At Seasons Art Class, we believe creativity and caring for the planet compliment each other. Art is a wonderful form of self-expression—and with just a few thoughtful choices, it can also be kinder on the environment. Whether you’re just starting out or returning to art after years away, even small steps can contribute to a healthier world. We wanted to share how we weave sustainability into our classes—and to inspire you to create a little greener as you create.
Thoughtful Supplies for Inspired Art
While traditional art materials haven’t always been designed with sustainability in mind, that’s evolving – and we’re proud to be part of that change. At Seasons Art Class, we use our own bespoke sketch pads made with recycled paper, specially developed for our courses by Seawhites of Brighton. It’s one of the many ways we’ve tailored our materials to support students while reducing unnecessary waste. Wherever possible, we also avoid single-use plastics and encourage tools made from longer-lasting natural materials, such as bamboo or sustainably sourced wood. Not only are these better for the environment, but they’re often more durable and produce better quality art work. When it comes to paints, we make careful choices to ensure we’re using water-based options where possible—helping to minimise the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), while still delivering beautiful results.
Turning Waste into Wonder
True creativity often lies in resourcefulness – the ability to generate brilliant ideas by using what we already have within our reach. At Seasons Art Class, we love seeing students bring new life to everyday materials. Old envelopes, newspapers, and even scrap paper can be transformed into colourful collage backgrounds. An old kitchen sponge can add unique texture to a painting. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating something beautiful from bits and pieces that might otherwise be thrown away. Even a small commitment to recycling at home or in your studio can become a powerful habit, making a real difference as time goes on, and if you’re ever unsure, your local council can provide guidance on how to dispose of art materials responsibly.
Creating with Care
We often say to our students: you don’t need a mountain of materials to make great art—just a few trusted tools and a little care. Many of our students are discovering or returning to art in retirement, so we always recommend starting small and building gradually. This not only keeps things simple, but it reduces waste and avoids overbuying. Taking good care of your materials—like washing brushes and palette knives properly – this means they’ll not only last longer but also allow you to unlock even greater potential from your existing resources.
Our Approach to Greener Art
Recognising that every creative act has an environmental footprint, with a bit of mindfulness, we can all play a part in reducing it. That’s why we design our courses with sustainability in mind—from our custom recycled sketch pads, to our focus on long-lasting tools and safe, non-toxic materials. We also encourage students to source supplies locally when working at home, which supports small businesses and reduces the need for long-distance shipping. We don’t claim to be perfect, but we’re always looking for ways to improve—and we know that even small choices can lead to big, positive change.
Painting a Brighter, Greener Picture
At Seasons Art Class, we’re proud to welcome thousands of students every term who are passionate about art and the world around them. If you’re looking for a class that blends creativity, community, and care for the environment, we’d be delighted to welcome you. Click here to find your local Seasons Art Class branch and get in touch directly. Wherever you are on your creative journey, there will always be a place for you here.