Making Space for… Concertina Sketchbooks
Six weeks. Six people. One sketchbook — and the beginning of your own visual language
A small, intimate workshop programme held around the studio table in Lady Bay, Nottingham. Five consecutive Thursday evenings, 19:00-21.00 and one drawing in nature weekend session starting 17th September.
This isn't an art class. There are no right answers and nothing to copy. Instead, over six weeks, you'll work through a concertina sketchbook using mark-making, collage, drawing and response — building a personal visual language at your own pace, in your own direction.
The concertina format is the key.
The book unfolds as a continuous sequence — each page connected to the next, the whole visible simultaneously when it's open. It creates space for you to weave your own story through it. No two sketchbooks will look the same.
Book your place or find out more in the booking section
What's included
A concertina sketchbook to keep, a personal mark-making kit (pencil, fine liner, charcoal pencil) to keep, all shared materials, and six sessions of facilitated creative time with artist Paul Liptrot.
Practicalities
Thursdays 17th September - 15th October 2026, 19:00 - 21:00. And a weekend session in nature!
Location: Around the studio table in Lady Bay, Nottingham. Full address confirmed on booking.
Group size: Maximum six people
Experience: All levels welcome — no experience necessary
Cost: £150 (founding cohort rate) £37.50 non-refundable on cancellation. Full refund if Studio | Paul Liptrot cancels.
Good to know: Dougie the briard is part of the studio — large, gentle and occasionally present.
The programme
Each session follows the same rhythm:
A short masterclass — examples from artists across history that open doors without prescribing outcomes. A worksheet activity — testing and exploring before committing anything to the sketchbook. An hour of focused sketchbook work. Group reflection — hearing how others responded is part of the learning. And a brief look ahead to next week.
The six weeks move progressively — from free mark-making and working within forms, through responding to objects and drawing sections, to mark-making with music, and finally a session of reflection and completion.
By the end you'll have a completed or near-completed sketchbook and something more valuable — a clearer sense of how you make and what you want to continue.
Book Now!
A small, intimate workshop programme held around the studio table in Lady Bay, Nottingham.
Five consecutive Thursday Evenings. 19:00-21:00. Starting 17th September 2026. Includes an additional session in nature
£37.50 non-refundable deposit to secure your place.
Payment link will be sent for the remaining amount to be paid before the start date.
Full refund if Studio | Paul Liptrot cancels.
Questions?
