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

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

Parking
Free parking available by the church.

Colchester (Hythe)

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

Parking
Free parking at the back of the centre.

Frinton-on-Sea

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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

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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

16 April 2026
Frinton on Sea

Freshwater Bay

Watercolour workshop
10:00-13:00
£18.00

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30 April 2026
Frinton on Sea

Yellow Rose

Acrylic workshop
10:00-13:00
£30.00

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14 May 2026
Frinton on Sea

White lily

Watercolour workshop
10:00-13:00
£18.00

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11 June 2026
Frinton on Sea

Lighthouse

Watercolour workshop
10:00-13:00
£18.00

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25 June 2026
Frinton on Sea

Peony

Acrylic workshop
10:00-13:00
£30.00

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