The Art of Being - Creative Experiences for Mindfulness

‘The Art of Being’ is my approach to creativity and mindfulness. It’s rooted in the belief that when we slow down, notice, and allow space — creativity naturally flows. And when we create from that place, creativity itself becomes a mindfulness practice.

These creative experiences are an invitation to step into ‘The Art of Being’ - to pause, reconnect, and explore creativity as a way of being, not doing.

What is The Art of Being?

The Art of Being is about integrating moments of mindfulness into everyday life - no matter how busy it feels.

Through creativity, presence, and connection to place, it offers a gentle way back to yourself. Sometimes that looks like a full retreat by the sea. Sometimes it’s a quiet hour creating with your hands.

However it’s experienced, the intention is the same: to create space to simply be.

Every creative experience here is an invitation to pause, notice, and create from presence.

These sessions are not about skill or outcome. They’re spaces to slow the nervous system, connect with your senses, and allow creativity to flow naturally - whether that’s through texture, movement, ocean rhythm, or simply breathing into the moment.

With curated materials - from reclaimed fabrics to coastal finds - and gentle guidance rooted in mindful attention, you’re invited to explore your creativity as a way of being, not a performance.

What to expect from a session:

  • A nurturing space to slow down and tune in

  • Curated natural materials that connect you to texture and place

  • Optional guided presence practices (journaling, breathwork, gentle movement)

  • A calm environment to explore creativity at your pace

  • Time to reflect, breathe, and simply be

Why these Experiences Matter?

These experiences are rooted in the belief that creativity and mindfulness exist in a nourishing circle.

When we slow down, breathe, and pay attention - whether by the sea or in a quiet room - our capacity to create deepens. Here, creativity becomes the pathway into presence and presence naturally surfaces creativity.

This is a place to reconnect with your intuition, calm your nervous system, and restore a sense of connection to yourself - without judgment, pressure, or expectation.

A woman smiling and painting on a canvas set up on an easel indoors next to glass doors, with paint supplies on the floor and another painting visible on a table in the background.
A woman painting a landscape scene on paper, with ocean and beach view through large windows in the background, while working in an art studio with easels and paintings.
Group of women participating in a painting class, seated at a long table with painting supplies, some applying paint to canvases while others observe or hold palettes.
People painting miniature canvases at a table covered with autumn leaves, paint palettes, cups of water, and paintbrushes.
Two women sitting on a blue blanket on a sandy beach, with rocks and the ocean in the background. One woman is painting, and the other is watching.
Group of five people sitting on a blue cloth on the sand, painting on small canvases with paints and brushes near a rocky, grassy cliffside.
People practicing yoga on mats in a bright room with large windows overlooking the ocean.
A bowl of yogurt topped with granola, sliced fruits, microgreens, and edible flowers, with a green glass vase containing pink and beige flowers on a glass table.
A woman gives an art class with four students seated at a table, each working on framed artwork and having art supplies. The room has white shelves with decorative items, vases, and framed pictures on the wall.
Group of eight people on a rocky beach, wearing jackets, looking at the ocean and taking photos, under cloudy skies.

Private or Corporate Group Bookings

Perfect for birthdays, hen gatherings, wellbeing escapes, or simply a soulful moment away from busy schedules.
Hosted in a beautiful setting of your choice (or I can recommend one in Cornwall), these bespoke sessions for 4+ guests are tailored to your energy, your story, and the season.

Expect curated materials, coastal treasures, and the freedom to play, explore, and create.

📍 Minimum group size: 4 people
💫 Premium rate applied for private bookings

Book a Private Experience
Enquire About Corporate Sessions

Retreat & Event Sessions

A selection of thoughtfully curated public sessions throughout the year - often hosted in coastal venues or as part of wider retreat programmes.

These are rare and special - join my mailing list to be the first to know when new dates are released, or take a look below at upcoming sessions.
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Event poster for 'The Art of Being' Creative Day Retreat on March 20, 2026, with a hand holding a blue painter's palette and brush in front of the poster.
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A colorful abstract background resembling a sunset with thick textured brushstrokes in shades of gold, red, green, and black. Overlaid text promoting a sunset and supper event on April 11, 2026, with a description of an ocean sunset painting experience followed by a fireside feast.
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An aerial view of a beach with waves crashing onto the shore, overlaid with text about a creative day retreat at Bedruthen Hotel in Mawnan Porth on May 2nd, 2026, including a social media handle.
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Person painting a canvas with blue and yellow seaside waves at home, using a handheld device to apply paint, with text overlay reading "Wearable Waves Paint at Home Course."
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Stories from the Studio
These reflections from past participants speak to the calm, presence, and joy people find in these sessions - and how it changed the way they feel about creativity.

