Appreciate art through learning

Our Art History courses will give you a deeper understanding of what you're looking at. When it comes to art, everyone's has their own opinion on which artist is better than the other, and what their most famous work signifies.

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Through exploring the world of art history, you'll be learning about why pieces are made in the first place and what the pieces mean. You will also examine how that’s changed over a period of time, as well as the impact it’s had on society. 

You’ll be taught about many of the aspects from the art creation process, such as the materials used in artworks, and how different kinds of artists contribute differently in expressing their ideas through freehand drawing or digital media. 

Whether you're a seasoned art appreciator or a newbie, there's something here for everyone. From exploring art painted by Salvador Dali or learning all about the history of Nordic Art from the Viking era, we have a selection of online and in-person art history courses from different decades to choose from.  

Attend an Art History course near you  

Whether you choose to learn from the comfort of your own home, or opt for a space in your local community, you’ll be taught by a talented tutor who is an expert in their field. 

The support you’ll receive on our Art History courses

Your tutor will encourage you to develop an understanding of Art History that goes beyond what's on the surface, motivating you to truly immerse yourself in the subject. It’s our learning experience that sets us apart too, with an encouraging environment that ensures you attend each session with the excitement to learn.   

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Art Appreciation: Local Artists Colchester Part 2

This 5-week course delves into the works of five local artists, featuring Cedric Morris, Aline Gowen, Roderic Barrett, Richard Beford, and Mildred Blakiston. Each week explores key art concepts including, colour and composition through samples of their work. You will engage in group discussions, take notes, and recall information. By the end of the course, you will be able to notice significant local artists, describe their artistic methods, spot similarities and differences among local artists, deconstruct essential components of artworks, and select a preferred piece based on personal opinion.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 10/05/2024 -
Fri 14/06/2024
Times:
10:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Castle Methodist Church (Colchester)
Maidenburgh Street
Colchester
CO1 1TT
Tutor:
Abbie Cairns
Course code:
Q00015386
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Art Appreciation: The Architecture of Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor

We will investigate the extraordinary range of architecture produced by Christopher Wren, and see how his principal assistant Nicholas Hawksmoor went on to develop his own remarkable designs for churches in London, country houses and the universities. We will set out how, following the Restoration, Wren, as a mathematician, became the pre-eminent English architect of his time. Hawksmoor and John Vanburgh developed Wren’s architectural style into what became known as the “English Baroque “- we will consider the key features of this style and show how it related to Baroque in mainland Europe. This day school will combine short lectures with discussion sessions, backed up by colour-illustrated notes.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 11/05/2024 -
Sat 11/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Reading International Solidarity Centre
35-39 London Street
Reading
RG1 4PS
Tutor:
Keith Hasted
Course code:
Q00013788
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £36.00

Art Appreciation: The Art of the Romanovs

The Art of the Romanovs focuses on the artistic achievements of the Romanov dynasty from its founding in 1613 until its demise during the Russian Revolution in 1917. A study of the portraits of Romanovs which adorned their Summer and Winter palaces in St. Petersburg founded by Peter the Great to the impressive art collection of Catherine the Great housed in Hermitage, and the exquisite Faberge Easter eggs exchanged between Romanov family members now scattered around the world. Imperial palaces, paintings, jewellery, for 300 years the Romanovs had it all, and then the last Tsar Nicholas II lost it all.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 11/05/2024 -
Tue 11/06/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jolanta Jagiello
Course code:
Q00014488
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Art Appreciation: The Art of Ukraine

The Art of Ukraine traces Ukrainian art history within the historical and political contexts of the country, starting from the golden age of Kyvian Rus’, its role within the Russian Empire, and then as a Soviet Socialist Republic part of the USSR until its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022 an interest in knowing about Ukrainian art has grown, with Ukrainian art historians, critics, and curators raising the profile of Ukrainian art, artists, and art movements to keep alive the history of Ukrainian Art as distinct from the history of Russian Art.

Course Information

Dates:
Sun 12/05/2024 -
Sun 16/06/2024
Times:
11:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jolanta Jagiello
Course code:
Q00014498
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

History: Women Collectors, Dealers, and Museum Directors

This course is an Introduction to the ground-breaking women collectors of 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Powerful women who had the means to create extra-ordinary art collections which became the foundations of some of the most important art museums in the world. The course also examines pioneering women dealers of the 20th and 21st Century who boldly invested in artists and created new art markets for modern art. As well as trailblazing women art museum directors, the first to be appointed in their museum’s history, redefining contemporary art in the 21st Century in their mission to promote more women artists.

Course Information

Dates:
Sun 12/05/2024 -
Sun 16/06/2024
Times:
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jolanta Jagiello
Course code:
Q00012160
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Art Appreciation: Hockney and Nature

David Hockney is acclaimed internationally as a great artist. Born in Bradford in July 1937, he showed artistic talent from a young age and has used many different approaches to explore portraiture, still life, opera sets, and landscapes. In three sessions, we will learn about his early influences and the way he has used various techniques to explore subjects. Special emphasis will be placed on Hockney’s attitude to nature, how it is portrayed, and the way in which the natural world is important to him.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 13/05/2024 -
Mon 03/06/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (Berkhamsted)
289 High Street
Berkhamsted
HP4 1AJ
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00013903
How you'll learn:
In venue
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £30.00

Art Appreciation: Matisse

Come and learn about the life and art of Henri Matisse, one of the greatest painters of the 20th century. Inspiring and informative, this study-day will present the main stages of his career, from Fauvism to the Cut-Outs. We will analyse in detail some of his iconic works such as “the Bonheur de Vivre”, “the Dance”, “the Red Studio”, and the album of cut-outs, “Jazz”.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 18/05/2024 -
Sat 18/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Reading International Solidarity Centre
35-39 London Street
Reading
RG1 4PS
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00013790
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £36.00

History: Spirit of the North – Nordic Romantic Art

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the Nordic art movement of National Romanticism. The course will give a contextual historical background to the art and look at the art and artists of 19th century Scandinavia. In Northern Europe landscape painting has a powerful hold on our visual culture and especially in Scandinavia, where far northerly folk have found a kinship with nature to be indispensable. Nordic art is a little known treasure trove of stunning images of the Northern landscape and the country people. We will look in particular depth at the artistic developments in Norway.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 20/05/2024 -
Mon 22/07/2024
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Tim Stimson
Course code:
Q00014355
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

Art Appreciation: British Landscape Artists' Views of India

We will discuss, within a broader historical context, the various ways in which British colonial artists depicted the architecture and landscape of India through painting, prints and photographs.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 24/05/2024 -
Fri 24/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St Lawrence Parish Rooms (Winchester)
Colebrook Street
Winchester
SO23 9LH
Tutor:
Prasannajit De Silva
Course code:
Q00009392
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £35.00

History: Women in the Shadows

“Women in the Shadows" explores the resilience and creativity of women writers, artists, and musicians in 19th-century Europe, highlighting their remarkable ability to overcome societal barriers and leave a lasting impact on culture and society. Despite facing numerous obstacles, these women defied expectations and carved out spaces for themselves in male-dominated fields, challenging norms and stereotypes along the way. Through their groundbreaking work and pioneering spirit, they not only asserted their presence but also contributed significantly to the artistic and intellectual landscape of their time. This course explores and sheds light on their often-overlooked contributions and celebrates their enduring legacy.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 01/06/2024 -
Sat 01/06/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (King's Lynn)
38 Bridge Street
King's Lynn
PE30 5AB
Tutor:
David Price
Course code:
Q00014879
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00