WELCOME
Welcome to Arty Farky, the creative home of artist Charli Farquharson. I chose the name because, well… my surname is tricky to spell, and I do love a good pun.
Art can be serious, but I believe it should also be lively, expressive, and full of personality.
You’ll usually find me painting in my home studio, teaching in and around Worcestershire and Warwickshire, or out walking with a sketchbook on a muddy trail somewhere.
MY ART
My work ranges from bold, atmospheric landscapes to looser, more experimental pieces.
Working across acrylics, oils, and pastels, I’m drawn to colour, movement and the changing moods of the natural world. Big skies, shifting light and layered textures often form the starting point for my paintings.
Alongside my studio practice I teach painting from a Fauvist perspective, encouraging artists to use colour instinctively and confidently rather than simply copying what they see.
If you're interested in purchasing original work, commissioning a painting, or learning more about my process, please explore the site or feel free to get in touch.
ARTY FARKY ART CLASSES
Alongside my own work, teaching is an important part of my practice.
My classes are relaxed, supportive studio environments where students build confidence while developing strong foundations in colour, composition and tonal value.
Sessions combine short demonstrations, practical exercises and plenty of supported painting time so that everyone can progress at their own pace.
I offer both group classes and private tuition, so whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or returning to painting after a break, there’s a place to start.
EVENING ACRYLIC STUDIO: LANDSCAPES & TECHNIQUE
Tuesdays | 7:00–9:30pm
Shottery Memorial Hall Art Studio
Hathaway Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9BL
£60 for a 6-week course
A practical, confidence-building course focused on acrylic landscape painting.
Each session includes a short tutor demonstration and guided exercises exploring key techniques such as:
• colour mixing using a CMYK-based palette
• tonal values and composition
• creating atmospheric depth
• expressive brushwork
You’ll also have plenty of supported studio time to develop your own painting, with individual feedback throughout.
Suitable for beginners and improvers.
Starts April 14th | Limited spaces
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON ART SOCIETY
This class is run in partnership with the Stratford-upon-Avon Art Society and is open to members of the Society.
Membership is £40 per year and offers a wide range of opportunities including:
• monthly artist demonstrations
• talks on art history and contemporary practice
• practical workshops
• regular studio classes
• the chance to exhibit in the Society’s annual August exhibition
I regularly teach classes and help organise workshops for the Society, alongside many other talented artists.
If you’d like to join the class, simply become a member through the Society and book your place on the website.
TESTIMONIALS
"Charli is a great teacher with loads of practical suggestions on how to progress your art practice.
Personally I needed a kick start but more importantly real skills and knowledge. She gave me these in abundance: not least how to build a wide colour palette with 3 colours (+white) and when to use palette knives in lieu of brushes. Also she introduced me to the riches of gesso for creating texture."
Frances
"I am trying to get a better understanding of abstract art and Charli's class is helping me free myself from the producing the obvious realistic image."
Rosemary
“I really appreciated the mix of exercises, demonstrations, information on both techniques and equipment, and guided work in Charli’s classes, and particularly loved the free-styling rapid warm-ups. I enjoyed experimenting with different mediums (charcoal/pastels/acrylics) and playing with textures and colour. After many years of doing very little art, I gained confidence to start my own work on canvas."
Mary
'I was so pleased with the class and so proud of my painting, that I've had it framed and put on the wall! I'd not painted with oils before, so this was a new experience for me. I had a really great evening trying different techniques and styles and even produced my own art. It was a relaxed non-pressured atmosphere where we were encouraged to explore our own expression."
Pippa
acrylic and mixed media art