I specialise in floral painting and coastal landscapes, often drawing inspiration from the botanic gardens in Cambridge, the Norfolk coast and the Island of Mull. In addition to painting in pure watercolour I also uses experimental techniques combining watercolours with ink and mixed media.

During my career as an Architect living and working in Cambridge I developed my interest in watercolour painting which has become my new career. As a professional artist I have taught hundreds of students of all ages in workshops and art classes over the last ten years.

As a well respected artist and art teacher with thriving watercolour art classes in Cambridge and online, I am dedicated to helping students develop their watercolour painting. Join me as I guide you through a variety of step by step painting projects online or in face to face courses resuming in June.

"Watercolour brings joy, light and colour into my life and I want to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for this beautiful medium with others. I love to see the progress of my students as they flourish and enjoy their watercolour painting journey." Denise

Learn. Create. Inspire.

I believe every artist needs encouragement and support in their creative process and that is what I endeavour to provide.

"Thank you for bringing magic into my life, I so adore watercolour painting and the joy and thrill of the possibilities it creates." Sally

Paintings

Originals and prints available

I am a member of the Society of East Anglian Watercolourist and a regular participant in Cambridge Open Studios.

I specialise in floral painting and coastal landscapes, often drawing inspiration from the botanic gardens in Cambridge, the Norfolk coast and the Island of Mull. I am also interested in creating texture in watercolour pen and ink. I have a passion for vibrant colours. I use traditional, solid stick and liquid watercolours as well as acrylic inks.

"I just wanted to tell you how thrilled I am with the lovely painting commissioned for my 50th from you. As I’m sure you will appreciate, to have such a wonderful portrait of one of my favourite views in the world means so much to me." Tom

Gallery

Videos and Tips

I provide videos and tips for painting which are available via the link below on my youtube channel.

View my YouTube channel

Weekly Classes Thursdays and Fridays

If you’re tired of painting at home without improving, try your hand at these classes for beginners and improvers. Weekly demonstrations and projects provided to help you learn basic techniques and improve your watercolours. Weekly classes will be at St John's Church, Hills Road, CB2 8RN

Resuming Autum 2021.

Please email if you would like book a place

"Your classes have been inspirational for me and rekindled my love of watercolour, thank you."

Painting Workshops
August & Sept 2021

Enjoy relaxing days painting and learning new techniques. Demonstrations given with individual feedback and encouragement. Workshops are a great opportunity to meet other local watercolour enthusiasts.

Complete beginners 20th & 21st August

Painting Sunsets 10th September

Workshops will be at St John's Church, Hills Road, Cambridge.

"Thank you very much for a lovely day. In particular thank you for all your work on preparation, bringing so many resources for us and for the inspiration!"

View workshops

Red%20poppies%20sq%20small%20file_edited

Testimonials

'Thank you so much for all the hard work that you put into the lovely couple of art days that we have just had, it was wonderful to be back at St Johns and particularly to be with everyone again.” Bea July 2021

"Fabulous exceptionally High Standards as usual Denise. Thank you. Especially loved the music hope to hear more!!! " Flora. May 2020

"This course does exactly what it says on the tin. It is richly packed with a series of varied and fascinating challenges, each one carefully tutored and demonstrated by Denise. I have undertaken all ten classes and have enjoyed them enormously and I have also learned a lot. Hopefully I have improved a little over the course of the term, but in any case I have also learned where my weaknesses lie and have the tools and guidance to do better next time. Thank you so much Denise". Intermediate course -Creative Waterolours: Extending your Technique. Testimonial from Frances July 2020

"I had a great time discovering new techniques from the online course to use in my own watercolour paintings. I liked Denise’s step by step approach, being introduced to some unfamiliar materials and found her project themes inspiring. As well as a video lesson, Denise provides lots of supporting information including additional photos, cheat sheets and suggested colour mixing palettes. Denise is such a generous tutor who is happy to share the knowledge and experience she has with her students." Mandy. May 2020

"Thank you Denise for very stimulating lessons. The videos are clear, informative and engaging and they gave me the confidence to try new techniques and experiment with different materials. I loved being creative with the tracing paper and sticks, things I would have never tried before!" Katie. May 2020

"This was a wonderful first lesson, thank you Denise. Your videos are beautifully done, clear & precise. It was great to be able to rewind & rewatch sections as my painting progressed. It reminded me of the Daises Workshop I did with you last year. Thank you too to James for the delightful music, so calm & relaxing." Janet. May 2020

From Extending your Techniques "I really enjoyed doing this painting & learnt a lot regarding the benefits of upside down washes, perspective & the use of sequential layers of masking fluid. The limited colour palate also kept things uncomplicated & the result seemed very effective. July 2020