This is open to all levels, whether you are an absolute beginner or an advanced artist; at Puff of Smoke Studios, we leave the Inner-Critic at home, and replace it with carefree fun and enjoyment.

I am a passionate and enthusiastic artist and teacher, with a bubbly attitude to life and a great sense of humour.

It goes without saying, that I am a professional artist with many exhibitions and workshops under my belt.

Through my years of lecturing and teaching, some of which have been in a demanding environment, for example, in a prison and extreme exclusion. Plus, working with people, suffering from strokes, mental health and visually impaired. This has equipped me to design a way of working with Art to build many attributes to combat different stresses within the everyday setting.

An example I love to share with you, is Dylan the Hare, which I made at a very low ebb in my life. Who went on to be nominated for the Foxy Crafters "The Craftys" Award in San Francisco. Out of 1000's of entries, Dylan was a finalist of five entries.

From the kitchen table to San Francisco, I feel anything is possible.

Through my journey, one of the things I have always wanted to achieve, was a peaceful retreat, where cups of tea flow endlessly and the "Clock Stops".

This is an achievable and realistic opportunity that I would like to share.

I would like to give you, the same tools, regardless of how full your head is, to relax, create and enjoy within a tranquil setting, a compassionate and "inner high-five" with a fantastic set of skills to build on, and a piece of Art to reflect on.

This is not Art Therapy, this is a set of skills to work hand in hand, creating calm and peace in stressful situations and can be used in conjunction within existing therapies.

Bee The Teacher

You have now started your journey into a stress-free zone, where art will “Stop the Clock” and will take you away for an hour or more of relaxation and carefree fun.

My name is Bee Operanto, and I am the founder of Puff of Smoke Studios, based in woodlands in the heart of Wiltshire, UK.

Here, I use many different forms of Art to create harmony and peace in a tranquil setting.

I am inviting you to experience the "Making of Art" to melt away everyday stresses and anxieties.

To build up a new found way of relaxation, motivation and a sense of achievement.

Through my own experiences, working with Art, not only helped me find inner peace, it has helped me to focus away from my stresses and into a place of mindfulness, relaxation and calm.

Within each picture, I create a narrative which plays inside my head, which fills me with endless possibilities and enjoyment. Within that period, my little brain takes a vacation from real life.

This is a gift which I love to pass on to those who have found themselves lost.