Learn the Art of Traditional Japanese Painting with Tote Bag

Floating Art is running a traditional Japanese painting workshop in Sheffield, and it's designed for beginners. The session is led by local artist Ula Fung, who's been teaching for over 16 years, so it's a good place to start if you've never picked up a brush before. The focus is Nihonga, the traditional Japanese style, and the whole thing runs for two and a half hours.

What sets this apart from a standard painting class is the kit. You'll be working with traditional materials: bamboo brushes, sumi ink, Gansai Tambi — those traditional Japanese colours — mineral paints, and gold leaf, all on rice paper. You'll draw on seasonal references from a range of Japanese art movements, so you're not just painting from a photo but working with the way the style has developed over time. All the materials are provided, so you don't need to bring a thing.

Everyone takes home their finished piece, and you also get a branded Floating Art tote bag to keep it in. It's a beginner-friendly introduction, so it doesn't matter if you've never painted before. One participant has to be 18 or over, and anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult.

The workshop runs on most Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and it costs £40. If you buy a voucher, it's valid for 12 months, which gives you plenty of time to pick a weekend that works for you.