claire jo harmer IN south devon hosts ART experiences, workshops and courses

Courses & workshops

PAINT

Your monthly workshop to explore painting. All art supplies are included and refreshments are complimentary. These painting workshops are guided and suitable for those new to painting or would like a refresher.
Sessions are one Sunday a month from 10am until 12:30pm and £45 per session. 
20th Sep - Gouache - Marine life
18th Oct - Watercolour - Autumn
15th Nov - Watercolour - Christmas
Venue: A Kick Up The Arts, 6 Bolton Street, Brixham, TQ5 9DE
Book PAINT

THE LOOKING CLUB

Let's explore visual language. We’ll look at composition, balance, foundation elements and refer to the work of others for reflection and discussion before giving our own artwork our attention with artist support. Bring your art supplies and be ready to reflect. 
Sessions are 2pm until 5pm and £35 per session.

20th Sep - Movement
18th Oct - Atmosphere
15th Nov - Light
Venue: A Kick Up The Arts, 6 Bolton Street, Brixham, TQ5 9DE
Book TLC

OPEN AIR with claire 

Explore inspiration in the open air of Sandridge Barton before developing ideas and artworks using a range of mixed media in the Vine Room. En plein air art packs are provided. This is a stunning setting with a fantastic opportunity to stay for lunch and wine tasting after your creative morning. Sessions are 10am - 1pm, £35pp 
15th Oct, 12th Nov, 10th Dec
Venue:  Sandridge Barton Wines, Lower Well Farm, Waddeton Road, Stoke Gabriel, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6RL
Book Open Air with Claire

experimental acrylics

Your monthly space to express and explore.  Sessions begin with demonstrations and techniques to explore before you dive into your own intuitive art making. Expect colour, shape and mark making. 

One Tuesday evening a month from 7pm until 9:30pm and £35 per session. 
15th Sep, 13th Oct, 10th Nov, 15th Dec
Venue:  A Kick Up The Arts, 6 Bolton Street, Brixham, TQ5 9DE
Book Experimental Acrylics

demonstrations and group / setting workshops

Whether you’re school, an art society, a community group or a gathering of friends - I can bring a colour-filled, fun and expressive artist experiences to YOU!

Designed specifically to meet your needs.

Let’s start with a phone call and chat about your unique offer!

Email to book a call

about cabbage tree studio cic

"What's a Cabbage Tree"? you may ask....well...the botanical term is Cordyline Australis, locally known as the Torbay Palm.

Back in 2006, I travelled and taught in New Zealand. Whilst I was there I was totally blown away by the breathtaking, dramatic landscapes and fell totally in love with these stunning spikey towers highlighting the Kiwi coastline.

As I spent time in art departments, art colleges, galleries and markets I'd see art interpretations of these Cabbage Trees (in NZ known as such due to the edible young leaves) in paintings, sketches and printmaking - they were everywhere - and SO iconic!

When choosing a name for the Community Interest Company I jumped at calling it ‘Cabbage Tree Studio’ which, for me, evokes thoughts of ADVENTURE, NATURE AND ART MAKING - three pretty exciting things!

Through Cabbage Tree Studio CIC I facilitate art experiences, workshops, courses and projects.

When I see a Cabbage Tree I'm filled with the same awe and excitement that connects me to times of adventure, travel and possibilities.

Those trees make me smile!

It's this same excitement that I love to help others find.

  • Claire is a hugely intuitive teacher and mentor, as well as a talented artist. Her classes are packed with interesting resources and ideas. Her approach is flexible and inspires confidence whether you're looking to develop in a particular area or just have fun! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Claire or anything she runs and organises.

    Clare Helen Welsh

  • If you want to take your art to the next level, I thoroughly recommend Claire Jo Harmer’s mentoring. Her light touch guides without taking over. Her enthusiasm and creative advice inspire and motivate. She is helpful without being overbearing. Her feedback and sympathetic questions help you to focus on what you want to achieve.

    Chris Durrant

  • You can expect a gentle and safe environment to play, explore and surprise yourself. You leave on a high, feeling a sense of achievement, connection and joy.

    Zo Copeland

What has cabbage tree studio been up to?

2025 was an exciting year for projects and collaborations. Picturesque Torbay has been an amazing success reaching a WIDE audience with over 300 participants in the project!

Brixham’s Red Earth was a VERY exciting heritage project where we explored Brixham’s amazing history of red ochre mining and the connection with the ‘red sails at sunset’ on those glorious Brixham Trawlers from the 1800’s.

Summer 2025 I facilitated the decorating of a 3 x 2m mural on canvas with schools and a family art drop in for Devon Wildlife Trust as part of the Saving Devon’s Treescapes celebration!

Closing 2025 by celebrating Fantasy Foundry - reimagining Castle Circus as a Fantasy Landscape - LOVED this opportunity to meet people, support their art journey and embrace a chance to play with watercolour and ink!

What a joy to paint outside with a community group as part of South Devon’s National Landscapes and the ‘Life on the Edge’ project!

2026 started with a new studio space at A Kick Up The Arts, 6 Bolton Street, Brixham. Absolutely LOVE hosting courses and workshops at the studio where I can invite participants for a front row seat into my processes and latest works.