Tania Paling Sparkes
Creative Drayton is delighted to introduce Tania Paling Sparkes, an accomplished artist and teacher dedicated to making art accessible to everyone.
A Lifelong Passion for Art
Tania descends from a family of creatives, with a lineage rich in poets, photographers, seamstresses, florists, chefs, filmmakers, and performers. It was no surprise that from a young age, she displayed a keen interest and aptitude for the arts. Her unique ability to work in a vast range of media sets her apart. Tania finds joy in cutting through perceived boundaries in art, using whatever materials are at her disposal to achieve her creative vision. Her skills span across painting, textiles, photography, piñatas, mosaics, silk shoe decorating, sculpture from old bike parts, and much more.
Inspiring and Teaching
After 32 years of teaching Art and Textiles, Tania retired from her profession and now channels her energy into new, inspirational projects. She founded tangible.gallery to share her extensive artistic skills and launched the Ashley Art Group at Ashley Memorial Hall, Market Drayton. This unique art group, with a curriculum and structure devised by Tania, supports members in developing their skills while enjoying a full range of arts, materials, and creative experiences.
Testimonials
- Linda "I had an absolute ball! Tania has a superb knack of instilling confidence in people, which is quite a trait to have."
- Paul "I look forward to coming to AAG every week, and it’s good to see how we are all gaining in confidence. My standard of work is definitely improving."
Paint & Pour Events
On the last Wednesday of the month, you can find Tania running ‘Paint & Pour’ events at Peony & Tonic. These events combine creativity and socialising, as Tania arrives with all the materials and a themed painting to inspire participants. She expertly guides everyone through the painting process, and with a glass of wine in hand, the creative juices start to flow.
Testimonials
- Sarah "I just don’t know how she does it. I follow what Tania says, and in 2 hours, I have created an amazing painting that I didn’t even think was possible. I love it!"
- Kate "A very enjoyable Paint & Pour workshop with Tania Paling Sparkes, and I can’t draw! Tania is a wonderful teacher; I recommend this event and will be going again. The pour part is a glass of wine; maybe that helped with the free brush strokes."
Personal and Professional Background
Tania grew up in Yorkshire, trained in Birmingham, and moved to the Market Drayton area 15 years ago, being a country girl at heart. She enjoys being outdoors, and her recent work reflects this through her landscape and seascape photography. Always with a camera at hand, Tania is ready to capture the next inspiration, whether on a lunchtime walk or a weekend adventure on her bike or kayak.
Creative Drayton is proud to have Tania Paling Sparkes as a member, sharing her passion and expertise with the community. Through her varied and extensive talents, Tania continues to inspire and nurture creativity in everyone she meets.