Postcards and photos illustration Workshop with Artist Claire Piper

This is a beginner friendly workshop exploring ways of reworking vintage postcards, old photographs and found imagery through paint, collage, stitch, penwork and illustration. Using found imagery in an illustrative and graphic way, we’ll explore colour, shape, line and layering to create original artwork.
You are welcome to bring your own photographs, postcards or vintage cards to work with, or use the selection provided on the day.
Claire often uses found postcards in her own work. She is interested in postcard imagery, their handwritten stories and the traces of place, travel and personal history they hold. Influenced by a childhood spent abroad, she often returns to ideas of geography, identity and the social and political landscapes that shape our lives.
During the workshop we’ll explore different ways of reworking found imagery. This might include drawing and painting over postcards and photographs, layering collage and stitch, or adding acrylic pen and mixed media detail to build texture and narrative. There will be demonstrations, examples and prompts throughout, alongside time to develop your own ideas and have fun.
This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as anyone wanting to loosen up their creative process, try new materials or explore mixed media in a more playful way.
By the end of the workshop participants will:
Explore ways of transforming vintage postcards, old photographs and found imagery
Experiment with drawing, paint, collage, stitch and layered mixed media techniques
Create original artworks
Gain ideas and techniques to continue exploring at home
Enjoy a relaxed and creative session focused on process, play and experimentation
Materials
All materials are included, including a selection of vintage postcards, old photographs, found imagery and mixed media materials. If you have your own photographs, postcards or vintage cards you’d like to work with, please feel free to bring them along.
Please do not come dressed in your favourite clothes, or bring an apron. Acrylic paint does not come out of fabric.
YOUR TUTOR - CLAIRE PIPER
Claire is a visual artist and illustrator. Alongside her studio practice, she facilitates creative workshops and community participation events that encourage people to explore materials, develop ideas and connect through making.
Her multimedia work focuses on bold, expressive imagery inspired by everyday life, nature and human experience. Claire enjoys experimenting with colour, texture and layered processes.
Claire holds a BA in Crafts (textiles and ceramics) and is Arts Award trained. With over 20 years of experience working in the arts and the voluntary sector, she has led a wide range of creative workshops, community arts projects and participatory events.
Through her teaching and collaborations, Claire brings both artistic vision and practical experience, creating welcoming spaces where participants can experiment, build confidence and develop their own creative voice.