  • Woman smiling and painting on a canvas in an art class, with other women painting at nearby tables.

    "I had such a wonderful day at the “Wearable Waves” workshop. It was the most fantastic combination of relaxing yoga, followed by fun-filled creative time painting on fabric. Gemma is a fantastic, encouraging teacher and managed to patiently teach us the techniques needed to create a wave painting on our clothing item. Anyone from beginner to advanced artists would enjoy this chance to get creative in a unique way! I have come away from this workshop feeling relaxed, inspired and I also have the coolest denim ‘wave’ jacket ever!!"

    Sophie Bagnall

  • Aerial view of a rocky seashore with waves crashing against rocks and a narrow strip of shoreline.

    “Last year I went to do a one to one workshop with Gemma. I was quite nervous and apprehensive given that I have no art expertise whatsoever. Gemma was incredibly informative, and patient and I learnt so much from her.. So much so I went back again to create another piece. Gemma‘s instructions have given me confidence and a desire to continue trying to create my own pieces following the workshop.".”

    Karen Ceasar

  • A woman wearing a green apron working on a craft project at a table, with a man in a green apron in the background inside a well-lit room.

    "Gemma was patient and her instructions clear and concise, where help was needed or sought it just added to the experience. Her work was on display and it was amazing, even her deck shoes were painted and looked WOW. If you get the chance you should go to one of Gemmas workshops, even if its to get messy with paint."

    Andrew B

  • A woman with curly blonde hair wearing a denim jacket painted with a wave scene, standing in a restaurant or cafe with tables covered in turquoise tablecloths, and other women in the background.

    "Gemma’s ‘Flow & Create’ day is one of the best events I’ve been too! Set in one of the most beautiful locations and a great way to meet lots of lovely individuals. Gemma is a fabulous host & teacher, demonstrating her sheer talent and brilliantly teaching everyone a simple step by step guide on how to recreate her iconic creations. The day flowed beautifully, from morning yoga to the interactive paint workshop, ending with a refreshing sea swim and beach clean. Every detail of the day was planned perfectly and I very much look forward to attending another event soon!"

    Sophie Palmer

  • A cluttered art workspace with a torn canvas, a palette knife, spilled blue and white paint, and a paintbrush on a wooden table.

    "This class of painting with Gemma Lessinger was truly amazing. I am a total beginner, I have no artistic background but I am completely obsessed with the sea so I thought I would have a go. I am so glad I did, learning the different techniques Gemma uses was so interesting. Everyone in the class produced amazing pictures- all very different."

    Claire J

  • An artist's workspace with paint supplies, a wooden palette with blue and white paint, paintbrushes, jars of blue and white paint, and a canvas with a blue abstract painting. In the background, a person wearing an apron is standing near the table.

    "I loved my workshop with Gemma. Fantastic space, a range of mediums to paint with and paint on, and Gemma really gives you the space and time to create. Love the different natural materials she uses to create depth in paintings, really inspires one’s creativity!"

    Lucy Webster

  • Women participating in a group painting class in a bright room with large windows overlooking the ocean.

    "Everything from the moment that I booked a place, to when I walked away with my new and improved painted denim jacket, was brilliant. The yoga session was a lovely way to begin and get the creative juices flowing, with the most beautiful backdrop looking out to the ocean. It was a lovely group of people that you brought together and you set such a calming scene for us all at the Ugly Butterfly. You have definitely inspired me to keep creating - I absolutely LOVED painting my jacket! Thank you for all of your tips and tricks that helped me to transform it into some wearable waves. I'm definitely hooked, and have got some new paints on the way."

    Megan Lodey

  • Woman holding a denim jacket with a painted beach scene inside, in a cozy decor-filled room.

    "Had the most relaxing, wholesome day with Gemma and absolutely loved exploring my creativity more by upcycling my denim jacket with a beautiful seascape. Gemma taught us the techniques to make it easy even from a total painting beginner, and when I got home everyone was SO impressed and very jealous of what I made! Thanks so much."

    Anna Clark

  • "I loved the way you set up our tables with everything we needed, all colour coordinated and the examples of your work to inspire us. I am not comfortable with paintbrushes and painting but you were very reassuring and encouraging, with such a positive vibe that I truly had the best time and the day exceeded my expectations. The Ugly Butterfly as a venue made it extra special with the beautiful bar area and granola bowl."

    Sarah Prior-Jones

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