Courses & Workshops:
Create, learn & experiment together

All our courses and workshops are geared towards bringing inspiration, rhythm and community to your creative practice, whatever your level. Supporting you in finding creative space and creative community in your
daily life.

Ailisha Shannon
Artist, Illustrator & Educator

Ailisha Shannon has taught drawing and visual research since 2009. Her work has appeared in books published by Penguin and in New York Times bestsellers. She specialises in developing and leading creative programmes, creative spaces and art residencies that help creatives find their own voice and bring rhythm and community to their practice.

Introducing: The Winter Intensive.
Find your creative rhythm. Grow your artistic practice, together.

The Winter Intensive is a 16-week online art course that brings rhythm, direction, depth and community to your creative practice. Develop your personal style, create a new series of new work and present it during our group exhibition in Rotterdam.

  • “Ailisha has a great way of challenging you, while creating a vibe that is supportive, comforting and inspiring.

    This class couldn’t have come at a better time; I wanted to get myself out of a major creative block, and the course has definitely pushed me in the right direction. While I already had quite some drawing experience, this class made me get out of my comfort zone, gave me new perspectives and challenged me in a way that got me working hard and loving it again!”

    — Marjolein

  • “Ailisha’s classes have given me an incredible insight into how to put my imagination on paper.

    “Ailisha’s classes have given me an incredible insight into how to put my imagination on paper. There are no rules and no judgements when you come to class. I started this class as a complete beginner amongst very talented individuals, but Ailisha made sure to guide me and tailor each class to every level. The class not only provides a space every week to focus on your artwork but also encourages a welcoming and supportive environment, often accompanied by a nice cup of tea! I cannot recommend this experience enough, with the perfect mix of improving your own skills and being part of a lovely artistic group of individuals.”

    - Juliette

  • “I took two drawing classes already, and found myself discovering a new talent.

    Ailisha teaches with such patience and love for art.
    It’s a delight to join in every week. Levels can be different, but there is much to learn for everyone!”

    — Matea

  • “Tuesday night has become my absolute favourite of the week since starting Ailisha’s drawing classes!

    I have learned so many tips and tricks to better understand and improve my drawing and the use of new techniques. Ailisha knows how to help me at my own level, whether that is by showing me an example of how to draw clouds or challenging me to just keep going and eventually create that kick-ass piece of work. She also comes up with the coolest drawing assignments each week, creates a lovely atmosphere in class and is a really cool lady overall! But my favourite thing about this class is connecting with lovely people all over the world, sharing stories, drawing inspiration and cups of tea.”

    — Melissa

  • “The class is a creative, informal and safe space where you can draw, chat and learn.

    Ailisha always finds new and interesting themes to develop in different techniques, is very happy to answer your questions or help you out when stuck in a difficult spot. What I appreciate the most is the opportunity to meet new people from around Europe, share my passion for illustration and always learn something new, not just from the teacher, but from the other participants as well.”

    — Sebrina

  • “Ailisha’s drawing courses are a great way for me to get my creativity flowing.

    Through group and personal assignments, I learned more about my own style and direction, and Ailisha challenged me to go deeper into why I am making what I am making. The atmosphere in the online class is great! It is a safe space to share creative work and motivate each other. This class is an accessible way to make more art. There is always room for technical questions, but there is also room to say you ‘just feel stuck’ and ways to deal with that. And lastly, there’s a lot of fun, light, and good banter as well!

    Ailisha is always willing to go deeper into your questions and to explain things, sometimes getting back to you about it in the next class. There are no dumb questions. Overall, the class is really fun, helpful and a great way to learn more about your own art”

    — Babs

The Scholarship
Programme

“This scholarship was developed with the express purpose of making creative education, community and creative spaces accessible to those with chronic illness. As someone who experiences chronic illness firsthand, it is my pleasure to present this scholarship programme to my community.”

— Ailisha Shannon

Upcoming Courses & Workshops

Dark Fantasy Illustration - Live Online Course - Starts 13th of October
€260.00

Step into the shadows and explore the darker reaches of your imagination with Dark Fantasy illustrator and artist Ailisha Shannon. This immersive five-week course invites you into the world of dark fantasy illustration, where ink, texture and line become visual stories alive with myth, folklore and mystery.

Through guided exercises, technical demonstrations, experimentation and personal feedback, you’ll learn to create expressive linework, atmospheric ink illustrations and compelling visual stories using traditional materials. Drawing inspiration from dark fantasy books, folklore and classic illustrated covers, you’ll develop ideas and illustrations that feel distinctly your own.

The course welcomes all levels, with assignments adapted to suit your experience, whether you are exploring illustration for the first time or developing your artistic practice or portfolio. There is no pressure to perform—just space to draw, tell stories, experiment and explore together.

You’ll leave with practical skills, creative tools and a clear understanding of dark fantasy illustration, alongside the inspiration and direction to continue your creative path.

The Winter Intensive - Live Online Course - Starts 18th of Nov '26
€560.00

The Winter Intensive - A Live Online Art Course
Find your creative rhythm. Grow your artistic practice, together.

The Winter Intensive is a 16-week online art course for intermediate- to advanced-level makers that brings rhythm, direction, depth, and community to your creative practice. Develop your personal style, create a new series of new work and present it during our group exhibition in Rotterdam.

We offer tuition instalment options through Klarna to make the programme more accessible to all.

Fairytale & Folklore Illustration - Live Online Course - 9/02/27
€270.00

Fairytale & Folklore Illustration - A five-week live online course

Journey deep into the dark woods of fairytale and folklore illustration—where bears, wolves, giants, witches, ghouls and the fae still live untouched by modern life.

Inspired by classic tales and legends from across ancient Europe, this five-week online course combines live storytelling with guided illustration exercises, visual research and creative assignments. You’ll learn how to draw inspiration from a story, translate narrative into imagery and develop illustrations of your own.

Working with East Indian ink, fine liners, Ecoline and pencils, we’ll explore the core techniques of classic fairytale and folklore illustration. Over five live classes, you’ll experiment with atmosphere, character, symbolism and storytelling while developing your ideas into a new series of work.

The course offers time, structure and community support to help you keep creating between classes. Recordings and assignments will be made available online, and participants can share their work, ideas and discoveries through our private WhatsApp group. There is ample time for valuable feedback, and assignments can be adjusted according to experience and level.

This course is for anyone who loves to draw and sink into stories. There is no pressure to perform or produce perfect work—just five weeks of drawing, storytelling, learning and exploring together. All levels are welcome; all you need is curiosity and an interest in illustration and story.

Your guide is artist and illustrator Ailisha Shannon, who has taught drawing and visual storytelling since 2009. Her illustrations have featured in Penguin books and New York Times bestsellers.

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