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 Frinton-on-Sea.

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

Book Art Classes

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

Parking
Free parking available by the church.

Colchester (Hythe)

Book Art Classes

Address
Hythe Community Centre, Ventura Drive, Colchester, CO1 2FG

Parking
Free parking at the back of the centre.

Frinton-on-Sea

Book Art Classes

Address
Soken House, The Triangle Shopping Centre, Frinton-on-Sea, United Kingdom, CO13 0AU.

Parking
Free parking at The Triangle Shopping Centre.

Clacton-on-Sea

Book Art Classes

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

Parking
Free parking available by the hall.

Gallery

Students' artworks

Bookings

Upcoming art workshops

20 Mar 2026
Colchester

Pink peonies

Watercolour workshop
10:00-13:00
£18.00

Read More

Add to cart

28 Mar 2026
Colchester

Horse and a girl

Drawing workshop
10:00-13:00
£18.00

Read More

Add to cart

27 Mar 2026
Colchester

Mountains

Watercolour workshop
10:00-13:00
£18.00

Read More

Add to cart

4 Apr 2026
Colchester

Monument Valley

Watercolour workshop
10:00-13:00
£18.00

Read More

Add to cart

11 Apr 2026
Colchester

Butterfly

Watercolour workshop
10:00-13:00
£18.00

Read More

Add to cart

17 Apr 2026
Colchester

Tulip

Acrylic workshop
10:00-13:00
£30.00

Read More

Add to cart

24 Apr 2026
Colchester

Venice

Watercolour workshop
10:00-13:00
£18.00

Read More

Add to cart

1 May 2026
Colchester

Butterfly

Drawing workshop
10:00-13:00
£18.00

Read More

Add to cart

8 May 2026
Colchester

White peony

Acrylic workshop
10:00-13:00
£30.00

Read More

Add to cart

9 May 2026
Colchester

Kingfisher

Watercolour workshop
10:00-13:00
£18.00

Read More

Add to cart

Privacy Preference Center