WEA courses

How do the popular representations of smuggling in novels, songs, poems, paintings and film match up to the reality? We will look at some of the enduring romantic depictions alongside official records to consider the reality of life for people up and down the Essex coast in the 18th century engaged in smuggling or the fight against it.

This course is designed for beginner to intermediate artists who want to turn their crafts into a source of income. Participants will learn essential skills for creating marketable artwork, including crafting techniques, pricing strategies, and effective marketing methods. The course covers various art forms, helping students identify and develop their unique artistic style to attract buyers. Ideal for those looking to monetise their creativity, this course provides practical insights and guidance to successfully sell their artwork. By the end of the course, participants will have a understanding of how to create, market, and sell their artwork effectively. They will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to turn their passion for art into a source of income, confidently navigating the art market and establishing a successful creative business.

The once mighty Ottoman Empire lost some of its lustre during the 18th Century. After its armies reached the walls of Vienna in 1683 the boundaries of the Sublime Porte contracted in a series of military, diplomatic and economic reverses. This course considers the ways in which the Ottomans responded to a changing world in the 19th century, seeking to preserve their position within it. We examine questions of politics, religion, language, culture and economics whilst all the while having an eye towards the consequences for the region, Europe and the world then and now

The Church has historically been a major patron of the arts, and all major artists have works in church buildings around Europe. From Saxon wall paintings and lavish medieval alter pieces, to contemporary installations in Cathedrals, this course looks at the variety of art commissioned by the Church, from the Sistine Chapel ceiling to Victorian church textiles. We discuss where good examples can be seen in this country, including stained glass and sculpture. The way in which art in Churches has reflected the major art history developments is at the core of this course.

The act of looking is so closely bound up with the act of writing. Novels depend upon those moments when an author presses the pause button and allows their characters to just stop and look at something. This course will explore how photos, especially, can be used as a vital stimulus for creative writing. Over two days, you will explore the work of some of the world’s finest photographers, from Andre Kertesz to Garry Winogrand, all projected upon the screen. You will then be encouraged to look even closer and see where these images take your own writing. The course will also consider how established writers have engaged with the art of photography, from John Berger to Susan Sontag, Tony Harrison and Geoff Dyer. Most importantly, you will encourage you to find a way of using your own photos as a way of unlocking your own hidden powers of writing and observation. Come along and join our friendly lipreading group at The Centre in Newlyn. This class is suitable for all levels of lipreaders and is ideal for those recently experiencing hearing loss. Our experienced tutor will guide you through the basics of lipreading and show you how to practice your lipreading skills in everyday life. Research has shown that attending a lipreading class can give you greater: • Confidence to communicate with others • Control over your hearing loss, as you develop new communication skills • Independence, as you’re less reliant on others to help you follow conversation (Source RNID.org.uk) You will learn in a supportive environment alongside other learners who will be able to share their experiences of hearing loss and learn how to overcome them together

Advance your sewing skills with our Craft: Sewing 2 course. Learn intermediate techniques and create more complex projects. Ideal for individuals with basic sewing experience looking to enhance their skills.

From the Blue Rider to the Bridge to Dada, the emergence of modernism in the early 20th century saw a flourishing of artist groups who challenged what art is and how it should be made and seen. In this course, we’ll look at some of the key collectives, leading artists who were part of them and their artistic innovations, including among others Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Ernst Kirchner, Kurt Schwitters and Marcel Duchamps.

In this comprehensive course, you will dive into the captivating world of acrylic painting. Over the duration of the course, you will be guided through a journey that encompasses fundamental drawing and painting skills. You will develop the ability to recalland apply various drawing and painting techniques with a specific emphasis on the versatility of acrylics. Gain an in depth understanding of these techniques, enabling you to expertly compare, contrast, and evaluate their effectiveness in your acrylic artwork. At the end of the course, you will put your skills to the test as you independently craft a final outcome in the medium of acrylics.

The portrait has flourished as an art form from the ancient world to the present day and this innovative course will explore its continuing popularity. We shall study not only the painted face and figure but a variety of formats and formulae, from statuary to pendant medals and miniatures, and study artists as diverse as Holbein, Titian, Gainsborough, Singer Sargent and Francis Bacon. We include a reflection on the place of the photograph in this history of portraiture.

American art historian Linda Nochlin in 1971 posed the question as to “Why have there been no great women artists?”. Women artists have been overlooked, undermined, and forgotten over the centuries. This course will write them back into art history by focusing on the most committed and accomplished women artists from the 17th Century to the 21st Century covering women painters, sculptors, installation artists, and performance artists.