Discover the artist in you... in a day

by Nicola Shepherd

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NOW, after just one day, you can unleash your creative talents on the world.

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Workshops to tantalise even the most reluctant artists are available all around�the country, offering condensed one-day training in everything from ceramics to singing.

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Whether it's wind instrument instruction in Waterford, making paper caricatures in Gateshead or learning movie make-up in Dundee, you'll find a workshop to suit.

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Yes, all the above do exist.

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You could learn Indian dance in Derby, from internationally-renowned Kathek dancer Soma Sabri on 28 March at the Derby Dance Centre (tel 01332 370911)

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Discover how to be a comedy sketch writer at the Leicester Comedy Festival (tel. 0116 2915511), also on this month until Feb 18.

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Or brush up on the art of mural painting in Radstock from Bath-based artist Pete Cambell (contact Bath & North East Somerst� Council 01225 477000).

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Workshops are a great introduction to a new artistic skill. They are perfect for beginners. You always get something to show for your day's efforts, and, by definition, they are only on for one day. Much less commitment required than for an evening class.

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Some of the best ideas come from America, of course, where the one-day art workshop has been turned into a thriving business. A good example is Great Bowls of Fire in Altamonte Springs, Orlando.

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Here you are invited to paint your own ceramic bowl and then pick it up later once it has been fired.

According to owner Linda de Pierro, 'pople shouldn't be intimidated'by being asked to be artistic, 'because everybody has talent.'

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Emphasising the social aspect of such creative group activity she goes on, 'It is a great way for the frazzled to unwind from everyday stress. It's also a� conversation breaker for singles and a unifier for families.'

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Indeed, many workshops in the UK, such as the paper caricature making in Gateshead, mentioned above, are aimed at group activity for the whole family.

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Paint your own pottery shops are now springing up across the UK. US chain Color Me Mine is now opening workshops over here. Find out more www.colourmemine.co.uk.

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Once you've got the taste for artistic self-improvement, you can go further afield for longer, spending a week at Blackcraig Castle in Scotland in June learnging to paint watercolours (www.ladyjill.com); learning to cook Provence-style in Provence (www.cokeryinprovence.com); or brushing up your portrait-painting skills with www.flyingcolorsarts.com in locations as diverse as Southern Ireland, San Gimignano, Bali or New Mexico.

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Go on, uncover the artist in you.

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For more details of pottery workshops contact the Craft Potters Association on 020 7437 6781.