Colour - Mix Cat Coil
A screen-free painting project in observation, colour mixing and expressive acrylic studies
Colour-Mix Cat Coils is a thoughtful painting project that introduces children to careful observation, confident colour mixing and the expressive possibilities of acrylic paint. Working entirely away from screens, children begin by studying a stylised animal sculpture, often a hand-painted wooden cat, placed against a patterned backdrop. They look closely at shape, pattern, line, light and shadow, before translating what they see into a series of painted studies.
A distinctive part of the project is that children create the same image more than once using different colour families. This helps them understand, in a practical and memorable way, how colour relationships can change the feeling of an artwork. The result is both visually striking and highly educational.
This is a calm, carefully guided project that helps children build real painting skills while also developing focus, patience and creative confidence.
9 to 12 years old
90 min. 2 sessions
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Colour
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Shape
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Pattern
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Paint
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Focused Observation
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Colour - Shape - Pattern - Paint - Focused Observation -
Looking slowly, painting thoughtfully
One of the greatest strengths of this project is its pace.
Children are encouraged to slow down, observe properly and build their work with care. In a world where images are often consumed instantly, this project offers something more thoughtful: the chance to spend time with one subject, notice more and discover that deep looking can lead to stronger creativity.
This slower rhythm supports concentration and helps children feel more secure as they work. Rather than rushing toward a final outcome, they are guided through a process of looking, drawing, mixing, testing and painting, which often leads to greater confidence and a more satisfying result.
Observational Drawing & Painting Project
Colour-Mix Cat Coils offers children a wonderful introduction to painting that feels both accessible and artistically rich.
The project begins with close looking. Children observe a carefully chosen sculptural object and its patterned setting, noticing how curves, shapes and decorative surfaces interact. This teaches them that painting is not only about copying what is in front of them, but about understanding relationships, between object and background, dark and light, shape and pattern, colour and mood.
From there, children translate their drawing into painted studies, building confidence step by step. Because the same image is explored through different colour palettes, children begin to understand that colour is not simply decorative, it is expressive, structural and full of possibility.
9 to 12 years
90 minutes per session
2
Up to 3 children
In-person, fully screen-free
Age Group:
Duration:
Sessions:
Group Size:
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WHAT CHILDREN WILL EXPLORE & LEARN
Led by a qualified Primary School teacher and former SENCO, sessions are calm, structured and reassuring.
Each stage is carefully scaffolded so children remain engaged without becoming overwhelmed. Clear demonstrations and manageable steps help every child feel capable, while the small-group format allows for individual guidance and encouragement throughout.
The emphasis is on helping children build confidence, independence and pride in their work, while enjoying the process of learning slowly and well.
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Drawing from a real object rather than an image.
Observing shape, pattern, light and shadow.
Learning how stylised forms can simplify complex subjects.
Developing control and confidence in pencil drawing.
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Exploring the colour wheel: primary, secondary, complementary and contrasting colours.
Mixing lighter and darker shades using white thoughtfully and black sparingly.
Creating rich tonal variations within a single colour family.
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Using fine brushes for detail and line.
Building layers and subtle texture with acrylic paint.
Learning how repetition supports skill development rather than limiting creativity.
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Expanding colour vocabulary (e.g. maroon, scarlet, ultramarine, teal, emerald, mint, etc.).
Understanding how colour choice affects mood and visual impact.
PROJECT ESSENTIALS
Materials Provided
All materials are supplied, including:
- Cartridge paper or A4 canvases.
- Acrylic paints and brushes.
- Pencils and carbon paper for tracing.
- Stylised animal ornament and patterned fabric.
- Colour wheel reference.
Safety & Accessibility
Observational subjects and backgrounds are simplified where needed.
Children are encouraged to draw large to allow for expressive painting.
Sessions are adapted to support children with SEN or motor-skill challenges, ensuring confidence and success at every stage.
Pricing
1 child: £80 per session.
2 children: £120 per session.
3 children: £180 per session.
Custom pricing available for schools or whole-class projects.
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT
A screen-free introduction to serious painting skills.
Builds deep understanding of colour theory through practice.
encourages focus, patience and visual awareness.
pROduces a cohesive, display-worthy final outcome.
SMall-group teaching with individual guidance.
Develops confidence without rushing or comparison.
Get started today
About the Project Leader
Lucy
Qualified Primary School Teacher (PGCE) with over 30 years of classroom experience.
Extensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in art education with leading institutions including:
Bow Arts Trust
Tate Modern
The Line
The Visual Arts Foundation
London Gifted & Talented
Designed and delivered whole-school CPD on sculpture, supporting and training class teachers.
Since 2003, has created and led bespoke art workshops for children aged 6–11, thoughtfully tailored to curriculum and enrichment themes including: History and cultural studies, Science and nature, Multi-faith and global stories, PSHE, Maths through creative exploration.
Strong background in fashion, sewing, and upholstery, bringing practical, tactile skills into her sessions.
Led large-scale intergenerational costume-making workshops involving children, parents, and grandparents, with themes such as: Insects, The Lion King, African animals, Arabian Nights, Ancient Egypt.