Writing from Art: A Creative Writing Masterclass

What happens when you let a painting tell you a story?

In this relaxed and imaginative two-hour masterclass, you’ll explore how art can unlock new ideas, images and voices in your writing. Using the gallery at Bridgwater Arts Centre as our starting point, we’ll look closely at selected artworks and use them as inspiration for a series of guided writing exercises.

You’ll experiment with techniques like ekphrastic writing, where we respond directly to visual art, as well as practical exercises designed to help you create vivid imagery, develop atmosphere and find unexpected angles into your work. Whether you’re drawn to poetry, fiction or simply want to try something new, this session is all about giving you fresh ways to generate ideas and bring your writing to life.

This is a highly practical workshop with plenty of time to write, reflect, and share (if you’d like to), along with supportive guidance throughout. You don’t need any previous writing experience, just curiosity and a willingness to have a go.

Expect a fun, creative session that will leave you seeing both art and your own writing in a completely new way.

About the tutor

Jo Middleton is the author of three comedy novels, with her fourth due out this year. Her books, including Happy Bloody Christmas and Not Another Bloody Christmas, are published by Avon (HarperCollins) and blend humour with classic whodunnit storytelling.

Alongside her fiction writing, Jo runs creative writing workshops and courses across Somerset, known for their warm, encouraging atmosphere and practical, engaging exercises. She believes that writing is a skill anyone can develop, and her sessions focus on building confidence, sparking ideas and helping writers of all levels find their voice.