Creative Glass - Beginners
This course aims to give you the basic skills, knowledge and ability to create kilnformed glass, using a variety of kiln forming techniques. This course is an ideal starter for those wanting to develop onto one of our more advanced glass courses, or to just find out a bit more about glass making.
Woodwork - Beginners/Improvers
This course will give students a thorough grounding in the practice and theory of woodwork, the emphasis being largely on practical work. The correct application and use of hand and power tools is covered in detail and students will be encouraged to design and make an original piece of work.
Bookbinding Workshop - Intermediate
Come along to our Bookbinding Workshop to spend some quality time working on your bookbinding or book conservation projects.
This is a lovely, welcoming intermediate group with some learners who have been attending for many years, and some newer to the college.
Please note that this is an Untutored Workshop, so this is for experienced bookbinders who can work on their own projects. There will be a tutor available to offer technical advice and keep an eye on health and safety in the room, but they will not be teaching the class.
Lettering & Calligraphy - All Levels
Lettering & Calligraphy – Formal and Modern Script
This course will introduce students to the traditional forms of a script of your choice. The course will cover script analysis, exploration of different inks, pens and papers. For improvers and advanced students the course will offer a deeper understanding of a script structure, script variations and flourishes to produce a wide range of effects.
Drawing from Scratch
The course will give you a general introduction to drawing. The emphasis will be on observational drawing and you will be taught how to observe and record line and tone using a range of materials. You will also be introduced to different mark-making techniques and elements of composition as well as exploring creative ways of using materials and techniques.
Watercolour, Acrylic & Inks
This course will enable you to experiment with a variety of water-based mediums, exploring different approaches to both drawing and painting. Subjects and styles will be investigated to stimulate your ideas as well as discussions on artists whose work may relate to particular projects. You will be encouraged to develop a personal approach to making art that is both creative, informed and imaginative.
Painting & Drawing
This structured course aims to give you a basic knowledge of the language of painting and drawing through composed exercises.
Themes vary a little each term so you can practice, improve and develop your skills whilst investigating new subjects. Subjects include mostly still life, some portraiture and some landscape (Summer term, weather permitting). See more below.
You will practice drawing from observation - learning ?how to look? using simple measuring techniques aimed at developing your confidence, then applying these skills in your own individual interests and creativity.
You will learn how to plan a composition with the help of a viewfinder- finding an exciting layout through preliminary studies
You will study colour theory and colour mixing, palette management, and a variety of painting techniques
The course will include a mini exhibition at the end of each session giving you the opportunity to discuss your work and give and receive group feedback in a relaxed studio atmosphere.
You will explore and respond to images and re-creations inspired by artists of today. You will develop an appreciation of fine art.
You can develop and interpret the different subjects in your own way. Your course tutor will guide you through each session and recommend strategies and approaches to achieve your aims.
You will respond to new, exciting and sometimes unusual subjects. You will be encouraged to try out various methods, styles and different ways to approach painting.
Oil Painting Restoration
The course will cover all aspects of oil painting conservation for beginners and continuing students will be able to build on previously acquired knowledge
Various restoration techniques will be covered. Students will be able to learn new skills as well as consolidate their existing knowledge of oil painting restoration techniques. The teaching will essentially be based on students’ personal projects (you will work on your damaged painting), but some lectures and practical exercises will be given by the Tutor.
Portraiture - Intermediate
This painting course is for students with some experience of observational drawing who would like to paint portraits. Working from models, both male and female, you will hone your drawing skills and use them to develop your portrait painting techniques.You will learn how to enlarge and transfer your drawings onto canvas; using oil paint, you will learn about colour, what colours to use, and how to arrange them on your palette; you will learn how to intermix colours and how to apply them to the canvas. By the end of term you will have begun to develop sound and practical painting and drawing methods.
Themed Figure Drawing & Painting - All Levels
Working from the life model you will explore a range of materials and approaches. You will be introduced to different ways of using line, tone and colour to make various drawings and paintings to help understand form and space.
You will learn strategies to help you draw the figure more accurately from observation and/or expressively using a variety of drawing materials.
