Bodies in Motion: Oil Painting Workshop
About this Event
Explore the energy of movement through bold, expressive oil painting in this hands-on palette knife workshop.
Inspired by sport, dance, and yoga, this creative session will guide you through capturing dynamic human figures using texture, colour, and gestural mark-making. Working with oil paint and palette knives, you’ll learn how to build layered, expressive compositions that bring motion and emotion to life on canvas.
You’re encouraged to bring your own action reference photo or choose from a selection provided on the day. Step-by-step guidance will help you develop confidence in using palette knife techniques, experimenting with colour relationships, and creating striking figurative work.
Led by artist Katie Barnsley, you’ll gain insight into her expressive painting process, from initial inspiration through to finished work. Katie’s practice focuses on movement, strength, and form, inspired by yoga, sport, and the female figure, using rich colour and bold gestural techniques.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a 10 x 12 inch painting on canvas paper, new technical skills, and the confidence to continue developing your own expressive figurative style.
Please note that oil paint takes time to dry, so once you get home, place your piece somewhere safe and leave it for a few days.
What You’ll Learn
- How to paint expressive, dynamic figures in oil
- Palette knife techniques for texture and movement
- Layering paint for depth and energy
- Using colour to create striking compositions
- How to translate action photography into expressive art
Who It’s For
Perfect for beginners through to intermediate artists who want to:
- Loosen and energise their painting style
- Explore figurative and expressive oil painting
- Learn palette knife techniques
- Build confidence working with colour and movement
Date: Saturday 13th June 2026
Time: 10:00 - 1:00pm
Location: Kick Up The Arts, Unit 23, The Bell Centre, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1PJ
About Katie
Katie Barnsley is a secondary Art and Design teacher, yoga instructor, and practising artist. She studied Fine Art at Oxford Brookes University after completing her foundation at Loughborough University, specialising in figurative art and the female form.
Her current work explores movement, strength, and emotion through sport and yoga-inspired figure painting. Using thick oil paint and expressive palette knife techniques, she creates dynamic works full of energy and colour.
Katie now paints from her home studio in Nottingham, having recently moved to Melton Mowbray.
Instagram: @KBarnsleyStudio
www.kbarnsley.co.uk
Photography and Video
Artists delivering this workshop and/or the venue team may take photos for promotional use. Participation is optional, and you’ll have the chance to opt in or out at the start of the session.
Parking
Parking is available next to The Bell Centre. Please use the second car park entrance on St Marys Way.
Accessing The Bell Centre
Access to The Bell Centre via the large green gates next to St Mary's Way or from the town centre on Nottingham Street.
About Kick Up The Arts
Kick Up The Arts is a creative hub located in the heart of Melton Mowbray, offering a range of art and craft workshops and drop-in sessions for adults, families and children, delivered by professional artists and creatives local to Melton Mowbray.
If you have any questions before booking please email us at [email protected]
We look forward to welcoming you to our warm and friendly venue.
Terms and Conditions for workshops and creative sessions
For our General Terms and Conditions, visit our website
For more information about Kick Up The Arts follow us on:
Instagram - Kick Up The Arts Melton (@kickuptheartsmelton)
Facebook - Kick Up The Arts Facebook Page
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 25.00
