A contemporary approach to making art from plants and flowers using different mixed media drawing methods and techniques. Learners will practice a different drawing method each week, including observational drawing, using acrylic paints, oil pastels, paper collage techniques and printing to create their own unique outcomes. Practical colour theory tips will be incorporated into each session as well as drawing inspiration from artists and illustrators. This course is good for stepping out of your comfort zone, expanding creativity, and conceptualising nature in your own way.

This course will introduce you to painting and drawing techniques to create patterns and designs for surfaces, or act as a springboard for digital design projects. You will explore how rotation and reflection can create an effective pattern. We will look at different sources of inspiration, from nature, geometry, abstract forms, flora, fauna, as well as designers and artists that create patterns.

This course is suitable for beginners who wish to learn the basics of life drawing – measuring – capturing a person – learn to experiment with different drawing techniques, then experiment with pastels- Degas style and just have fun. More experienced participants can develop personal projects and experiment to develop wonderful, colourful life drawings.

This course will introduce you to the essentials of oil painting and support you to develop your technique. Topics covered will include how to organise your palette, control colour mixing and blending, and what mediums to use to alter the handling qualities of the paint. You will learn the different terms used in oil painting technique such as glazing and impasto, and will develop paintings either from observation, through abstraction or from imagination.

Working with a model, you will be introduced to various different drawing methods for portraiture. From technical drawing and accurate proportions to more expressive techniques. This is a great class for those new to portraiture who would like a step-by-step introduction as well as more experienced artists who would like to develop their work. This class provides a calm, friendly and supportive atmosphere to enable sustained concentration on working from life.

On this course, you will get hands-on experience of applying the principles of colour to painting. Colour theory will be discussed; however, the emphasis of the course will be practical. You will learn to make the most of colour, achieve colour harmonies and use neutral colours as well as bright colours.

During this one-day course, you will learn how to effectively photograph 3D artwork using appropriate lighting. You will also look at how to best display and transport your work including options for box frames, plinths and packing. You will have the opportunity to create at least one card bespoke display block or mount and receive information about many other options.

If you have a developing creative practice but are unsure of the next step, this two-day course could be for you. We will cover how to find and enter competitions and exhibitions with your artwork and finding and applying for grants and bursaries. We will look at how to present your work online and

This course runs over two half days, and you will learn how to use Instagram and Facebook to promote your practice, including how to increase followers and make the most of social media exposure. On the second day, we will explore the potential of blogging and how this can also promote your creative practice online.

Ever been told you could sell your artwork, but no idea where to start? During this two-day course, we will explore how to turn your art work into a product (including options for having images printed on to items) and how to get your artwork on Etsy and making the most of the platform. On the second day, you will learn how to create a basic artist’s website using Wix. A great opportunity to start making your hobby pay for itself or more!