About Me
My name is Elham Talay-Minaei (Ellie) and I have had a passion for Arts, in particular Watercolour painting from a very young age.
My academic background is interior design where I completed a degree course, followed by a second degree in Commercial Management and Capital marketing.
I started my journey in 2012 by physically attending Watercolour classes for up to 8 hours per week.
Having developed my skills I also took lessons in Acrylic and Oil mediums and have completed numerous paintings to date for my own enjoyment.
Let’s use Watercolours to create memories to relish
My key objective is to share my passion with other Artists both established and newcomers.
I will ensure every student receives sufficient tuition time and support during the course, and crucially enjoys the outcome of the 8-week term.
I will share my experience with you and develop an atmosphere where you enjoy the positive energy that the classes will create.
All my classes will be held in Bristol. Online and Private classes will be launched in due course.
I intend to cover as many techniques as possible during each course to help students identify the techniques they are strong at and most comfortable with.
I generally utilise a variety of techniques which I have collected over the years. Some are commonly used by Artists, and others are more specific to my style of painting.
You’ll leave this course feeling proud with a great sense of achievement.
My Past Practical Experience
To date I have participated in more than twenty international exhibitions and competitions and have achieved several awards.
Multi-Ptych ‘Group’ paintings often completed during exhibitions are one of my favourites, and I have contributed to several such paintings.
Whilst I have held classes for experienced Watercolour artists in the past, I am now intending to run classes for beginners as well as experienced artists.
My intention has always been to make painting in Watercolours a fun and relaxing experience as opposed to creating competition.
The meaning of ‘Enso’
Enso is a sacred Japanese symbol in Zen Buddhism meaning circle, or sometimes circle of togetherness. It is traditionally drawn using only one brushstroke as a meditative practice in letting go of the mind and allowing the body to create, as the singular brushstroke allows for no modifications.
While at first glance the enso symbol appears no more than a distorted circle, it symbolises many things such as the beauty in imperfection, the art of letting go of expectations, and the circle of life.
The enso is a representation of our true and innermost self. Its creation is said to leave the artist fully exposed at that one particular moment in time.
It is also thought to symbolise our innermost and most authentic self.
The imperfection of the Enso shows us that enlightenment is about embracing who we truly are and being satisfied rather than trying to create a character that is perfect. It’s also about being part of a universe that is imperfectly beautiful.
Be who you are, and draw your own circle.
