Spending a weekend learning from Daniel Lopez at the newly located Seventh Circle Gallery in Digbeth, Birmingham, was far more than a class. It was an immersion into a medium I thought I would understand, only to realise how much depth, discipline and quiet mastery sits beneath every original work of Daniel's.
I joined Daniel’s workshop partly out of curiosity and also because we’ll be working together on upcoming projects. What I didn’t expect was how profoundly insightful it would be to watch him work up close. Seeing the patience, precision and years of refinement behind his style gave me a new level of respect for watercolour as a medium and for Daniel as an artist.
What Stood Out Most
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His contemporary take on a traditional medium - Watercolour is often seen as delicate or old‑fashioned, but Daniel has carved out a style that feels fresh, modern and genuinely at home in contemporary interiors. His work bridges tradition and modernity in a way that feels effortless - though, as I learned, it’s anything but.
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The atmosphere he creates - The workshop was warm, relaxed and welcoming to all abilities. Whether you were a beginner or a seasoned painter, Daniel met you exactly where you were. There was no ego, no pressure, just genuine encouragement and thoughtful guidance.
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A reminder of how much there is to learn - I work mostly in mixed media and acrylic in my own work and while watercolour isn’t a medium I’ll pursue myself, I walked away with a huge appreciation for its complexity.
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Daniel himself - Talented, humble and generous with his knowledge. It’s rare to meet someone whose skill is matched equally by their character.
I left the workshop inspired, not just by the medium, but by Daniel’s approach to teaching and creating. It’s rare to find someone who can make a room feel both calm and creatively charged. Having not attended any classes since studying in my earlier years, I found myself hooked, eager to learn and hear valuable insight from such a genuinely talented and approachable published artist.
If you’ve ever been curious about watercolour, or simply want to spend time learning from a genuinely gifted artist, be sure to follow Daniel and stay tuned for our own exciting upcoming projects and collaborations.
You can also view a limited number of his originals in person - currently available at Seventh Circle Gallery , alongside some of my own works - a real pleasure to be exhibited together! If you wish to inquire about his classes in the future do be sure to subscribe on his website.
Above - Original works by Daniel Lopez & myself, Charles Pedone - available exclusively at Seventh Circle Gallery.
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