Choose from a variety of creative art courses

Explore your creativity through painting and drawing and choose from a variety of creative art classes. With a huge range of subjects to learn from, you can choose from online or in-person options.

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Our creative arts courses will get you working with pastels and pencils, exploring fine art and even get you out and about discovering new galleries in your spare time. 

Paints to pastels

Delivered by experienced art tutors, why not try getting creative with clay, or getting hands-on painting your very own masterpiece. 

If you’re interested in drawing, you won’t be disappointed either. Collage making, oil painting, pastel painting and printing are just some of the subjects that have proved popular in recent years.  

Many of our arts courses are delivered for different levels of experience too, so whether you’re a beginner or a little more advanced, you’ll be able to choose the art course that’s right for you. 

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This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Art Practical: Drawing and Watercolour Techniques with Art History References: Spring Themes

This course will help you develop further watercolour techniques interrelated with drawing skills, and in connection with inspiring examples in art history. It will help you learn classical techniques in a subtle way, by relating them to examples by various masters of drawing and watercolour (such as Dürer, Turner or Cezanne) and contemporary artists (such as David Hockney or Anselm Kiefer). If you would like to have a fresh view of watercolour painting and drawing, and learn how to achieve expressivity by carefully combining techniques such as glazing, graded wash or cross-hatching, this course will offer you an overview and will inspire personal artworks of great subtlety and sensitivity It will also encourage you to create your own original artworks based on the techniques learned and it will bring a fresh perspective on known techniques and styles, if you have already practised them in your own paintings. You will need to bring your own materials, paints and paper along for this course. The tutor will let you know what to bring
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 15/01/2025 -
Wed 12/03/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reformed Church (New Ba
Corner of Somerset Road & Mowb
New Barnet
EN5 1RH
Tutor:
Emanuela-Alina Baloiu
Course code:
Q00017383
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £80.00

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Practical Art: Watercolours for Complete Beginners (Part 2)

Do you want to learn the basics of watercolours? Have you tried before and given up in frustration? Why not join this course for support and encouragement? Watercolour, simply put, is water mixed with pigment which is then applied to paper. But painting with watercolours is something entirely different. It can be complex, confusing, and fun at the same time. While not a medium to be controlled or manipulated, part of the very beauty of working with watercolours is learning to let go! Come and join us to find out more.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 16/01/2025 -
Thu 27/03/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Deborah Crofts
Course code:
Q00017575
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Art Practical: Improvers Drawing and Painting - Portraits

Welcome to our comprehensive course on Drawing and Painting Portraits at Springbourne Library, where creativity meets skill development in a nurturing environment. This course is tailored for adults with some art skills and aims to unlock the artist within and provide a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all participants. This engaging course delves into the captivating world of portraiture. We will explore the fundamentals of drawing and painting portraits, offering a step-by-step journey from the initial sketch to the final brushstroke. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our program is designed to cater to all levels of experience.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 17/01/2025 -
Fri 21/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Springbourne Library Community Room (Bou
297A Holdenhurst Road
Bournemouth
BH8 8BX
Tutor:
Abi Kremer
Course code:
Q00016821
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Art Practical: Exploring Drawing and Painting - Portraits

Begin to develop your own artwork in this beginner friendly art class, by learning how to create portraits, by using a wide range of materials. It doesn't matter if you have never picked up a drawing pencil. This course is designed to build your confidence and skills in the art of drawing and painting portraits. All you need to bring is your favourite materials to the wonderful Springbourne Library and start expressing your inner artist. The sessions are run y experienced tutors, and they offer and safe and friendly space to be creative and develop your artistic skills and talents.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 17/01/2025 -
Fri 21/03/2025
Times:
1:30pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Springbourne Library Community Room (Bou
297A Holdenhurst Road
Bournemouth
BH8 8BX
Tutor:
Abi Kremer
Course code:
Q00016823
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

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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),
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  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Art Appreciation: Artistic Communities

