Arts

This course is designed for learners who want to explore the fundamentals of painting and drawing. Learners will develop basic techniques in sketching, shading, colour mixing, and composition. Through guided exercises and creative projects, learners will gain confidence in expressing themselves artistically while working with different mediums such as pencil, charcoal, watercolours, and acrylics. Painting and drawing can help boost your mental health and well-being whilst being creative and engaging with like-minded learners from the local community.

Discover the world of Watercolour painting through step by step practical projects.

Discover the art of precision and creativity in our Sewing for Business Course. Dive into the fundamentals of machine sewing, mastering essential techniques and garment construction. From threading the needle to embellishing, you'll gain hands-on experience and the confidence to bring your design ideas to life. In parallel, embark on a beginner business journey, learning the basics of entrepreneurship for a sewing venture. Explore market trends, pricing strategies, and customer engagement to turn your passion into a profitable enterprise. Join us for a transformative learning experience that blends craftsmanship with entrepreneurial acumen, equipping you for success in the world of sewing and business.

If you fancied yourself as an urban sketcher but never had the confidence to work outside alone, join one of these sociable morning or afternoon sessions to capture an aspect or view of London’s River Thames and Bridges by the vibrant Southbank. Whilst drawing on location, we will be using dry materials, pen/ink alongside watercolour for line and wash sketches and work with two sizes of sketchbook (A5 and A4/3). Toilets and Meeting Point will be at Topolski Studios by the side of the Southbank main riverpath.

The course will present painting and drawing techniques in connection with art history references. Different media (such as acrylics, pastels or watercolours) will be explored in a fluid way, natural to the way an artist usually chooses to explore different subjects and themes. Ways of combining techniques through mixed-media will also be explored, and the course will emphasize the importance of choosing the right technique and materials for the desired subject and different ideas needed to be expressed. The course will present different artworks in connection with colour theory or compositional principles. A thematic discussion of artworks from art history as well as from contemporary art will help illustrate different ideas of composition or art theory. The course aims to empower students to understand the visual language of various artists and artistic movements, to understand the ideas that generated them and to help them start discovering a personal artistic style. By the end of the course students will start to create personal, original artworks and will learn to choose the medium that best suits their unique artistic expression.

Facing an empty page in your junk or art journal can be a daunting prospect, would you like to learn some creative techniques for filling those pages? Join me and together we can unlock some of the secrets of creating beautiful, thoughtful and fulfilling journal pages with creativity and meaning. This course is designed for those new to journaling, who don’t quite know where to start and more experienced enthusiasts looking to overcome ‘blank page syndrome’ and bring their journals, notebooks, altered books and memory albums to life. During the 10 weeks of this course we will explore techniques such as: • Layering and mixed media • Creating Interactive ephemera pieces • Mark making • Using stamps and stencils. Whether you want to document memories, express emotions or simply play with artistic techniques, this course will provide inspiration along with practical guidance to bring your creativity to life.

This course is for carers, those who have cared, and the cared for. This creative craft course is ideal if you want to feel calm while developing your creativity skills. Try your hand at mindful sewing. Learn the basic skills and techniques to produce your own pieces, and explore the tools and materials needed. Take inspiration from other creators. Find ways to use art for relaxation, whether you prefer to make it or observe it.

This online single session short course has been designed for carers, former carers and those who are being cared for. Take a bit of time out of your day, to learn a simple new skill in a fun and relaxed environment. The session will take you through some simple handmade book making techniques and requires minimal materials that you will mostly have to hand in a domestic environment. Learning new skills helps to boost creativity, problem solving and reduce stress levels, and one of these short courses is ideal to help increase these skills.

Join our experienced tutor and a group of like minded crafters as we delve into the rewarding world of all things paper craft: from books in miniature to large desktop folios, and everything in between. On this creative course our aim is to build confidence as you learn new or build on your existing skills which will enable you to realise your creative potential and use up some of your stash. Each week we will explore a new paper craft technique or project which will build your skills and enable you to create unique handcrafted pieces for yourself or as gifts. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned crafter this course offers both inspiration and hands on practise along with step by step guidance from your tutor, every step of the way. This course is aimed at those new to paper crafts as well as more experienced crafters.

For carers, former carers and the cared for. Take out some moments in your day to make a collage and enjoy a tactile and dynamic experience and notice how beauty can be created out of anything. You will be encouraged to choose diverse materials and bring them together in a process of discovery that strengthens your visual self- expression. Learn how this activity can also reduce stress, boost creativity, and enhance overall wellbeing in a supportive and nurturing environment