Arts and crafts for all in a beautifully refurbed traditional school building.
There’s a whole lot going on in Northamptonshire — from quirky classes to unexpected adventures, our county is packed with things to try. In this new series, I’ll be following my curiosity and trying out new experiences across the community — some familiar, some downright weird.
They say curiosity killed the cat… but let’s be honest, curiosity thrilled this one.
by Sarah Becker
A Creative Hub in a Former School
Yardley Arts Centre had been popping up in my feed for a while — tempting me with life drawing, watercolour, printmaking, sculpture workshops, auctions, even the Big Draw Festival.
Being an avid photography lover, when I was invited to a Studio Lighting workshop with photographer Andy Eathorne, I jumped at the chance.
Tucked away in the picturesque village of Yardley Hastings, the centre occupies a former school that’s been beautifully transformed into a creative space. Think whitewashed walls, large communal tables, and a a calm creative energy that hits you the moment you walk in.
Not for Profit, Just for People
Listen to Polly and Richard speak about the origins of Yardley Arts, its refurbishment and what is up and coming.
Founded by Richard Artus and artist Polly Parrish eight years ago, Yardley Arts is a community-led, not-for-profit welcoming space for absolute beginners and seasoned creatives alike.
Courses run year-round and cover everything from lino cut and glass painting to photography and jewellery-making. The centre also hosts exhibitions, auctions (including work by a Sky Landscape Artist of the Year winner), Northants Open Studios and Open Gardens exhibition.
Richard explained:
“The whole purpose of Yardley Arts is to just come and enjoy the creative arts—at whatever level you’re at.”
Watercolour, painting and learning-to-draw are the most popular workshops, he added.
Along with Polly, ‘the powerhouse behind the throne’, a team of volunteers all with a keen interest in the arts, help sustain the the centre’s vibrant programme.
Stepping into the Studio
Our tutor, Andy Eathorne, was an experienced photographer with a relaxed, friendly manner. He’s run his own studio and worked with organisations such as Fermynwoods Contemporary Art for many years.
His passion? Capturing light and shade – perfect, as this was my current photographic nemesis!
I’d been gaining confidence taking photos in natural light, but indoor lighting? Still a mystery.
We were a mixed group: hobbyists, artists, semi-pros, and camera enthusiasts. Among us sculptor Sara Myers brought along some pieces to learn how to shoot professionally.
Andy kicked off with the basics—health and safety (watch your cables!), equipment demos, light meters, before moving on to explain specific studio setups , namely Rembrandt and split lighting.
Lights Camera Action!
It was when we were encouraged to have a go ourselves that it all started to click. Our models for the evening, Richard and John Reade had brought along some props; a fisherman’s hat and thick black glasses.
Using the studio’s lights and equipment, we learnt how small changes such, as how simply moving the subject nearer the lense or by using a reflector you can completely change the background colour and atmosphere of the shot. Suddenly the jargon started to become a bit less intimidating.
As we laughed, swapped tips, and adjusted shadows (those glasses had to go!), we experimented with different studio tools to produce different effects. I even picked Andy’s brain at the end for extra feedback on my lighting technique—he was more than happy to help.
Lit from One Side – My Split Lighting Experiment
Andy’s Feedback
Example of split lighting but the thick spectacle arms are casting a shadow so would need to reposition the light higher or lower to avoid that. Also the model is facing a bit too much to his right. Bringing his face round to the left a bit would reduce the shadows in his left eye.
Chasing the Triangle – My Rembrandt Lighting Shot
Andy had explained that Rembrandt lighting was a portrait lighting technique characterized by a distinct triangular patch of light (also called the “Rembrandt patch”) that falls on one side of the subject’s face under the eye. This was my attempt at capturing that elusive triangle under the subject’s right eye. I asked Andy how effective it was.
Andy’s feedback:
Good example of Rembrandt lighting giving the triangle of light under his right eye. This lighting setup is used in many films when a dark moody scene is needed. It has been taken in landscape so there’s a lot of negative space either side of the model, but it still works.
The two hours flew past. Before we knew it, we were packing up and headed home, buzzing with new knowledge and a few well-lit portraits to show for it.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. Whether you’re into arts and crafts, enjoy meeting friendly people, or just fancy spending time in a beautifully restored building with a creative buzz, Yardley Arts is a gem.
I’ll definitely be back.
In Focus: What Our Participants Captured
Explore the full programme of workshops at Yardley Arts by visiting https://www.yardleyarts.org/
For more information on workshops run by Andy Eathorne Photography visit: https://www.facebook.com/AndyEathornePhotography
If you would like me to ‘venture into’ one of your events for the day get in touch via: sarahbecker10@hotmail.com