Arts

Discover the beauty of botanical illustration with our Art Practical: Botanical Illustration course. Learn techniques for drawing and painting plants and flowers with precision and detail. Ideal for artists and nature enthusiasts.

This course is designed to ignite your imagination and help you express your creativity through mixed media art journaling. Whether you're a beginner, who would like to try a new hobby, or a more experienced crafter on this course we will look at a variety of techniques and different mediums to create unique, expressive journal pages. No prior art experience is necessary- just an open mind and a desire to explore your creativity. During this course we will: • Look at the fundamentals of art journaling and it’s benefit for personal expression. • Experiment with variety of techniques such as drawing, doodling, painting and collage. • Develop your own style showcasing your creativity • Learn how to use prompts to inspire your journal pages. • Build your confidence in using art as a form of self expression.

Enhance your artistic skills with our Art Practical: Intermediate Art Practical course. Learn advanced techniques for drawing, painting, and mixed media. Ideal for artists looking to refine their abilities and explore new creative approaches.

Have you learnt the basics of painting in watercolours and are looking for fresh ideas? Do you want to learn how to create expressive and creative textures and effects in watercolours? Are you unsure where to start, what to use and how to use it? Why not join this course to explore your own creativity, find inspiration and receive support and encouragement? This ten-week course aims to provide lots of ideas and techniques for working spontaneously and expressively as well as how to create a variety of different textures and effects. You will also have the opportunity, to share ideas and take part in weekly discussions about your artworks with the tutor and other students on the course. This course is funded by Greater London Combined Authority.

Many people find it difficult to have some “me time” out of a busy life to spend time on a creative activity. This course will give you the opportunity to understand the benefits of indulging in a creative activity and how this can have a positive effect on your mental health and wellbeing. You will have the opportunity to learn the basic skills of a range of different crafts and share skills and knowledge with other crafters. Each session will allow you to try a different craft which may lead you to discover a craft which could become a new hobby for you to enjoy.

Macramé is a creative knotting technique that can be used to make a variety of items, plant hangers, wall hangings, friendship bracelets, belts, and bags. including jewellery and other decorative items. It’s a great way to relax and create beautiful art pieces for your home. Learning new skill is to support learners with their health and wellbeing. Learn a new skill which may be a route into employment / self-employment. During this course your tutor will give you demonstration and individual attention for your guidance. In this course you will be working with a macramé cord and each learner will be able to complete a wall hanger . It can be used by you or can be gifted to the loved ones. This is a continuation of the autumn beginners’ course, but newcomers are also welcome

Join us for this practical course aimed at improvers to explore creative ideas & learn techniques for making cards & decorative items with the personal touch for birthdays and Easter. Be inspired by the seasonal change to use cheerful colours and motifs. You will extend your papercraft skills to create handmade card, gift boxes and bags, and decorations. We will craft together step by step during the sessions & discuss ways the projects can be adapted, there will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and share ideas. Learners will explore the choices of different papers, colours, patterns to suit the different projects. Projects will be discussed at the start of the course & different items will be made each week. You will be able to build upon skills learnt to experiment and perhaps inspire independent projects. Spring & Easter themes will be included in the projects. This course will explore possibilities to inspire creativity. This course is ideal for enthusiastic crafters wanting to experiment with different ideas that can be used for different occasions.

Discover the art of mosaic making with our Craft: Beginners' Mosaics course. Learn basic techniques for creating beautiful mosaic designs. Ideal for beginners and craft enthusiasts looking to explore this ancient art form.

For many prospective art students, the thought of learning to draw a portrait is quite daunting, in fact some would say it is their nemesis! However, challenging yourself to confront this can be incredibly rewarding. The first time you achieve something akin to a real, convincing likeness is quite thrilling, and rest assured, it is a taught skill. This course is structured so you will learn skills of proportion, perspective, line, tone, and colour and be able to clearly analyse requirements for the task. This course is for complete beginners and those looking to improve their skills and develop their own style.

Learning about Abstract Art is fascinating and rewarding. This course covers its evolution from 19th-century pioneers like JMW Turner to movements such as Impressionism, Cubism, Futurism, Modernism, and up to the 21st century. It also highlights lesser-known female artists who have been overlooked by the art world. Each lesson starts with an interactive visual presentation featuring these examples. You’ll learn and practice using various drawing and painting materials, including inks, chalk, oil pastels, watercolour, acrylic, collage, and mixed media. This course is suitable for complete beginners and those wanting to improve their skills and develop their own style.