Thought it would be nice to put together a post about what has been happening at the studio since June 4th when I started my new role here. So I am going to write some words about Weekend Workshops at Black Sun Studios. Let’s start from the beginning. Black Sun Miniatures has been around for a while now but took up residence in its current address almost five years ago. At that stage the store and studio was a distant dream, the building hadn’t even been built. A dirt patch was a very humble beginning. The idea had always been to have a dual use space with a vibrant hobby space for painting classes, workshops coupled with a brick and mortal store satisfying everyones needs for a hobby fix.
Carlos had single handedly created the whole thing himself and when he opened the store to the public in 2024 I knew I wanted to go and check it out. The store was easy enough to find and it was great to catch up with Carlos. I had not seen him since the last ever Euro Miniature Expo in Folkestone so we had a good time catching up and of course I left with a bag of miniatures and some copies of Tints Inc the publication from AK Interactive. On the drive home I started to think about the empty space he had upstairs and a crazy plan was hatched. I was looking for some studio space to work on figurementors and my painting, was his plan to rent out space? Maybe there was something I could offer in return? I summoned the courage to speak with Carlos but suffice to say he was very clear about what his plans were for the future. Over the next 12 months I slowly started putting together notes and ideas about how Black Sun Miniatures could move forward and after several meetings a plan was hatched. The creation of Black Sun Studios.
Weekend Workshops at Black Sun Studios – Present and Future
At this stage Carlos had already spoken with two major artists with Erik Swinson and Arnau Lazaro, already lined up to teach our very first students. The studio didn’t even have desks or lamps, it was still a bare space, flooring needed laying, toilets and sinks needed installing. Slowly things came together and so June 4th 2025 came and it was time to get things moving. Flyers needed designing, Discord setting up along with Facebook groups as we knew the importance of creating a community.
After one month of planning and working out the layout to the studio, installing the camera set up to live stream the workshops to the students, it was time for Erik and Arnau. A lot of excitement and nervous energy in the build up but everything went so well. We really could not ask for more. Across the two workshops we hosted 30 students. Our students had travelled from near and far, some coming from abroad and all were really keen to learn and were friendly in their shared loved for mini painting.
We are currently less than 2 weeks away from hosting Moses Yao and another 15 students! So as you can imagine there is quite a lot to do to ensure we are fully ready to provide the best possible learning experience. This year we also have workshops lined up with Will Brightley, Oliver Spaeth, Mike Blank and Magnus Fagerberg. in addition, we are working on confirming six additional artists in the first half of 2026!
Weekend Workshops at Black Sun Studios – Background Information
Our studio at Woodside Industrial Estate is situated on what was Thornwood Camp, a training camp as part of the North Weald Airfield during the Second World War. It was constructed as a barracks on land requisitioned from local farmers and was primarily used for training associated with the nearby Airfield. It housed a number of Royal Air Force personnel, many of whom reference the Camp in their memories of this period. Following the end of the war, it was then for a short time used by the Air Cadets who used to use the buildings for training with some of the old bunkers still remaining on the site. The site, along with North Weald Airfield, was used in the filming of ‘Battle of Britain’ (1969) and some of its buildings can be seen in the background of the aircraft take-off sequences.
Tools and Materials
Redgrass Games have provided our students with key tools for use during the workshop including their industry leading wet palettes. Although Black Sun Studios will have a selection of paints present along with excellent lighting and daylight desk lamps, you should pay some attention to the following:
REQUIRED
- Paints
- Brushes
- A notebook (you really should take notes)
- Pen, pencil etc
- A case to carry your figure home
OPTIONAL
- Desk Lamp (if you prefer to use your own)
- Optivisor (if needed)
- Hobby tools and super glue
We take a lunch break daily at 1pm, with additional breaks as needed for stretching and refreshments. Black Sun Studios provide homemade sandwiches, but you are welcome to bring your own packed lunch if preferred. Bottled water and coffee will be available free of charge.
THE ADDRESS
BLACK SUN STUDIOS
Unit 1
Woodside Industrial Estate
Thornwood
Epping
Essex
CM16 6LJ
WhatsApp: 07944 900152
The design and layout of our studio along with its secluded location, surrounded by nature will provide you with the perfect setting to be inspired. The studio is just a short drive to several towns and villages offering a host of hotels, restaurants and other amenities, Epping itself boasts a charming and quaint market town atmosphere.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Black Sun Studios is located at Woodside Industrial Estate, just North of Epping and 2 minutes from Junction 7 off the M11 (Harlow). It’s 5 minutes from Junction 27 off the M25 and only 45 minutes from Central London. It’s also just a 10-minute bus ride (No 20 or 21 Epping – Harlow (Central Connect) from Epping Station on the Central Line.
PARKING is available at the site.
ACCOMODATION
It is your responsibility to arrange your accommodation during the workshop. There is a selection of hotels in the nearby area, within 10-15 minutes’ drive from Black Sun Studios. Here are some useful links to help you plan your stay.
Booking.com Hotels near Epping
Weekend Workshops at Black Sun Studios – Student Gallery
Weekend Workshops at Black Sun Studios – Student Reviews
“Great workshop from Erik and really nice facilities” Ross Tovey
“Amazing workshop. First time doing NMM, learnt a lot” Mike Parkinson
“Hi from Belgium. Great workshop! Fantastic learning experience. Love the facilities” Janna de Coninck”
This workshop is better than my home! Might move in” Chris Perry
Had a great time, Erik was very impressive, kind and knowledgable. I’ll be back” Slim Kali
Great experience at the Arnau workshop. Will be coming for another in the future” Simon Isley
Great space and facilities. Had a lovely weekend, Arnau was a great teacher. Keep up the great work guys” Rui Esteves
Awesome space and such a great atmosphere fro classes. Thanks Arnau for being such a fantastic teacher. Had a great time and learnt so much” Adam Noon
So there you have it. If you are interested in learning from the best in a stunning purpose built painting studio then head to the Workshops section of the site and see what takes your fancy. You won’t be disappointed.