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Timmy Mallett Brings Art to Life at Kew Gardens
Sunlight pouring through the glasshouses, sketchbooks in hand, as Timmy Mallett led the way. Our September workshop at Kew Gardens was a day of colour and creativity from the very start with Timmy trading his famous Mallett for a painter’s palette.
Introduction from Timmy
The day began in Cambridge Cottage where Timmy introduced the workshop with a look at some of his favourite paintings of Kew Gardens. What stood out most was how differently each artist had approached the same subject. Some used bold, sweeping colour while others focused on fine architectural details or the softness of flowers. Even when the subject was the same, the results were completely different. Timmy’s enthusiasm and humour made the showcase fizz with energy which set us up perfectly for a day of creativity.
Exploring Kew Gardens
We set off on a guided walk through the gardens, taking in some of Kew’s most famous glasshouses, including the Palm House and the Waterlily House. The giant lily pads were a particular highlight, sparking plenty of ideas for colour and shape. Along the way we took plenty of photos to use later as inspiration for sketches and paintings.
Plen Air Sketching
Back at Cambridge Cottage, everyone gathered their sketchpads and watercolours before heading outside for some plein air sketching. Stopping to capture real-life flowers and plants gave the group a chance to slow down and experiment with mark making. We loved seeing the variety of approaches, from quick, loose colour studies to delicate line work. Some of the sketches were beautiful in their own right and showed just how differently everyone responded to the same surroundings.
Acrylic Painting Session
The atmosphere buzzed with creativity as we moved indoors to begin our acrylic masterpieces. Timmy kicked things off by sharing his personal sketchbooks and tales from his epic journey around the coast, where he captured stunning destinations in watercolours. Seeing his process up close was truly inspiring and set the tone for the session. Using their morning sketches and photos as inspiration, everyone dived in, applying Timmy’s advice to create bold, colourful paintings full of life and personality. It was incredible to watch blank canvases transform into stunning works of art. The energy in the room was electric as ideas took shape and creativity flowed. If Timmy’s session has sparked your creativity, explore our full range of acrylic paints and brushes to bring your own ideas to life.
Sharing and Critique
After lunch, everyone returned to their canvases with renewed energy to put the finishing touches on their paintings. The room was alive with creativity and focus. Once complete, the artworks were proudly displayed for the group. Timmy moved around, offering thoughtful and enthusiastic critiques, highlighting details that made each piece unique. His encouraging feedback inspired everyone to see their work in a fresh and exciting way.
To close the day, each participant received a certificate and a goodie bag full of art materials to continue experimenting back in school. The event ended on a high, with everyone inspired to take their new skills into the classroom.
We were also thrilled to hear that one of our attendees welcomed her baby just days later, a truly wonderful way to end the week.
A Memorable Day
The magic of Kew’s natural beauty, Timmy’s infectious energy and the boundless creativity of our teachers came together to create an unforgettable day. Bring this inspiration into your classroom with our wide selection of painting resources, or discover more ideas on our Dryad Education blog.
