25th April 2026

10.00am – 4.00pm | Elmslie House (Elgar Room), Malvern | £40

Join me for an ‘Expressive Life Drawing Day’ in the Elgar Room (downstairs by the garden) at Elmslie House, Malvern.

The sessions are guided rather than taught. This means there is no formal teaching or expectation to draw in a particular way. Instead, you’ll be offered gentle prompts, structure, and encouragement to help you explore your own approach and build confidence at your own pace. All levels of experience are welcome.

The morning begins with a series of short, guided exercises designed to help loosen up, encourage experimentation, and free up your drawing. These prompts will support you in trying different ways of making marks and approaching the figure with curiosity, developing confidence.

After lunch, the afternoon is dedicated to a single extended pose of approximately 2.5 hours (with a break). You may like to work on one piece or use the time to dig a bit deeper into experimenting – the time is yours. There is no pressure to product a ‘finished’ piece.

We will be working with Robin, a wonderful nude male life model who uses yoga poses. The group is intentionally small (maximum 8 participants), creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Participants may work standing or seated at the easel Please let me know if you need to be seated and I’ll make sure that you have an appropriate easel.

The sessions take place in the beautiful historic setting of Elmslie House, Malvern. Free parking is available on the street or all day paid parking is available a few minutes walk away on Priory Road, we are 5 minutes from Great Malvern Train Station.

The Hall is accessible to wheelchairs but there are two steps up to the toilet.

What’s provided

• Easels

• A2 drawing boards

• Some basic drawing materials (charcoal, basic pastels, paper) but please bring what you like to use – if you are using anything oil-based please use Zest-It or Odourless Mineral Spirits.

• Tea, coffee & biscuits! Please bring your own lunch.

Booking is essential. The cost is £40

Please arrive 10am for a 10.20am start. We will finish drawing/painting by 3.30 to allow for a quick look at each others work / clear up time .No refunds are given but if you need to cancel, I will make every endeavour to fill your place and if successful in doing so then a full refund will be issued.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions on info@gemmagriffiths.com (please don’t contact the venue!).

Elmslie House, Great Malvern is a privately owned Grade II listed Victorian villa with a long association with the arts. As well as hosting exhibitions and creative events today, it has historical links to notable artists including Dame Laura Knight RA, who is recorded as having painted a portrait of George Bernard Shaw there.

Elmslie House, 8 Avenue Rd, Malvern WR14 3AG (the Hall is the second door on the left as you come down the drive). There is a short flight of stairs to access the room.

To book, click ‘BOOK NOW’ then it will say ‘Added!’ - then navigate to the ‘shopping bag’ icon in the top menu bar (at the top of the page) to check out.

You can view a selection of my own work HERE.

Participants must be over 18