Creative Alchemy – Painting, Collage & Mixed Media Course in Winchester

Looking for a creative art course in Winchester where you can experiment without worrying about getting everything “right”? Creative Alchemy is a four-week course exploring painting, collage, texture and mixed media with artist Lorna Carmen McNeill.

Taking place at the Quaker Meeting House in Winchester on four Fridays throughout November 2026, the course welcomes both complete beginners and experienced artists.

The focus is on experimenting, following your curiosity and discovering your own creative style.

A Four-Week Creative Course in Winchester

Creative Alchemy takes inspiration from the idea of transformation – taking something ordinary and discovering what else it could become.
The course begins with the colourful and unpredictable process of acrylic pouring. Rather than treating the results as finished paintings, you'll use the patterns, colours and textures as creative starting points.

You'll then paint and draw onto the surfaces, respond to unexpected shapes and introduce collage and texture.

Pieces can be cut, rearranged and layered as you discover different ways to develop your work.

What Will You Explore?

Across the four weeks, you'll experiment with a variety of creative techniques, including:

Acrylic pouring
Painting
Collage
Mixed media
Cutting, layering and reassembling
Texture and transparency
Expressive mark-making
Composition
Drawing
Developing your own visual language

There is no single finished result that everyone needs to achieve.

Instead, you'll be encouraged to notice what catches your attention and follow those ideas.

It could be an unexpected colour combination, an interesting texture, a particular shape or something that sparks a memory.

Develop Your Own Creative Project

As the course progresses, you'll begin developing your experiments into a more personal project.

Lorna will provide guidance and encouragement while allowing your individual ideas to lead the way.

The aim isn't to produce artwork that looks like somebody else's. Instead, the course encourages you to discover an approach that feels personal to you.

You don't even need to know what you want to create before arriving. Discovering that along the way is part of the experience.

Who Is Creative Alchemy For?

Creative Alchemy welcomes complete beginners and experienced artists alike.

It's particularly suitable for anyone who wants to experiment more freely, develop confidence with mixed media or overcome the fear of staring at a blank page.

You don't need to arrive with a perfectly formed creative idea.

The course encourages curiosity, experimentation and playfulness, helping participants discover more intuitive ways to create.

At a Glance

Course: Creative Alchemy
Dates: 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th November 2026
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Location: Quaker Meeting House, Winchester
Duration: Four weeks
Led by: Lorna Carmen McNeill
Suitable for: Complete beginners and experienced artists
Creative techniques: Painting, acrylic pouring, collage, drawing, texture and mixed media

What Will You Take Away From the Course?

By the end of Creative Alchemy, you'll have developed a collection of original mixed-media work.

You'll also explore new ways to begin a painting, develop an idea and respond creatively to unexpected results.

For anyone who usually feels they need a clear plan before starting, this different approach could help build creative confidence.

What Have Previous Participants Said?

Previous participants have highlighted the supportive and freeing nature of Lorna's workshops.

One participant, Elaine, described Lorna as a “great teacher” and said the experience inspired her to apply for a formal art qualification.
Another participant described Lorna as an “exceptional teacher” and the workshop as a deeply enriching experience.

These first-hand experiences particularly highlight the supportive environment and freedom participants feel to explore their creativity.

About Lorna Carmen McNeill

Lorna Carmen McNeill is a mixed-media and light artist, teacher and creative process facilitator.

She studied Fine Art at Camberwell School of Art, Goldsmiths and The Art Academy.

Her teaching experience includes higher and further education, the NHS, charitable organisations, community settings and corporate environments.

Her Awakening Creativity approach combines artistic techniques with experimentation and encourages people to develop their own authentic visual language.

Good to Know Before You Go

Creative Alchemy runs across four Friday afternoons, so participants should check they can attend the course dates before booking.

Sessions take place at the Quaker Meeting House in Winchester from 1:30pm until 4:30pm.

The course is suitable for beginners, so you don't need previous experience with acrylic pouring, collage or mixed media.

If you have specific accessibility requirements, contact the organiser before booking for the latest venue information.

More Things to Do in Winchester

If you're searching for things to do in Winchester or wondering what's on in Hampshire this November, this course offers something a little different.

Its afternoon timings also give you the opportunity to spend some time exploring Winchester before or after your session.

The historic city centre has plenty of cafés, restaurants, independent shops and attractions to discover.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Creative Alchemy in Winchester?

The course runs on Fridays 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th November 2026.

What time are the sessions?

Each session runs from 1:30pm until 4:30pm.

Where does Creative Alchemy take place?

The course takes place at the Quaker Meeting House in Winchester.

Do I need previous art experience?

No. Creative Alchemy is suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced artists.