Visual Arts courses
Creative Digital Skills: Promote and Sell - Beginners (10 weeks)
This course is designed for those who want to promote and sell their creative work to a professional standard. Create a marketing and online presence with a particular focus on using Instagram and WordPress. On the course you will research various social media platforms and consider the pros and cons e.g., costs, versus free sites and other alternative creative blogs. You will use IT to upload images to your desired media platform. When the schedule allows you will continue to develop your personal statement to promote yourself and create a summary of what it is you are selling or offering. You will develop your own branding. You will take part in group discussions and develop your ideas through peer review.
Introduction to Interior Design – Beginners (5 weeks)
This course is for you if you have an interest in how space, colour, textiles and furniture all work together in interior design to form a cohesive look. During the course you will be introduced to the basic techniques used in interior design such as:
- research
- collecting inspiration
- making a mood board
- sketching an idea
- planning
- measuring
- colour theory
Interior Design - Intermediate - E-Learning
This course is online. This course is for you if you want to develop your interest in interiors. It will give you a general understanding in how space, colour, textiles and furniture all work together in interior design to form a cohesive look.You will learn
- how to plan 3D layouts
- work in your own style
- prepare models
- use scale and proportion
- plan professional layouts
You will continue to develop your knowledge and understanding of:
- A range of interior design techniques
- the principles of colour theory
- how different cultures have inspired interior design
- use specific design terminology
- use publications about interior design
Creative Writing – Beginners/All Levels (9 weeks)
The course is designed for you to develop your knowledge and understanding of creative writing. Whilst on the course you will produce structured work with guidance. The course helps you to use key influences such as the power of observation, imagination and use of language to develop your writing. Opportunities will be given to engage in group work, generate ideas and develop confidence in the field of creative writing.
Figure Drawing (clothed life model) - All Levels (9 weeks)
This is an ‘all levels’ course, you are welcome to join if you do not have previous experience, but you should have an interest in drawing. This course assists you to develop the skills required to draw the clothed human figure. It also helps you to practice and become more confident with your drawing techniques in general. During the course you will work from a clothed life model.
Art - Mixed Media - All Levels (9 weeks)
This course introduces the mediums and techniques used in art, such as collage, painting, and drawing. You will be introduced to artists and art movements from a variety of cultures that may inspire your work. You will use collected imagery to make mood boards that help gather together and refine your ideas. Colour theory is explored, and you will be encouraged to experiment to develop your work. You will develop inventive and personal approaches to your work. Your terminology will grow as you become accustomed to speaking about different artists techniques. You will design, prepare, and scale up a final composition using methods learned.
Oil Painting - All Levels - E-Learning (9 weeks)
Whatever level you are, this course will appeal to you. What matters more is your enthusiasm and you desire to paint. Despite popular misconceptions oil painting is very user-friendly once you have mastered a few basic techniques. It can be great fun, rewarding and easier than you think. This provides an introduction to oils – how to use, how to make an oil painting, learning about the practical materials, such as brush techniques, as well as how to use colour, colour theory – what complimentary colours are and why you need to know how to use them, plus traditional skills, expressionism and abstraction. If you are well-versed in oil painting you will be encouraged to pursue your development further. The course will touch upon drawing in relation to the preparation of a canvas, and you will be encouraged to draw to help you prepare to paint. Composition and scaling will be covered, and in so doing, you will be looking at the work of other artists too.
Painting and Drawing - All Levels (9 weeks)
This course teaches and builds on basic elements of drawing and painting techniques. You will work with a range of art media such as charcoal, pencil and paint to explore different approaches to painting and drawing. You will be able to work on your own individual exercises and projects.
Painting and Drawing - Intermediate (9 weeks)
The course will build on your current skills and techniques in drawing and painting through practice and engagement with a range of different topics. You will work on structured exercises and individual projects. You will deepen your confidence in your own creative style and expression. For this course you should have at least one year’s experience in drawing and painting.
