Art Workshops

What I Offer

Create, explore and enjoy the process

I offer small, in-person art workshops that encourage experimentation, confidence and creative freedom. These relaxed, hands-on sessions focus on process rather than perfection, with clear guidance, quality materials and plenty of time to explore your own approach.

All workshops are suitable for beginners through to more experienced artists. Full details, dates and booking information can be found below.

If you want to be the first to hear about new workshops coming up let’s stay in touch - join my email list at the bottom of this page.

The Learning Connexion Workshops

I have come full circle from being a student at The Learning Connexion in the 90s to becoming a tutor of one-day oil and cold wax workshops at The Learning Connexion, 182 Eastern Hutt Road, Taita, Lower Hutt on:

Saturday 2 May 2026 10am-4pm

Saturday 27 June 2026 10am-4pm

Saturday 19 September 2026 10am-4pm

Saturday 21 November 2026 10am-4pm

These workshops are suitable for beginners and experienced artists. I will be teaching lots of techniques you can do with this amazing medium and you will take 6-8 abstract works home on oil paper. I supply all materials and use of tools.

See The Learning Connexion for more details and to reserve your place.


Mana Art Society Workshop

Exploring Landscapes in oil and cold wax

Saturday 12 September 2026 10am-4pm - Mana Art Society 3 Douglass Close, Plimmerton

This workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced artists. I will be guiding you through exercises to explore landscapes from ethereal atmospheric through to semi-abstract using oil and cold wax and a variety of tools. You will take home 6-8 works home on oil paper. I supply all materials and use of tools.

Contact Mana Art Society for more details and to reserve your place.

What students say about my workshops

“The workshop was amazing value, informative, professional and loads of fun. Fantastic for all levels. Karen has a relaxed style and was generous with her knowledge, support, useful tips and materials. She gave me the freedom to explore all the techniques she shared.”
— Jacinta Parry Jan 2026
“Demos and information really great. Nice and relaxed. it’s creative, interesting and fun.”
— Sue Ayton Jan 2026.
“So much fun. Great day out to try something new. Wonderful and encouraging tutor and you go home with fantastic art pieces you created all by yourself. So rewarding. ”
— Anon participant Jan 2026.
“Very good teaching. Accessible technique and result for all levels. Fun. Supportive. Experimental”
— Annette Scullion Jan 2026.
“Fabulous workshop! This is a wonderful medium that will give you immediate results to take home. I enjoyed the exercises and variety and found the workshop supportive, fun and energising.”
— Fiona Ridley March 2026.
“Outstanding workshop. I enjoyed the technique, the tutor, the pace and really enjoyed we could work at our own pace. I found the workshop exciting, creative and innovative.”
— Claire Johnstone March 2026.
“This is a great workshop for people of all levels of ability and you will produce many pieces to take away with you. I found it fun and inspiring.”
— Tracey Peters March 2026.
“A lovely technique for any ‘artist’ to explore. Easy to start. Very good value for money. Excellent, patient tuition.”
— Annette Scullion March 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Some painting experience is helpful, but you don’t need previous experience with oil and cold wax. Everything will be demonstrated step by step.

  • All materials are supplied, including oil paint, cold wax medium, and substrates eg oil paper for your workshop. Please bring your own lunch. Just bring yourself and wear old clothes or an apron.

  • This workshop focuses on exploratory studies rather than producing one finished masterpiece. You’ll leave with several layered pieces and the skills to continue developing them at home.

  • Bookings made direct with Karen Piercy are non-refundable. However, your place is transferable. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to arrange for someone else to take your place. Any financial arrangements are to be handled privately between you and the replacement participant.

    Note: Where Karen is contracted by other organisations to tutor, (eg The Learning Connexion) the policy of that organisation, that you booked through, will apply.

  • In the unlikely event that I need to cancel the workshop, participants will be offered either a full refund or the option to transfer to a rescheduled date.

    If Karen has been contracted by another organisation to tutor a workshop (eg The Learning Connexion,) the policy of the organisation you booked through will apply.

  • That’s completely normal. My workshops are designed to be relaxed, supportive and exploratory. There’s no pressure to produce a perfect finished painting. You’ll be guided step by step and encouraged to experiment at your own pace in a friendly, welcoming environment.

  • Yes. A small selection of oil and cold wax supplies — including cold wax medium — will be available to purchase if you’d like to continue working at home. There is no obligation to buy.