Intuitive Painting & Collective Creativity

Discover new ways of giving visual form to your inner world in this livestream workshop with international artist Qian Qian, exploring intuitive painting through sensation, poetry and imagination.

Before experiences settle into words or recognisable images, they pass through something far more fluid: perception, sensation and association. Intuitive painting invites us into this in-between space, where imagery is allowed to emerge through colour, texture and form rather than literal representation. Drawing on surrealism, mythology and symbolism, this approach treats art-making as a form of inner exploration, a way of expressing the feelings, memories and subconscious associations that can be difficult to put into words.

Qian Qian is a London-based artist and Goldsmiths graduate whose work has been exhibited in London and beyond. Working across painting, interactive installation and social practice, she explores the spiritual and psychological connections between people, and the meeting of science and mythology. Her practice makes her an inspiring guide for anyone wishing to approach painting as a path of self-inquiry.

What to expect

Weaving together art-making, literary inspiration and group discussion, this workshop offers a rich, contemplative and interactive creative experience. Through sensory exercises, an Exquisite Corpse-inspired collective poetry activity, intuitive painting and reflection, you will experiment with how language, memories, emotions and subconscious associations can find their way onto the page, moving from inner experience to abstract and symbolic imagery.

You will leave the workshop with:

• A range of accessible watercolour and acrylic techniques, including wet-on-wet washes, dry-brush mark-making, wax resist, layering and experimental textures
• An understanding of how colour, texture and mark-making can express sensations, feelings and memories
• Experience using surrealist creative exercises and collective poetry to generate unexpected imagery and associations
• New approaches to translating language and sensory experiences into visual compositions without relying on literal illustration
• A way to develop an image through perception, composition, colour and texture, letting each element evolve throughout the painting process
• A painting created from your own interpretation of a collective poem, along with preparatory sketches, prompts and techniques to keep exploring on your own

No previous painting experience is required. Come with curiosity rather than technical expectation: the process of discovery matters as much as the finished work.

This online workshop includes:

• Painting the experience of touch through intuitive mark-making
• Exploring paintings inspired by literature and the written word
• An Exquisite Corpse-inspired collective poetry exercise
• Translating language into composition, colour and texture
• Experimental watercolour and acrylic painting techniques
• Collective viewing and discussion of participants' work
• Guided meditation and reflection on consciousness and creative expression

Who is this for?

• Complete beginners and experienced artists alike, as no artistic experience is necessary
• Anyone curious about intuitive or expressive painting as a path of self-inquiry
• Those interested in symbolism, surrealism and the unconscious, and how they shape image-making
• People who want to explore creativity beyond technique, approaching art as a form of inner exploration
• Anyone drawn to themes of perception, consciousness and the relationship between language and visual expression

Book your place now to explore how sensations, words and imagination can become images, and discover new ways of giving visual form to your inner world.

What to bring

Please bring whatever art materials you have to hand. These may include:

• Watercolour paints (recommended), or acrylics if preferred
• Pointed/round brushes and flat brushes
• Sketching paper for the initial exercises
• Watercolour or mixed-media paper for the final painting
• Pencils
• A water container and paper towels or a cloth
• Wax crayons or oil pastels
• Table salt and cotton buds for experimenting with texture

Meet your tutor, Qian Qian

Qian Qian is a Chinese-born artist who lives and works in London. She completed an MFA in Fine Art at Goldsmiths, University of London, in 2018, and her practice spans painting, interactive installation and social practice. Her work explores the human spirit and the psychological and spiritual connections that arise between people, and she has developed a vision she calls "ecomythicism", in which science and mythology intertwine.

Qian Qian's work has been shown at the Zabludowicz Collection, Mimosa House, the Mall Galleries and West Norwood Project Space, among others. She received the Mother Art Prize Online Award in 2023 and was shortlisted for FBA Futures in 2019. Her work was selected as a Judge's Choice in The College of Psychic Studies Art Competition 2025. With her deep interest in symbolism, myth and the unseen dimensions of human experience, she is the perfect guide to help you explore the space between feeling and image.

Exclusively live online

We will not be recording this workshop. One of the unique aspects of the College's online events is that they are highly interactive. Participants are encouraged to discuss and share with the tutor and the group. These sharings can be very personal, and some may not feel comfortable with them being recorded.

Previous participants say:

"This workshop was brilliant! It stretched me in new ways, especially inviting us to experience an object and make marks inspired by those experiences rather than just drawing an object. I am forever changed, and inspired to further these explorations! Also, to draw from the experience of listening instead of seeing... again, forever changed and inspired!" 

"Qian Qian is an inspiring teacher and artist. Her big heart was so needed in my life! What a treasure."

"The course was well-prepared and the tutor, Qian Qian, was very warm and attentive. It was great to learn more about her practice to contextualise the session."

"Very interesting and beautiful technique. Love."