We’re so excited to launch our brand new Meet the Teacher series – a chance to shine a spotlight on the talented artists and educators who make Cygnets Art School so special. Each month, we’ll be chatting to one of our amazing teachers to learn more about their creative journey, artistic passions, and what inspires them in the classroom.
First up, we’re thrilled to introduce Lila, one of our brilliant teachers at Cygnets Kingston. With a love for fine art and a gift for inspiring confidence through creativity, Lila brings warmth, skill, and imagination to every class she teaches. Let’s get to know her a little better…
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m one of the main teachers in the Cygnets Kingston. I joined the Cygnets team in November 2024 where I began assisting. I’ve always loved art, and that passion was what made me choose GCSE and A Level Art. I achieved an A* in Fine Art. Currently I’m in my second year of University where I’m studying Art Direction.
What is your area of expertise?
My area of expertise is drawing, which includes everything from painting to sketching in different mediums. My favourite materials to work with are oil paints – I love how rich they are. When it comes to drawing, a simple set of HB pencils is underestimated. I love using the whole scale of them to capture depth, detail, and emotion.
What is your favourite thing about teaching?
Teaching art is something I find deeply rewarding. My favourite part is seeing the progress that children make each week. Focusing on their skills but also on their confidence. There’s always a moment when they suddenly see their own improvement, and that recognition is so special. I believe every child has the right to feel confident in themselves. Creating art helps build that foundation in a unique way. Beyond the creativity, art supports so many transferable skills such as cognitive development, motor skills and communication. Being able to boost those aspects while still keeping the lessons fun is what I love most about teaching.
What is your favourite thing to draw or create?
When I’m working on my own art, I love to create landscapes. I love finding ways to express atmosphere and emotion through colour, light, and contrast. For example using varied hues to build drama in any scene. I also have a passion for portraiture – I find it grounding to sketch faces, especially when I try to draw with hyper-realism. It makes me notice the small details that make life beautiful. A pencil might be the simplest tool, but I think it’s also the most magical.
For me, art isn’t about perfection. It’s more about expression, growth, and connection. That’s what I try to bring into my classroom every time. I feel so lucky to share my love of creativity with the children I teach.
We loved hearing from Lila about her passion for art and the joy she finds in helping children grow creatively and confidently. Her thoughtful approach and enthusiasm perfectly capture what Cygnets is all about – nurturing every child’s creativity in a fun, supportive way.
Stay tuned for the next instalment of our Meet the Teacher series, where we’ll be introducing more of the wonderful people who bring art to life across our Cygnets branches!