The reasons behind founding an artist community in the UK, from identifying some of their famous residents to the subject matter and art movements they are associated with. This course will cover the art communities in St Ives and Newlyn in England, Kirkcudbright and Cockburnspath in Scotland, Betws-y-Coed in Wales, Northern Ireland Muralist in Belfast and Londonderry, and ending with the Black Art Movement and the growth of online art communities.
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Course Information

Dates:
Sat 01/02/2025 -
Sat 15/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Redbridge Institute of Adult Education (
Gaysham Avenue
Gants Hill
Ilford
IG2 6TD
Tutor:
Jolanta Jagiello
Course code:
Q00017560
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £60.00

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Art Practical: Watercolour painting

This is a watercolour painting course for anyone wanting to learn and improve their painting skills. You will learn how to draw and paint within a group of like-minded budding artists. Guidance and support is offered throughout the course from our talented tutor, to develop your artistic skills. You will also have the opportunity to connect with and support others in a small artistic community. No previous skills in watercolours are needed to join this group. This course is held in Nailsworth, Stroud, in an independent living community and you will find peace and relaxation in a wonderful Cotswold
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 24/02/2025 -
Mon 31/03/2025
Times:
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
GL11 Community Hub (Dursley)
Fairmead
Cam
Dursley
GL11 5JS
Tutor:
Victoria Hendzel
Course code:
Q00016923
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Art Practical: Abstracting Spring Landscapes

Learning about Abstract Landscape Art is a fascinating and rewarding topic; it tracks an evolving story looking at different ages, from 19th Century innovators such as JMW Turner, through to Impressionism, Cubism, Futurism and Modernism in general, right up to the 21st Century. This course will also introduce you to some lesser known female artists who have been formerly neglected by the art establishment. Inspired by these examples, shown at the beginning of each lesson in an interactive visual presentation, we will develop skills in a range of drawing and painting media, including drawing inks, chalk and oil pastels, watercolour, acrylic, collage and mixed media. This course is for complete beginners and those looking to improve their skills and develop their own style.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 05/03/2025 -
Wed 09/04/2025
Times:
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Abi Kremer
Course code:
Q00013205
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.30

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Craft: Crafts For Wellbeing

Welcome to the Craft for Wellbeing course! This course helps you feel better by doing fun and relaxing crafts. You will learn to make things with your hands, like painting, knitting, and making jewelry. Each session focuses on a different craft, giving you new skills and creative ideas. Doing crafts can help you relax, reduce stress, and improve your mood. The course is easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions. You don't need any experience, just a willingness to try new things and have fun. Join us to enjoy the benefits of crafting for your wellbeing!
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 10/03/2025 -
Mon 31/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Clovelly Centre (Southampton)
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tutor:
Tracey Sweetman
Course code:
Q00016763
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.20

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Art Practical: Art for Wellbeing

Welcome to the 'Art for Wellbeing' course! Learning Arts has proven to improve mental health well-being and relax yourself. This course focuses on using art to improve mental and emotional health. Through creative activities like painting, drawing, and collage, you'll explore self-expression and relaxation techniques. Learn how art can reduce stress, boost creativity, and enhance overall wellbeing in a supportive and nurturing environment. Your tutor will teach you techniques of using Arts to improve your overall wellbeing. You will meet other students from all around the world and learn new techniques from each other.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 03/04/2025 -
Thu 15/05/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Clovelly Centre (Southampton)
60-68 Clovelly Road
Southampton
SO14 0AU
Tutor:
Tracey Sweetman
Course code:
Q00016905
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

This course is available for WEA members only until 10 am on Wednesday 3rd July.

Creativity for Calm

Are you looking for a relaxing hobby to help you unwind? Creating moments of calm in the day is essential for our emotional well-being and mental health. Step into the world of mindful crafts with this course and enjoy art for relaxation. This creativity course allows you to explore your art and craft skills to find practices that soothe you. Whether you enjoy drawing, painting, origami, or craft-making, art courses can help you find a relaxing hobby.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 23/04/2025 -
Wed 09/07/2025
Times:
9:00am - 11:00am
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Rebecca Spear
Course code:
Q00015874
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £81.40