Paint like Frida Kahlo - Symbolic Portrait Workshop

This workshop is suitable for those with beginner - intermediate painting/drawing experience. Students will gain confidence in translating personal ideas and emotions into visual form, experimenting with bold colours, symbolic elements, and expressive brushwork. Through step-by-step guidance, learners will create their own portrait inspired by Kahlo, integrating imagery, symbolism, and stylistic cues from her iconic work while developing practical painting skills and creative confidence. By the end of the session, participants will have a completed symbolic portrait and a deeper understanding of how contemporary artists use personal experience and imagination in expressive painting.

Understanding Frida Kahlo’s Symbolic Style :Learners begin with an introduction to Frida Kahlo’s life and artistic approach, focusing on her use of symbolism, vivid colour, and emotional storytelling in self-portraits. Learners will study examples of her work to understand how personal experience, nature, and cultural motifs are transformed into expressive imagery.

Sketching the Self-Portrait:Analysing facial features and proportions for portraiture Simplifying the face while planning symbolic elements such as animals, flora, or cultural motifs Composing the portrait to integrate personal narrative with visual impact

Colour, Materials, and Symbolism:Introduction to acrylic paints, brush types, and surface preparation Exercises in colour mixing to create vivid, expressive tones Integrating symbolic objects and background elements to enhance storytelling

Expressive Brushwork and Layering :Techniques for layering paint to create texture and depth Using directional brushstrokes to convey emotion and movement Building expressive detail in both portrait and symbolic elements

Free parking. No refreshments available at venue, please bring with you. The school have a Nut-Free Policy - no f