Perfect for beginners

Art Classes and Workshops

Following a great success in Clacton-on-Sea, I am delighted to bring my popular art classes and workshops also to Colchester and Walton on the Naze.

My workshops are open to all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned artists. I’ll be sharing my techniques and offering plenty of advice to help you grow your skills. My step-by-step lessons are easy to follow, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the workshops.  Over the year we’ll explore a variety of exciting topics, from beautiful flowers and fruits to animals, birds, landscapes and seascapes – something for everyone. My goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone can explore the joy of painting.

Gallery

Sample workshop topics

About

Your tutor

My name is Mariya McAllister and I am a professional artist and art teacher based in Clacton on Sea.

I have been painting and drawing since very young age.  I love to paint with acrylics and watercolours. Acrylics allow me to create almost hyper realistic paintings, while watercolours allow me to experiment with colour and texture. My favourite topics so far are flowers, fruits, landscapes, animals and birds.

Nature is an endless source of inspiration for me. I find beauty everywhere I look. Flowers always fascinated me and my dream was to be able to capture with great detail their beauty.

Through my work I hope to share my love of nature with you and bring joy into your life. I believe that art possesses a great power which helps unlock creativity, self-expression, and inner peace.

I am a member of Colchester Art Society, Ipswich Art Society, Holland Art Society and Frinton Art Society. My paintings have been exhibited at the 61st Essex Open (2025), ING Discerning eye (2025), RBA Annual Exhibition (2025), Open Summer Exhibition at The Minories (2024) and numerous group exhibitions. I am a finalist of Artists of the Year 2024 and 2025 competition organised by SAA.

I hold an MA in Art Education and MSc in Graphic Design and Multimedia.

Venues

Colchester

Days
Fridays and Saturdays 10am-1pm

Address
Kingsland Church, 86 London Road, Colchester, CO3 9DW.

Parking
Free parking available by the church.

List of Art Classes

Clacton on Sea

Days
Wednesdays 10:30am-1:30pm

Address
Albert Edward Hall Community Centre, Legerton Drive, Clacton-on-Sea CO16 8BW.

Parking
Free parking available by the hall.

List of Art Classes

Walton on the Naze

Days
Thursdays 10am-1pm or 10am-2pm

Address
Eastcoast-Studios, 13 Old Pier Street, Walton on the Naze CO14 8AN.

Parking
Free parking by the seafront a short walk away.
There is a pay and display car park close to the gallery – High Street Parking, 1 Saville St, Walton on the Naze CO14 8PL..

List of Art Classes
Gallery

Students' artworks

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