Not only did we raise a fantastic monetary figure for the project (more on this below)...
...it was a huge amount of fun and we quickly realised there's so much more on this topic to explore and paint!
No matter your experience level or age, this is about coming together to paint, explore, and be inspired.
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Get ready to be transported to the warmth and wonder of Africa—without leaving your home!
Through the magic of watercolour, we’ll embark on an artistic adventure, capturing the majestic wildlife, vibrant birds, and breathtaking landscapes and culture of this incredible continent.
70% of proceeds from this course will go directly to WAPI (Wild Art Philanthropy IRL)—an amazing initiative bringing access to art materials to remote communities in Kenya. (More on that below!)
Over three live online sessions, we’ll work from stunning reference photos to bring Africa’s beauty to life on paper.
(TO be clear, I won’t actually be in Africa —maybe next time! But through painting, we can momentarilytransport ourselves there and feel the inspiration!)
✨ Suitable for ALL experience levels!
WAPI (Wild Art Philanthropy IRL) is the vision of my good friend, wildlife lover, and fellow artist Martin Aveling.
For years, we’ve talked about combining our passion for NATURE, ART, and COMMUNITY to create something that makes a real impact—a way to give back to the very things that have given us so much.
When I visited House in the Wild in Kenya, I saw first-hand that wildlife conservation isn’t just about the animals—it’s about people, too. It was a powerful reminder that we’re not separate from nature—we’re part of it.
Art has always been a way to connect—not just with ourselves, but with the world and each other. I’ve seen this through my own children—how art deepens their understanding and love for nature and wildlife, and in turn, nurtures a sense of responsibility to protect and preserve it.
Martin shared an experience that truly highlights why this project is so important:
"Last year, we visited Emarti Primary School in Kenya. The deputy headmaster, Mr. Vincent Oirere, asked the students if any of them owned a sketchpad…"
…Not a single hand went up.
Author Marilyn JS Goodman (Children Draw: A Guide to Why, When, and How Children Make Art) argues that art is integral to a child’s development, helping them discover, explore, experiment, and learn independently.
Yet, so many children simply don’t have access to even the most basic art materials.
Growing up, I took for granted the freedom to draw, paint, and create. Only as an adult—and as a parent—do I fully realise how transformative that experience was.
Now, imagine a child who never gets that opportunity.
Through this project, we’re working to change that.
By providing art materials and creative spaces in remote areas of Kenya, we’re not just giving kids the tools to create—we’re fostering a deeper connection to their environment, their community, and the natural world.
And when people truly connect with nature, they are far more likely to protect it.
We thank you in advance for supporting our efforts to bring all of this together, enabling us to make the positive changes we believe so strongly in.
PLUS this course is going to be an absolute blast – I can’t wait!
If you would like to read more on the project you can do so below the booking box :)
3 Live Online Sessions (with lifetime access to recordings!)
Can’t join live? No problem! Recordings will be available immediately, and you’ll have lifetime access to Full HD versions—stream or download anytime, your choice!
Over three immersive sessions, we’ll bring Africa’s iconic wildlife, birds, and breathtaking landscapes to life in watercolour—working from stunning reference photos.
(Sadly, I won’t actually be in Africa for this one… maybe next time! But through painting, we’lltransport ourselves there in spirit and truly absorb the beauty of these incredible scenes!)
✅ Full HD recordings of all sessions
✅ Stream or download anytime—yours to keep forever
✅ Paint at your own pace—rewatch as often as you like!
Join me for this inspiring artistic adventure—let’s paint Africa together! 🎨✨
A detailed list of suggested materials will be sent out in advance of the course.
Here is an example of possible materials
LIVE SESSIONS have been set at at two times.
This is in an attempt to accommodate an international range of students as best possible.
Allow around 3 - 3.5 hours (there will be plenty of breaks!)
Don't forget, if you can't attend live the replay is available immediately
Plus the HD version will be available to stream or download with a lifetimes access.
ALL TIMES are UK time (BST / GMT+1)
2025
Session 1: Friday 2nd May @10am - 1pm
Session 2: Monday 5th May @6 - 9pm
Session 2: Thursday 8th May @6 - 9pm
Price = £80 per person
If you would like to donate more, or make a donation yet not attend the course, please see below
(100% of these extra donations will go straight to the project)
THANK YOU
ONLINE FUNDRAISER
Join me for this Online mini-course
This is the second fundraiser we have run (the first was extremely successful) with70% of all funds raised going towards bringing ART Centres to rural parts of Kenya, as well as keeping them stocked with Art supplies in the future)
£80 per person
If you would like to donate more you are more than welcome, using the options below.
If you are a student or feel you would like to contribute to the cause, as well as join the class, please email me and we will see what we can sort out.
WAPI was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to explore how art can support education and conservation.
By making creativity more accessible, we hope to improve representation in wildlife art and inspire the next generation of artists and conservationists.
Our first initiative is providing 1,500 schoolchildren in Kenya with access to art materials and creative opportunities—giving them the tools to express themselves, connect with nature, and see the world through an artistic lens.
For me, Kenya was home for ten of my most formative years. I experienced incredible kindness from its people and endless inspiration from its wildlife. I was lucky to always have access to art materials—a privilege many children simply don’t have.
Now, it’s time to give back.
Our charity partner, Wild Philanthropy (WP), has been working to transform conservation in the Maasai Mara through a community-led approach. One of their standout projects is the Mara Re-Wilding Project, which helps both wildlife and local communities thrive together.
WP has already built five 'conservation libraries'—repurposed shipping containers turned into fully equipped learning hubs with books, desks, beanbags, solar-powered Wi-Fi, and computers. Soon, these libraries will also be stocked with art materials—bringing creativity into the heart of conservation education.
So far, WAPI has raised well over 6K by the end of 2024, plus the 4.2K from teh previous Painting Africa Fundraiser, and received generous support from Derwent Pencils, who donated 50 boxes of art supplies from their Academy range.
But we’re just getting started.
With WAPI funds, we aim to:
✅ Deliver art workshops and art safaris for students
✅ Commission local artists to create murals in conservation libraries
✅ Support submission fees for students applying for art grants and competitions
✅ Purchase additional art supplies to keep creativity flowing
This is about more than just painting—it’s about empowerment, education, and deepening the connection between people and nature.
And you can be part of it.
