Almost half of UK adults don’t have any art supplies at home, according to new research.
And one in five of us have never even picked up a paintbrush other than to decorate.
The survey of 2,000 adults revealed just over half like the idea of art as a pastime, but 63 per cent have never given it serious consideration as a hobby.
And of those who haven’t embraced art as a hobby, 69 per cent didn’t think they had the talent for it and almost one in five worried their work wouldn’t meet their own expectations.
The research was commissioned by Sky Arts to mark the release of its ‘Celebrating David Hockney’ films, which are edited and presented by Melvyn Bragg and provide an unrivalled exploration of the iconic artist’s life and work.
And presenter Gemma Cairney, who attended the first workshop this week at Spitalfields City Farm where she practised her painting with local artist Jade Connolly, said: “Having the opportunity to get creative is so important, both growing up and as adults too – we should have every opportunity to get immersed in the arts.
“The free Sky Arts Hockney-inspired workshops taking place around the country are such a positive way to get together and express yourself through paint.
“Similarly, the ‘Celebrating Hockney’ films, which are available to watch for free, offer an unparalleled chance to learn about one of our greatest living artists.”
Half of all respondents of Sky Arts’ survey also said they’d be nervous of what people would say about their creations, were they to give it a try.
Six in ten of those asked felt it would be daunting to create something arty, with 28 per cent considering their skillset to be distinctly average, while 31 per cent give themselves a self-deprecating ‘very poor’ rating.
To celebrate the launch, and encourage the nation to get creative, Sky Arts is hosting a series of free ‘Inspired by Hockney’ creative workshops which will take place across the UK in September.
An army of artists across the country are set to host workshops in a variety of spaces, from a print studio in Bradford to the seafront in Hastings.
All free to attend, the classes will also take place in London, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, and Plymouth and will be suitable for all artistic abilities, with each artist helping participants take inspiration from the colourful world of Hockney himself.
Attendees will find their creative side through a variety of mediums, from screen printing and collage to drawing and painting.
Creatives participating include Ben Holden, Lizzie King, Connolly (pictured), Michelle Taube, Natalie Chapman, Molly Hankinson, Anthony Garrett and Wendy Smith.
Phil Edgar Jones, Director of Sky Arts, added: “Our research shows there are lots of budding artists out there just waiting to give it a go, but not everyone has access to the supplies required and it can be difficult sometimes to take the leap and try something new.
“Sky Arts exists to bring more art to more people, and our brand new films celebrating David Hockney will give everyone the chance to get up close to one of the greatest artists of our time.
“So if you’re inspired by his work, put your artistic skills to the test for free and join us at one of our workshops up and down the country. You might discover a hobby that could captivate you for years to come.”
Artists in the making can book a space at a free workshop by visiting https://skyartscelebratinghockney.eventbrite.co.uk/
‘Celebrating David Hockney’ airs on Monday 28th August and Tuesday 29th August at 9pm on Sky Arts, Freeview and NOW.
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