Art as a way back to yourself
The Art Story is a guided art studio in the Woodshed Art Gallery & Venue, Somerset West. For adults and teens who want to explore creativity without pressure, rules, or performance. No experience required.
Just curiosity, presence, and the willingness to begin.
Upcoming Courses:
8-week Art Story Course starting 6 May 2026
Art 4 Teens Classes Term 2 starting 16 April 2026
Click below to book your seat
What this is (and isn’t)
This is not an art school. Or a sip-and-paint experience. The Art Story is a structured creative journey designed to help you reconnect with expression, intuition, and meaning through art.
We focus on process, not perfection. Exploration, not instruction. Depth, not decoration. You don’t come here to “learn how to paint properly”. You come here to see what happens when you give yourself permission to create.
Who this is for
This space is for you if you feel creatively blocked or disconnected. If art used to be part of your life and you’d like to return to it, this is the place. Or if you’re simply looking for a calm, supportive space to explore creatively.
It’s for people who are tired of comparison and pressure and want to make work that feels honest and personal, rather than copying someone else’s style.
This might not be for you if…
This studio may not be the right fit if you’re looking for quick results or step-by-step painting formulas. It’s also not suited to competitive or outcome-driven instruction. If your main goal is to copy reference images as closely as possible, this approach may feel limiting.
The Art Story is for those who value depth, exploration, and personal process over quick outcomes.
You do not need talent.
You do not need confidence.
You do not need a plan.
The process is the plan.
Location & Community
The Art Story is based in the Woodshed Art Gallery & Venue, Somerset West, Cape Town, and serves the surrounding communities. This is a local studio with a strong sense of belonging. Many students return again and again.
You are not a number here.
You are part of a creative circle.
You do not need to wait until you feel “ready”. You only need to start.
So what are our courses like?
Our courses are intentionally designed as journeys, not drop-in classes.
Each programme includes:
• Guided weekly sessions in a small, supportive group
• A focus on experimentation and personal expression
• Individual attention and gentle facilitation
• A final exhibition or presentation of your work
You will leave with:
• Greater creative confidence
• A body of work that reflects your voice
• A renewed relationship with making
• A sense of clarity and self-trust
Explore our Courses below
Upcoming Courses:
8-week Art Story Course starting 6 May 2026
Art 4 Teens Classes Term 2 starting 16 April 2026
Click below to book your seat
8-week Art Story Course
An 8-week guided programme focused on self-expression, exploration, and creative confidence, culminating in a final acrylic painting.
Art 4 Teens Classes
A supportive programme for young artists focused on skill development, confidence, and portfolio growth.
Online Art Coaching
A personalised, supportive offering designed to guide you through your creative process at your own pace.
Open Studio Sessions
An opportunity for you to work on your art at the studio under my guidance.
Do you have more questions?
Do I need art experience to join The Art Story?
No prior art experience is required. The Art Story welcomes beginners and experienced artists, focusing on process, exploration, and personal expression rather than perfection.
What makes The Art Story different from other art studios?
The Art Story is not a traditional art school or a paint-and-wine studio. It offers structured creative journeys with small groups, gentle guidance, and an emphasis on process, meaning, and creative confidence.
What happens in a typical art class session?
Each session begins with a short check-in and a creative prompt. You then explore materials and ideas at your own pace, with guidance available throughout. There is time for experimentation, reflection, and quiet focus, without pressure to finish in one session.
Are materials included in the art classes?
The adult course supplies all essential materials, enabling you to focus on the creative process without the need to buy additional supplies. In contrast, the open studio and teen classes do not include materials.
Where is The Art Story located?
The Art Story is located in The Woodshed Art Gallery & Venue, a quiet and peaceful space close to the Vergelegen Plein Shopping Centre. We serve nearby areas including Somerset West, Strand, and Gordon’s Bay.
How do I get started?
Start by exploring the courses or booking a chat with me. This is simply an informal and pressure-free video conversation, designed to help you decide if The Art Story is the right fit.
“I took the 8-week art course and absolutely loved it. The first few weeks focused on basic art theory and planning, including scrapbooking and developing ideas before starting the final piece. This was incredibly helpful and gave me confidence in my direction. Throughout the course, she introduced me to new techniques and encouraged me to paint more freely and loosely, which really transformed my approach to art.
The support and guidance were amazing, and I’m honestly so proud of the final result—it turned out better than I ever expected.”
– Carla Rautenbach –
