22/05/2026
Today I watched 50 children become pet portrait artists for the morning and my goodness they were brilliant!
We built characterful dogs from simple shapes, scribbly lines, fluffy textures and loose earthy colours. What I loved most was seeing how differently every child interpreted the same ideas. Some dogs looked gentle and sleepy, some completely chaotic, some hilariously expressive.
There's something really special about watching children realise that art does not have to be perfect to be beautiful.
I went in hoping to help them feel creative and left wishing we'd had longer.
A huge thank you to Clifton Primary School for inviting me in to run the workshop at Rheged Centre . I honestly had such a lovely morning.