More than leisure.
An investment in the mind, a gift to the soul.
An investment in the mind, a gift to the soul.
Weekly art classes, guided sketching
& art talks in Reading
Book a class & art talks in Reading
Cultural Layer is a creative space in Reading where art becomes a form of self-care.
We host weekly oil painting classes, guided sketching sessions and small cultural gatherings.
Our events are calm, friendly and beginner-friendly — you don’t need experience to join.
Our events are calm, friendly and beginner-friendly — you don’t need experience to join.
Art helps you slow down, focus and reconnect with yourself.
We simply guide you through the process.
We simply guide you through the process.
- Materials included. Small groups. A warm community.
- Ready to try? Scroll down to upcoming sessions.
What we offer
We work hard every day to make life of our clients better and happier
- Oil Painting LessonsRelaxing evening classes with a professional artist.
Learn colour mixing, composition and oil technique in a supportive atmosphere.
All materials included. - Guided SketchingA mindful drawing practice for curious minds.
Urban sketching, visual diaries, gentle guidance.
Perfect for beginners and returning creatives. - Art Talks over CoffeeSmall cultural gatherings about art, ideas and visual thinking.
Informal, inspiring, open to everyone.
book your slot here
Upcoming Events
ART RETREAT
Searching for the Odyssey
Searching for the Odyssey
Our retreat is about resetting, discovering new experiences, and creating new connections — with places, ideas, and ways of seeing. Wherever we go and whatever we do, drawing will be part of every day.
Each participant will receive a sketchbook and a set of art materials. Our aim is to help you develop the habit of keeping a visual diary: to slow down, observe, and preserve your impressions through drawing.
Artistic practice will extend far beyond Andrey Novikov’s workshops. By the end of the journey, we hope your sketchbook will be filled with a personal collection of places, encounters and memories — something to take home and keep for years to come.
| Kaş, Turkye October 2026 This year, the retreat will run for four groups, with each five-day programme taking place between 8 and 30 October. Each group’s programme includes six full-length art workshops led by professional artist Andrey Novikov, as well as four lectures by Tamara Golubova and Elina Gritchina. The theme of this year’s retreat is In Search of Odysseus. Kaş lies within the ancient region of Lycia and is surrounded by remarkable archaeological and historical sites. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of antiquity, feel like an archaeologist for a few days, and embark on an Odyssey of your own. The programme includes a visit to the ancient city of Myra, with its extraordinary rock-cut Lycian tombs, and a journey to ancient Sagalassos, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Asia Minor. And, of course, we will draw every day. Drawing will give our participants a chance to step away from everyday routines and worries, slow down, observe more closely, and develop a new creative skill. Join us in Kaş this October! |
Availability
We still have few spaces available for booking
8 - 12 October - FULLY BOOKED
14 - 18 October - 2 spaces available
19 - 23 October - 4 spaces available
28 - October - 7 spaces available
Book now 14 - 18 October - 2 spaces available
19 - 23 October - 4 spaces available
28 - October - 7 spaces available
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Moments from our sessions
We work hard every day to make our customers' lives better and happier
What our clients say about us
How a session works
- Oil painting Lessons work
- Every 30-minute demo with the artist
- Step-by-step guidance
- Individual support
- Relaxed creative atmosphere
- All materials included
- Take your painting home
- Come once. Stay to grow!
- Sketching SessionFind a cosy spot in the café, settle in with your favourite drink, and let your sketchbook open the door to quiet observation.
We begin with a short introduction from the tutor on how to start your composition. Throughout the session, the tutor will move around the room, offering personalised guidance and gentle feedback.
The aim of this format is simple: to help you build a habit of keeping a personal visual diary — a space for impressions, small discoveries, and your own way of seeing the world. - Art Talk Over a CoffeeAlways been curious about art? It can feel magical — and yet, at times, as if your exhibition ticket should have come with a manual.
Our Art Talk sessions are not lectures in the traditional sense. They are practical, engaging conversations that help you navigate the vast and fascinating landscape of art.
Expect vivid examples from art history, memorable stories, and clear visual explanations.
Become that effortlessly interesting person at a party — the one who can talk about Michelangelo’s temperament or the emotional depth of Rothko.
Contact us:
+44 07436352881
tamara@andreynovikov.net
tamara@andreynovikov.net
Oil Painting Classes hosted by Reading Biscuit Factory.
1 Queens Walk, Reading RG1 7QE
1 Queens Walk, Reading RG1 7QE
Recognized by
leading art institutions and fairs
leading art institutions and fairs
