ART CLASSES in cambridge

Discover your creative spark

I’m a practising artist with over ten years’ teaching experience, and I believe everyone can unlock their artistic side - no matter your starting point.

I teach small, friendly art classes from my studio in Cambridge, as well as life drawing classes at Hills Road Adult Education College. I also offer mindful art workshops for companies or groups looking for a creative wellbeing boost.

Studio Art Classes in Cambridge

Explore, experiment and enjoy art in a relaxed studio setting

I run creative drawing and painting classes in my Cambridge studio every Monday morning and afternoon.  These art classes are designed to be relaxed, supportive spaces where you can experiment with a wide range of media - graphite, charcoal, oils, inks, watercolours, acrylics and printing and more.  The groups are kept small so you get plenty of individual guidance and space to develop your own style. Beginners and anyone interested in stepping out of your comfort zone welcome.

What’s included:

• all materials and light refreshments

• Lots of one-to-one support

• Occasional plein air painting and urban sketching in Cambridge

Currently full - join waiting list for next term here

What my students say:

“Susan is a very good teacher, giving clear instructions at the beginning and helpful pointers when we’re working. By providing the materials it’s a great opportunity to experience a different medium each week as well as being given a different subject and style to try. Susan also calibrates the timing so we can satisfyingly finish the work in each session.” Sally

“I learn so much through Susan's classes. They challenge me as I learn new techniques and develop skills. Finding something hard can be demanding, exciting, frustrating and fulfilling and this is what I want from an art class. Susan is an excellent teacher and points out ways I can improve on what I am attempting, whilst giving enough space to everyone so you can play and try things out. I highly recommend her classes.” Harriet 

“Susan was kind enough to expand her beginners Art class for me to attend during a difficult period for me to try and focus on Art, I had always wanted to learn to draw. She immediately put me at ease, her knowledge and understanding of different techniques of Art was really evident. She is clearly a talented artist who is happy to share her skills in a kind, clear and patient manner! Thank you Susan.“ Jill

Life Drawing Class at Hills Road College

I also teach life drawing for adults at Hills Road Sixth Form College:

• Summer School: 28 July - 1 August

• Weekly Course: Thursdays, 18 September - 20 November

These sessions are perfect for improving your observational drawing skills and boosting your confidence. Drawing from a life model helps you learn to look more effectively and be more analytical, questioning what your brain knows and what you’re actually seeing.

What my students say:

“I loved every second, I even loved the bits I found frustrating (forcing me to learn so much more). You have been inspirational!” Kaye

“Many thanks, Susan. I feel that everything is possible now.” Beatrice

“Thank you for a fantastic week! I have learnt and progressed so much and I’m so happy I was able to make it through the week. Thank you also for your understanding and patience.” Natasha

Wellbeing & Team Workshops

I design and deliver fun, mindful art sessions for companies and private groups. These sessions are perfect for:

• Corporate wellbeing programmes looking to support staff mental health

• Team-building activities that encourage creativity, collaboration, and fun

• Employee wellbeing days that reduce stress and improve focus

Workshops are designed to be inclusive, relaxing, and engaging - no artistic experience needed. I provide all materials and tailor each session to your company’s needs, whether you’d like a short creative break, a half-day mindful art workshop, or a full team-building experience.

Get in touch if you’d like to organise a unique, creative wellbeing session for your team or special event in Cambridge or beyond.

What my participants say:

“I am amazed by the wide range of approaches brought by Susan in her art workshops. They are relaxed, playful and inclusive. She leads them perfectly without being prescriptive so leaving space for everyone to express their own creativity. Participants come out of the sessions positive, energised, with higher confidence on their creative skills and most importantly much more relaxed and reconnected with themselves and others. Susan has now provided five different art sessions over the last year as part of Abcam wellbeing initiatives. Her workshops become so popular they are booked within 48h after the registrations open! Thank you Susan for the wonderful creative moments you have offered to Abcam employees.” Charlotte Labalette, Abcam Mental Health Employee Resource group (ERG) lead

"Grateful for the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and reconnect with creativity in a truly meaningful way. This art session reminded me how important it is to quiet the inner voice of self-doubt and allow space for expression, reflection, and growth. A heartfelt thank you to Susan Abbs for curating such a thoughtful and safe environment. Your efforts made this experience not just therapeutic, but deeply empowering."  Apeksha 

Art Gift Vouchers and PersonalIsed Workshops

Looking for a thoughtful gift? Art lesson vouchers are a lovely way to mark birthdays, anniversaries, or just treat someone to a new experience. I’m also happy to create personalised fun workshops for families or friends - no experience needed. To enquire about vouchers or workshops, please contact me.