The ARC Shed

Contact name: Vanessa Cooper

6
Total bookings

Rating

(3)

about 1 year
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

Hi everyone! I discovered Folk Art painting a number of years ago and fell in love with Canal Art (even though I don't own a canal boat). I took a course with Terence Edgar, a Master Decorative Painter on Roses and Castles at Stoke Bruene Canal Museum, which was my introduction to the traditional way to paint this long-established art form. I am a Certified Decorative Artist (CDA) via the Decorative Artists Academy, USA (previously The Society of Decorative Painters), and so far I am the first and only UK citizen to have achieved this. I am also a Certified Powertex Tutor. Powertex is a versatile medium used for fabric sculpting, painting and mixed media which, once cured, is weatherproof. I am passionate about sharing my skills in both decorative painting and Powertex through workshops held at my home studio and other venues in Warwickshire. I look forward to creating with you this year 😊

Courses, kits & gifts

bronze award

LEAMINGTON SPA

Powertex Garden Plaque-Butterfly

6 hours

Next date: 8th Jul 2025

6 places left

£60.00

bronze award

LEAMINGTON SPA

Powertex Garden Plaque-Owl

6 hours

Next date: 8th Jul 2025

6 places left

£60.00

bronze award

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Wellbeing Wednesdays

3 hours

Next date: 18th Jun 2025

14 places left

£12.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

11 May 25'

Diana and John reviewed: Canal Roses

"Neither of us are artistic, except for painting large areas - walls! This was a gift for Christmas and since it was quite a distance from home, we both attended the course and made a day of it - seeing Anne Hatherways Cottage, which was next door, after the session. Vanessa was very patient with both of us and we did manage to produce a lovely colourful plaque each. The venue was perfect and Sophie made us drinks and showed us around this new art hub, with plenty of light and airy rooms and the massive garden. They were both very enthusiastic about the place and it's potential. Vanessa provided everything that was needed and was full of encouragement. We are going to try another art session with her at a later date. She is an excellent teacher and full of praise when we managed to correctly do the right paint strokes! At the beginning, she explained about how canal painting was done, always odd numbers of painted flowers/leaves on a piece (never even), the colours used, over painting strokes to give depth and that anyone can paint anything for in or around the house and garden. Thank you for such a lovely experience."

The ARC Shed responded:

"Dear Diana John Thank you for your kind words and such a lovely review. Feedback is always very much appreciated and it was my absolute pleasure to meet you both and teach you the delights of painting canal roses. You created two lovely plaques and the comments on my social media posts all agree, so well done! Keep practicing and I really look forward to seeing you both again in the not too distant future. My very best wishes, Vanessa x"

24 Sep 24'

Joan Smith reviewed: Lennie Lizard - Powertex

"My daughter and I really enjoyed the day. Lots of fun"

The ARC Shed responded:

"I’m so glad you both enjoyed the day! It was lovely to meet you both. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, it’s very much appreciated. Vanessa x"

11 Sep 24'

Amanda Herriott reviewed: Castles & Roses - Painting

"I thoroughly enjoyed Vanessa's workshop. She shared her skill and knowledge with generosity, enthusiasm and was passionate about her craft. It was a pleasure to learn from her and I thoroughly recommend others to try her classes out!"

The ARC Shed responded:

"Hi Mandy, What a lovely review, thank you so much! It was my absolute pleasure to have you and John join me. I can talk for hours about art styles and think of another 100 things I want to show you all, so your own interest and eagerness to learn more made it difficult to contain myself 😂 I'm so glad you both enjoyed the workshop, your finished projects were beautifully executed. Thank you again for the glowing review, I hope to see you both again at a future workshop. All the best, Vanessa"