. I came home not just with a piece of art, but with a heart full of memories and a mind buzzing with inspiration.

So, if you ever find yourself in Manchester, looking for a creative escape (rain or shine), I can’t recommend these Japanese painting workshops enough. It’s not just about learning to paint; it’s about experiencing a slice of culture, creativity, and community.

Stay creative, folks, and don’t let a little rain dampen your adventurous spirit!

Read about my next workshop