Imagine that your puberty-ridden world is about to be challenged by some guy who throws paint around for a living. The prospect of having to sit around on a cold floor listening to some 40- something has-been drone on about colour and stuff, in some tedious monotonal blurb is almost too much to bear. No wonder you hate school so much.And then, the day of days comes. You are instructed to bring your old clothes to change into (as you might get messy) but not even the thought of casting aside a uniform in a defiant demonstration of self-expression can get you suitably enthused. As you gather in the corridor by the big sports hall you catch sight of a bald guy carrying bags and boxes.
At first you are curious about the two big paintings sat on silver easels at the front of the hall and wonder if you should ignore them or go and take a closer look – but then there’s the presence of ridicule abounding from your friends to consider. Just as you take your place he introduces himself and asks for two volunteers. Oh you hope you don’t get picked, you couldn’t bear the shame of it. Fortunately he picks the class jokers who quickly turn into a comedy double act, giving everyone carte blanche to poke fun and ridicule. Mind you, as he sticks the names ‘Boris’ and ‘Doris’ on these two lads there is a profound warmth taking over the room.
Across from the vast expanse of bright blue sheeting and huge strips of blank, crisp canvas you can see your teacher, looking interested, excited and perplexed in equal measures. What’s going on? This all seems, well, a bit mad doesn’t it? The artist talks about what he does for a while then asks the volunteers to start opening pots of paint. You can vaguely hear some music playing but it sounds like a throwback to something your dad might listen too. Jeez, two hours of this to put up with.
What? You thought that everyone used brushes or painted things you recognise? Is that all you’ve ever been shown? Skills are learned with pastels and watercolours, accuracy and perspective are essential in any artists’ toolbox but this, surely this is not painting right? I mean, you can see nothing but sticks and spoons and paint flying around the place. What is this guy doing? Suddenly you find yourself very quiet and attentive as the melee of movement and sound becomes ever more involving. You can see him twist and turn and gesture towards the people sat before him. Actively encouraging participation and questioning as he goes. You’re suddenly very aware that you’re going to be doing this in a few hours – doing this for real, on your own piece of board – and not a small one either. Feel a bit cock-sure of yourself now do you? Thought so…
As your comrades fall victim to the fumes of the paint you stay sitting, knowing that you are being entertained for sure but also taught. You find that you are thinking about why he places paint where he does and what happens when you do certain things. The clock counts down. The Assembly is finished. Now it’s your turn. Now you get to paint.
Free from the shackles and authority you turn your head towards the sky and breath in the taste of freedom and the open air. Today, right here is where you create your own expression for perhaps the very first time. You’re going to prove to yourself that you don’t need anything but desire and the ability to throw away your ego to be consumed by something that seemed so wrong just a few hours before.
You twist, throw, spread, question and evaluate. Picking colours and tools to suit your mood. Teachers, officials and even the Principal come round to see what’s going on – oblivious to what this feels like from the other side. You feel compelled to ask them what they think and they are stunned by the results – just as you are.
Your painting tells you it is done. In a beautiful moment of completion you have done something you never thought was possible. The artist comes over to your group and begins to get very animated and passionate about arcs, splatters and shapes. He gets sucked in by the amazing textures and colours that you, and your friends, have produced.
After lunch you return back to the hall, hands covered in paint that won’t come off. A trait you share with your fellow artist comrades. Your bond is now shared. Your chains cannot be broken. You will always be part of a day that produced something very special. You listen intently as he picks 
out a few pieces from the masses that are laid out on the floor to dry; picking his way on tip toes deftly though the array of colour that lies beneath him. You hear how he is proud of what has happened on this day, how he is staggered by what you have all accomplished. Suddenly you find that words no longer matter. And that’s exactly how it should be.
If you would like to book me for an Art Educational Experience day that gets your students and pupils fully interactive with their own art then please Contact me using the link at the top of the page.
Book yourself on one of the most exhilarating and incredible days you can have by coming to paint with me on one of my Painting Experiences. No experience necessary, all materials are provided, lunch at a local pub and you'll also get your own hand-crafted work of art personally delivered back to you a week later to any UK mainland address; all inclusive in the price - how cool is that? Don't delay - book today... It's unlike any other experience you will ever have, and that's a promise!
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