Nether Edge Art School
Welcome!
Nether Edge Art School is a friendly independent art space right in the heart of leafy Nether Edge in south-west Sheffield.
We run weekly art classes and one-off workshops, enabling people of any ability to develop their art and meet like-minded people in an informal environment.
About the space
The studio is situated on the ground floor of an extended Victorian building known as The Workshop. The building also houses several other design businesses.
The open-plan space is large, light and airy and comfortably seats 10-12 people. It is equipped with easels, brushes, palettes, still life objects, reference material and art books.
Accessibility
The studio is fully accessible for wheelchair users. There is free on-street parking in the immediate area, as well as numerous bicycle stands within the grounds.
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About Us
Nether Edge Art school was opened in August 2024 by artists Su Bodnar & Gill Gathercole. With over 30 years of tutoring experience between them, plus independent careers as professional artists, they are highly equipped to help their students develop artistic skills across a range of mediums.
Read on to learn more about Su and Gill, as well as their classes. For times and days of classes, plus one-off workshops, see the timetable below...
Su Bodnar
Su is a freelance portrait and mural artist and works under the name Studio Mayer. She has painted residential and commercial murals up and down the country and has been drawing, painting and selling portraits since she was 14 years old. She has a degree in the History of Art, Design and Film, and over 18 years' tutoring experience.
After university, Su trained and worked for a while in the film industry for directors including Michael Winterbottom and Tim Burton. This background gave her an in-depth knowledge of composition, colour and light, which still influences her current practice and tutoring.
Su has also trained in the sight-size method at the Sarum Atelier of Fine Art, Salisbury, and in academic portraiture at LX Atelier, Lisbon.
Weekly Classes:
Paint and Draw
Self-led guided sessions with individually tailored tutoring. In one session per block a tutorial is provided in response to students' requests. These tutorials cover a varied range of subjects such as colour mixing, materials knowledge, specific techniques etc. The groups are friendly, supportive and welcoming, and are open to anyone, regardless of ability.
Cost: £111 per 6 week block. Block booking only.
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Portrait classes
Just like the regular Paint and Draw classes but with a focus on people as subject matter. We have a stock of good quality portrait reference photos to work from as well as plaster casts and desk mirrors for self-portraits. Each block includes one live model drawing session.
Cost: £111 per 6 week block. Block booking only.
Drawing Skills (Starting February 2026)
Take your drawing to the next level! Each week we will cover a different aspect of drawing. This will include subjects such as composition, mark-making, materials knowledge, proportions, comparative measurement, perspective, value balancing, shading techniques, etc. With clear explanations, demonstrations, exercises and critiques, you will gain the foundational skills and the confidence to accurately depict the people and the world around you. For beginners, improvers and anyone wishing to gain a more technique-based approach.
Cost: £110 per 5 week block. Block booking only. All materials included.
Additionally, Su also hosts monthly all-day portrait sessions. Please see below for details.
Gill Gathercole
Gill is a practicing artist who works from her home studio in Nether Edge. She exhibits and sells her contemporary still-lifes and landscapes in several galleries throughout the UK. Gill graduated in Fine Art (painting) from Trent Polytechnic, Nottingham in the 1980s and worked previously as a graphic designer as well as running her own mural business.
Weekly Classes
All classes are ongoing and are currently full up. Please get in touch via the contact details above if you wish to go on the relevant waiting list.
Drawing classes
Friendly, supportive structured classes for anyone wanting to develop their drawing skills. These classes cover a wide range of media, subjects and styles. They are aimed at improvers but beginners are also welcome. Occasionally painting will be involved, often included when working in mixed media.
Cost: £204 x 12 weeks (also possible to pay in six weekly blocks)
Drawing & Painting classes
Whilst these classes are often structured, covering a wide range of media, subjects and styles, there is also an emphasis on allowing participants to explore their own interests. Gill provides guidance, feedback, support and encourages the creative development of each student.
Cost:£204 x 12 weeks (also possible to pay in six weekly blocks)
Aside from our regular classes, we also offer occasional drop-in classes and workshops by guest tutors. Please check beneath the weekly timetable or click the link for upcoming sessions. Details will also be published on our Instagram account.
Weekly Timetable
Monday
Time | Class | Tutor |
1pm - 3pm | Drawing & Painting Class | |
7.15pm - 9.15pm | Drawing & Painting Class |
Tuesday
Time | Class | Tutor |
10.30am - 12.30pm | Drawing Class | |
1.45pm - 3.45pm | Drawing Class | |
6.45pm - 8.45pm | Paint and Draw |
Wednesday
Thursday
All-Day workshops coming soon...
*SOLD OUT*
click here to join the waiting list for cancellations or future workshops
Oil Painting For Beginners - All-Day workshop with Su
Sunday 18th January 2026
If you don't know where to start, or are overwhelmed by the bewildering range of materials on sale, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to paint a picture in oil from start to finish, and to buy the right products for your project.
The morning will be spent on product explanations. The afternoon will be spent painting a simple still life with step-by-step demonstrations.
10am - 4.30pm with a half hour lunch break
Materials provided
£95 *Gift Vouchers available*
Please email to book.
*SOLD OUT*
Monthly Sunday Portrait Sessions with Su - 10am - 4pm
Untutored, model sits in single long pose. Different model each month. Bring your own materials. £35. February and March are now full. The next session with available places: Sunday 19th April 2026
Nether Edge Art School
The Workshop
28 Kenwood Park Rd
SHEFFIELD
S7 1NF
email: info@netheredgeartschool.co.uk