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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Art Practical: Watercolour Painting

This is a 6 week watercolour painting course for anyone wanting to learn or 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 setting.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 02/07/2025 -
Wed 30/07/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Concord Independent Living Hub
Concord
Nailsworth
Stroud
GL6 0DQ
Tutor:
Victoria Hendzel
Course code:
Q00013006
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

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:
£15



The courses below have already started, but are still available to book.

Art Practical: Paint an Expressive Landscape with Acrylic

Unlock the vibrant world of acrylic painting in our one-day workshop, "Paint an Expressive Landscape with Acrylic," held at the Springbourne Library. This immersive course is designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, providing a comprehensive introduction to the techniques and principles of landscape painting using acrylics. During this enriching day, you will delve into the expressive potential of acrylics, learning to capture the essence and mood of a landscape through colour, texture, and composition. Guided by an experienced artist instructor, you will explore various painting techniques, from bold brushwork to subtle blending, to create dynamic and evocative landscapes.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 12/07/2024 -
Fri 12/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Springbourne Library Community Room (Bou
297A Holdenhurst Road
Bournemouth
BH8 8BX
Tutor:
Abi Kremer
Course code:
Q00015414
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £23.10

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/07/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Seetec Pluss Poole
Poole
BH12 1ED
Tutor:
Dulcie Allan
Course code:
Q00013989
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

Art Practical: Creative Painting: Drawing Workshop

To introduce students to the art of drawing in a relaxed and supportive environment. Following on from Creative Painting Q00014040, this course takes students further into the basics of sketching and then drawing to produce convincing and vivid images. It provides step by step instructions on positioning the use of line, light and shade and proportion as well as drawing techniques such as pencil and charcoal. The course is suitable for both beginners as well as experienced students. The course will provide you with an understanding of the methods, materials and concepts required to create both ‘correctly’ and expressively drawn pictures.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/07/2024 -
Mon 22/07/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
John Pounds Centre (Portsmouth)
23 Pounds Gate
Queen Street
Portsmouth
PO1 3HN
Tutor:
Frank Ferrie
Course code:
Q00016292
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £16.80

Art Practical: Beginners Macrame Workshop - Make a Wall Hanging

Discover the art of macrame in our 3-hour Beginner's Macrame Workshop. This hands-on class is ideal for newcomers eager to learn the fundamentals of this intricate craft. You'll be introduced to essential techniques, including the square knot, half hitch, and lark's head knot. Guided by an experienced tutor, you will design and construct your own macrame wall hanging, transforming simple cords into a beautiful piece of art. By the end of the workshop, you'll have a completed wall hanging ready for display and the skills to continue creating macrame projects on your own. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own supplies.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 18/07/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Warwick Community Group
9 Pinewood Place
Knottingley
WF11 0QH
Tutor:
Victoria Bould
Course code:
Q00017680
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Art Practical: Develop a Portrait in Chalk Pastels

Unleash your creativity and dive into the vibrant world of chalk pastels with our one-day course, "Develop a Portrait in Chalk Pastels." Held at the Springbourne Library in Bournemouth, this course is designed to cater to artists of all levels, from beginners eager to explore a new medium to seasoned artists looking to refine their skills. The course will cover various aspects of portrait drawing, including composition, proportion, shading, and facial features. Whether you're interested in capturing a loved one's likeness or exploring expressive and abstract interpretations, this course offers a versatile approach to portrait artistry.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 19/07/2024 -
Fri 19/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Springbourne Library Community Room (Bou
297A Holdenhurst Road
Bournemouth
BH8 8BX
Tutor:
Abi Kremer
Course code:
Q00015493
How you'll learn:
In venue
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £25.20