Art & Soul: Breathwork and Watercolour Painting with Susannah Taylor
There’s something quietly powerful about returning to something you haven’t done in decades—like picking up a paintbrush or sitting in stillness with your breath. It can feel unfamiliar, even uncomfortable at first, but often, it opens a door back to a forgotten part of ourselves.
In this blog, I’m sharing a recent experience that brought together both creativity and calm: a Breathwork and Watercolour Workshop with Susannah Taylor at the always-inspiring Daylesford Farmshop. What began with nerves and pencil sketches ended in gentle joy, self-expression, and a reminder that trying something new, even imperfectly, can be a beautiful way to reconnect with ourselves.
How often have you picked up a paintbrush since leaving school and set about painting something real?
I remember one particular art class vividly, being asked to paint a bowl of fruit, focusing on the light falling across the pear, and how shading brought it to life. I wasn’t a natural artist, although I grew up in a creative home. My father was a painter, and my mother had a knack for turning her hand to almost any craft or skill. Sadly, I didn’t inherit their natural talents.
Like many of us, I let art slip quietly away after school. Apart from the occasional colouring session with the children or a crafty afternoon, I hadn’t properly painted in over 40 years.
So when I spotted a Breathwork and Geranium Painting Workshop led by the brilliant Susannah Taylor at Daylesford Farmshop, my curiosity was instantly drawn. I’ve long admired Susannah’s artwork, particularly her gorgeous packaging designs for Bramley Products but what I hadn’t realised until recently, was Susannah’s deep background in wellbeing. With nearly 25 years as a beauty and wellness editor focused on holistic health, Susannah brings a beautiful blend of insight and calm. So an opportunity to spend a morning learning from Susannah felt like something not to be missed.
Daylesford is one of those magical places that always delivers, whether you’re heading there for wellness, cookery, gardening workshops, or in my case, their monthly book club (which is a joy in itself and perhaps worthy of a blog post of its own!).
Our small, intimate group of artists met at the juice bar for a welcome smoothie before heading over to the serene spa studio nearby. Stepping into the space was like entering a little pocket of calm. Yoga mats were arranged in a circle around a small statue of the elephant Buddha, and the air had that stillness that invites you to slow down.
Susannah welcomed us and gently led us through a series of breathing techniques. This was more than simply slowing the breath, it was about calming the nervous system and grounding ourselves. We explored box breathing (inhaling for four, exhaling for four, visualising each count as one side of a box), breathing from the diaphragm, and other focused practices designed to reset the mind and body. By the end of the hour, with our focus sharpened, we were all noticeably more relaxed.
Refreshed with a herbal tea and a delicious protein ball, we made our way to the conservatory, where delicate geranium plants awaited our attention. These weren’t just any flowers, they’re the new signature scent of Bamford, the lifestyle brand founded by Daylesford’s founder Carole Bamford. It felt fitting to be painting Carole’s favourite bloom, surrounded by nature and calm.
Our places were already set with paper, pencil, and paintbrushes. As we took our seats, the nervous chatter began:
“I haven’t painted since school.”
“These plants look impossible to paint.”
“I might just stick to pencil and rub things out!”
It was a familiar wave of self-doubt, the one that tends to rise when we step outside our comfort zone.
Susannah, who was ever reassuring, gently reminded us that we all had practice paper to use before diving into our masterpieces. That alone brought a collective sigh of relief. We were encouraged to study the plant, to really look. To notice the way light hits the leaf and observe the textures and scale. Choose one element, a stem or a flower, and begin there.
Susannah demonstrated how to sketch the geranium: light, delicate lines; the balance of shadow and light; the curves and angles of the leaves. Then it was our turn.
At first, there were giggles and quiet cries of “I don’t know where to start!” But slowly, as pencils met paper, the room stilled. The earlier breathwork seemed to return to us. You could hear the gentle scratching of pencils and the soft rub of erasers. We were focused, present. Creating.
With growing confidence, we dipped into the watercolour paints. Susannah encouraged us to experiment, less water, more paint, finding our flow with each brush stroke. The small dishes on our tables quickly became palettes, full of pinks and greens and gentle earthy tones.
Some of us chose to ‘dab’ (me!), some painted intricate petals, others bold, sweeping leaves. Some filled the page, others focused on a single detail. Despite using the same materials and the same subject, each painting was beautifully unique.
One thing I’ve learned through these experiences is how impatient I can be. I used to think I was a patient person, but give me a paintbrush, calligraphy pen, planter to pot, bread to knead and I’m desperate to skip to the finished piece. I’ve also discovered I can be quite the perfectionist, which often leads to frustration when trying something new.
But once I let go of the need to ‘get it right’, and gave myself permission to just explore, I began to truly enjoy the process.
And the results? Not for the Tate perhaps, but each painting was a little triumph. There was genuine admiration around the table. Quiet pride mingled with laughter. These pieces might end up tucked into a downstairs loo or utility room, but they were ours, and they were actually really good.
As we washed our brushes and gathered our things, a quiet sense of peace settled across us. Yes, the breathwork helped but so too did the art. The permission to play. The chance to express without pressure. It took me back to those school art lessons, but this time, there was freedom. No rules, no judgement. Just expression.
My ‘dabbing’ might not be perfect, but it’s me, it’s who I am, my own style and I’ve realised that that’s more than enough.
A Gentle Prompt to Take With You
Whether you book a workshop, pick up a paintbrush, or simply pause to breathe— ask yourself:
When was the last time I did something just for me, without needing to be good at it? And what might I try next, simply for the joy of the experience?
If you’re curious to join one of Susannah’s beautiful workshops, you can find her latest events and exhibitions at Susannah Taylor.
And don’t forget to check out what’s on at Daylesford Farmshop. From wellness to gardening to cookery classes, there’s always something to experience. If you’re local, join me at the Monthly Book Club, it’s just £8 a month and includes a coffee or tea.
Oh, and if you’re a flower lover, don’t miss the Pick Your Own Flowers sessions every Friday throughout the summer, 10am–1pm.
I invite you to join our community and sign up to my monthly newsletter, sent to you on the 8th of each month with new experiences and places to discover.