Painting and Drawing - Intermediate - E-Learning (9 weeks)
This course is online. The course will build on your current skills and techniques in drawing and painting through practice and engagement with a range of different topics. You will work on structured exercises and individual projects. You will deepen your confidence in your own creative style and expression. For this course you should have at least one year’s experience in drawing and painting.
Printmaking - All Levels (9 weeks)
The range of printmaking courses introduce and develop printmaking methods such as
- monoprint, linocut and woodcut (relief printing)
- collagraph and dry point (intaglio).
You will have the opportunity to develop your own work and creative ideas and skills in a vibrant and supportive atmosphere with access to a wide range of printmaking equipment and materials. Please see individual course outlines as not all courses offer all these techniques.
Improve Your Painting and Drawing - Intermediate - E-Learning (9 weeks)
This course is online. It's for learners who have attended a drawing and painting course and have some experience. You will develop your approaches to your work through critiques, tutorials and live/recorded sessions. You will also develop your art practice at home where you will work towards your individual goals. You will discuss your work and ideas by presentation (via email) and discussion. It is to introduce techniques at the start of some sessions to drawing with pencils and other art materials that you may have around your home. Things like crayons, and/or watercolours (or acrylics/oils if you happen to have them). Collage will also be explored. You need to take part in the online talks via email or Zoom and work on your own outside of class.
Printmaking - Beginners (9 weeks)
This course introduces a variety of printmaking techniques:
- monoprint
- linocut and woodcut (relief printing)
- collagraph and dry point (intaglio)
You will explore working in monochrome and colour and will be introduced to artists who have used these methods. This will help broaden your knowledge and idea development. You can use personal imagery in the printmaking process or work from inspiration in the studio. As you progress through the course, you will become more familiar to the techniques, skills and terminology printmakers use whilst producing your own portfolio of prints.
Screen Printing on Paper and Fabric - Beginners (9 weeks)
This course will cover a range of screen-printing techniques on paper and fabric including:
- photo stencil
- paper stencils
- registration techniques
Screen Printing and Batik on Fabric – Beginners/All Levels (9 weeks)
This course is suitable if you want to learn or develop your understanding of batik and screen-printing techniques which are suitable to use on fabric.
Screen Printing and Printmaking - Beginners/All Levels (9 weeks)
This course is suitable if you want to learn or develop screen-printing techniques. It introduces creative one and two colour mono printing and screen printing using a range of techniques including:
- Drawing fluid
- Wax stencil card
- Oil pastel
- Photo stencil
Printmaking Workshop - Advanced (9 weeks)
This course is suitable for you if you already have existing printmaking skills and would like to develop these further. You will develop your work and creative ideas in a vibrant and supportive atmosphere. You will have access to a wide range of printmaking equipment and materials.
The aim of this course is to help you to produce a high standard of work for exhibition, competition or for employment. It will help raise your profile in the creative industries sector or small quantities for sale.
You will continue to develop your professional skills and professional awareness. You should have the necessary ambition and drive to self-direct your own study and be active in raising your own profile.This course is not to make large batches of work for commercial output. We have a large number of courses and students - materials are limited.
Pottery and Ceramics – Beginners/All Levels (9 weeks)
The range of pottery and ceramic courses introduce and develop a wide range of ceramic skills such as
- hand building
- modelling
- assembling techniques
- throwing using the potters wheel and glazing
Please see individual course outlines for details as not all courses offer these techniques.
Ceramics Workshop - Advanced (9 weeks)
The aim of the workshop is for you to develop your work further under your own direction but with the support of a tutor. It will raise your profile in the sector. Either through producing work for exhibition, competition or small - scale individual items for sale. This course is suitable for you if you already have existing ceramics skills and knowledge. The workshops allow you to have the opportunity to develop your own work and creative ideas in a vibrant and supportive atmosphere with access to a wide range of equipment and materials. You should also have the necessary ambition and drive to self – direct your own study and be active in raising your own profile. This course is not to make big batches of work for commercial output. We have a large number of courses and students, so materials and firings are limited.