Painting Consciousness

Before images settle into fixed meaning, language or identity, they pass through something far more fluid: pure perception, form and association. In this livestream workshop, you'll explore that in-between space through intuitive painting.

This workshop uses the symbol of the egg and embryonic forms as a starting point for exploring transformation, memory, becoming and consciousness. No previous painting experience is required for this workshop. Come with curiosity rather than technical expectation – the process matters more than the outcome.

What to expect:

Drawing on mythology and symbolism, and inspired by artist Qian Qian's own ongoing Embryos project, the session weaves together art-making, literary extracts and group discussion into a rich and contemplative creative experience.

Through guided visualisation, intuitive painting and collective reflection, you will experiment with how stories, emotions and subconscious associations can find their way onto the page – moving from inner world to abstract and symbolic image. 

The online workshop includes:

• Egg and embryonic forms across mythology, symbolism and visual culture
• Guided visualisation and intuitive painting exercises
• Exploring abstraction, symbolic form and emotional structures
• Collective viewing and discussion of participant works
• Extracts of literature as creative stimulus and inspiration
• Reflection on how personal stories and inner states become visual images

This workshop is for you if:

• You are curious about intuitive or expressive painting as a path of self-inquiry
• You are interested in symbolism, mythology, the unconscious and how they shape image-making
• You want to explore creativity beyond technique – approaching art as inner exploration
• You are drawn to themes of transformation, consciousness and the language of the psyche

Book now to explore how the unformed becomes form, and how your own inner world can find its way onto the page.

Meet your tutor, Qian Qian

Qian Qian's work has been exhibited internationally, with recent solo exhibitions at London's Lychee One, and group shows at the Nicodim Gallery in Los Angeles, Frestonian Gallery in London, and Tank Shanghai among others. She is the recipient of the Mother Art Prize Online Award, the Eaton Fund and an Arts Council England DYCP Grant. Her work was selected as a Judge's Choice in The College of Psychic Studies Art Competition 2026.

You will need

• Please bring whatever art materials you have to hand
• Everyone is welcome - no artistic experience necessary

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.