Zara’s creative approach is rooted in a fascinating fusion of somatic therapy, psychotherapy, and ancient creative traditions. Having spent years working in traditional talking therapies, Zara noticed that while people could often name their trauma, analyze their patterns, and talk about their history, the emotional weight remained physically “stuck” inside their bodies.

Her studio at OXYGENIC Art Studios was explicitly created to bridge that gap. She guides participants to paint “like people have painted for thousands of years”, not as a technical performance or a decorative hobby, but as a primary raw language to map the internal self.

The art studios are situated upstairs within OXYGENIC, separate from the bar and music spaces below. This allows the studios to provide a dedicated environment for creativity, workshops, art groups, one to one sessions and visiting artists.

Located just a two minute walk from Whitley Bay Metro Station, they offer a calm and welcoming space which are easy to reach from Newcastle, Tynemouth, North Shields and surrounding areas.

Yes, Zara offers confidential, dedicated 90-minute therapeutic studio sessions held entirely for you.

Zara begins with talking, then utilizes breathwork and sound to physically ground your body. You paint completely from physical sensation, and at the end, she works closely with you to decipher the symbolism of your art to integrate those insights into your daily life.

Cost: £88.00 – £128.00

No previous experience is needed.

Participants are introduced to a range of materials and shown how to use them, but the workshops are about far more than learning techniques alone.

The studios were created on the understanding that creativity is not something reserved for artists. Given the right environment, materials and support, it is something that can emerge in anyone.

The role of the artists leading the workshops is not simply to teach people how to create, but to help create the conditions in which creativity can flourish and take shape in its own unique way.

Unlike other art classes Zara’s work is grounded in her many years of therapeutic, somatic and mindfulness practice, meaning before you even touch a paintbrush, you are shown how to down-regulate your nervous system.

This allows you to switch from the critical "thinking part of your mind" that causes you to freeze up or worry about making mistakes, into a more relaxed state of consciousness and creative flow.

You are then taught to select your tools, colours, and strokes based entirely on physical impulse and internal sensation, rather than attempting to render a realistic, pre-planned landscape or object.

This unique way of working allows your emotions and experiences to find form so the canvas can then serve as an external landing pad.

She then works with you privately or within the group to understand the subconscious shapes, strokes, and images you have created, so that your artwork can become like a map to guide and understand the deeper more hidden parts of your emotional landscape so you can navigate your life beyond the canvas.

People usually say it is far more creative than a typical art class, as while you are still introduced to materials and shown how to use them, the focus of what she offers extends beyond technique alone.

Whereas most art classes focus on creating a copy, or replica of someone else’s work, Zara’s sessions are designed to give you the space, support and encouragement to create your own style of working.

Zara may guide the journey, but the discoveries, ideas and outcomes completely belong to you.

For many people, the experience shares some similarities but the foundations Zara draws upon have emerged from a different perspective and landscape than what many art therapists work from.

For some, the experience is simply about making art. For others, it becomes an opportunity to better understand themselves. More often than not, it becomes a combination of both.

Zara offers a few different ways to experience her workspace depending on the level of focus you want:

Weekly Art & Painting Groups: These are lighter, relaxed, and community-focused. The studio energy shifts depending on the day, sometimes it is quiet and reflective, while other days are high-energy and experimental. You paint alongside others, and she keeps the groups small to support everyone individually.

Immersive Workshops: These are longer blocks of time dedicated to deeper creative processes where you can completely get lost in a single piece of work and the deeper meaning behind why you have created it.

One-to-One Private Art Sessions: Held as confidential 90-minute blocks, these combine somatic breathing, sound, sometimes somatic bodywork and intuitive art. They are offered as a personal journey to help express emotions or blocks through paint and texture rather than just talking.

For more information about Zara’s artist-led workshops and one to one sessions held within the studios, head over to her Zara Waters’ website where you’ll find details of current workshops, creative programmes and upcoming opportunities to work with her.

To hear more about her work, other visiting artists, guest facilitators, and future events taking place at OXYGENIC Art Studios, join our mailing list below and we’ll keep you updated as new opportunities are announced.