Lavender Leonardos Children's Art School

Sardines, lemons and printmaking! 🍋🐟

This holiday a group of our 6–9 year holiday artists explored far more than just a finished picture.

We began by carefully observing the shapes within a sardine tin, discussing proportion, line and simple forms before building our drawings. Children then experimented with oil pastel resist, created their own relief prints using lino and fresh lemons, explored collage, and made thoughtful colour choices by comparing warm and cool colours alongside complementary colour combinations.

Every stage introduced a new technique while encouraging observation, problem-solving and creative decision-making.

A fantastic group who embraced every challenge, and some brilliant final artworks to show for it.

Inspired by Frida Kahlo at Tate

To celebrate the opening of the Frida: The Making of an Icon exhibition at Tate Modern, our students explored the life, symbolism and distinctive style of one of the world’s most celebrated artists.

We discussed how Frida Kahlo used animals, plants, clothing and personal objects to tell her story before carefully analysing the composition of her portraits. Students then used the grid method to accurately construct their drawings, strengthening their understanding of proportion and observational skills, before choosing the materials they felt best suited their artwork.

From coloured pencils to watercolour and mixed media, every piece reflected thoughtful artistic choices while building strong technical foundations.

Art doesn’t just happen in the studio.

Some of the most valuable lessons come from standing in front of original artworks, asking questions, making observations and discovering what makes each artist’s work unique.

Our gallery tours encourage children and families to slow down, look closely, discuss ideas and immerse themselves in the world of art. By exploring exhibitions together, they develop visual literacy, build confidence in talking about art and nurture a lifelong curiosity that continues long after the visit.

We believe that inspiring young artists means giving them the skills to create, the confidence to question and the opportunity to experience art where it belongs.

If you’d like to join us on a future gallery tour, we’d love to welcome you.

From Drypoint to Lino Printing…

Our 10+ Years Technique Sessions have produced some fantastic drypoint etchings this summer, with students developing their observational drawing, mark-making and printmaking skills to create beautiful hand-pulled prints full of texture and character.

Next up: Lino Printing | 5th & 6th August

Our next two-day workshop explores the bold world of lino printing. Students will begin with observational drawing before designing, carving and printing their own lino block, learning about composition, positive and negative space, and traditional relief printing techniques.

A brilliant workshop for young artists looking to build confidence and explore a new printmaking process.

Book your place now.

HolidayWorkshops ObservationalDrawing ArtTechnique CreativeKids PrintStudio PortfolioBuilding LondonArtClasses ArtEducation HandPulledPrint LavenderLeonardos LearnToPrint ArtForKids

10+ Years Technique Sessions | Summer Holiday Art

Our 10+ years Technique Sessions are producing some fantastic work this summer, with students developing strong observational drawing and painting skills through carefully structured projects.

Designed for older children who want to build confidence and improve their technique, these afternoon sessions focus on observational drawing, colour, composition and painting. Throughout the summer, students work with a range of materials and techniques, building confidence while creating artwork that develops both technical skill and creativity.

Many of our projects are inspired by current exhibitions, giving students the opportunity to study a variety of artists, approaches and ideas before developing their own work.

Upcoming sessions continue to explore exciting new artists, techniques and subjects. If your child enjoys art and wants to develop their skills in a supportive studio environment, we’d love to welcome them.

Book your place now.

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A truly outstanding body of work from our students over the last half term and holiday workshops.

From expressive pastel landscapes to detailed observational printmaking, there has been a real focus on exploration, mark-making and thoughtful use of materials. It’s been a joy to see such confidence developing across so many different approaches.

Our summer holiday workshops begin from 13th July. Each session explores a range of techniques, encouraging students to slow down, look closely, and work across a variety of mediums.

Bookings are now open.

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Easter holidays already feel like a distant memory…

A highlight from our workshops was this purrrrfect sgraffito cat, inspired by the incredible Tim Flach.

During the holiday sessions, we explored a range of techniques including sgraffito, oil painting, collage, oil pastel and printmaking, encouraging each child to experiment and develop their skills.

- May Half Term workshops are now open for booking.

We're busy planning our Summer Holiday sessions that will be released next week.

What a wonderful couple of afternoons exploring watercolour and gouache techniques in the studio this Easter holiday.
Inspired by the truly wonderful American artist , whose playful and characterful work brought so much joy to the studio. A true friend of Lavender Leonardos — thank you, Vicki 💛
CreativeKids Watercolour Gouache PaintingTechniques ArtWorkshop LondonArt SWLondon ArtStudio ArtistInspiration VickiSawyer IllustrationArt CreativeLearning KidsArtClass ArtForChildren DrawingAndPainting