WEA courses

Discover the art of precision and creativity in our Sewing for Business Course. Expand on the fundamentals of machine sewing, mastering essential techniques, and creating a garment of your choice. You'll gain hands-on experience and the confidence to bring your design ideas to life. Learners will be taught how to make specific garments, as well as master more skilled techniques, such as sewing concealed zips into garments and more complex stitching. Join us for a transformative learning experience that blends craftsmanship with entrepreneurial acumen, equipping you for success in the world of sewing and business.

The Sistine Chapel is indeed a jewel box of great painting. With works by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Perugino and Michelangelo, some of the greatest works of the Italian Renaissance are to be found there. But this is more than just a collection of great works. It is also the pope’s private chapel and so these works were created not just for display but to relay a greater message to the world, But how many of the thousands of visitors really understand that message or what these works are about? In this study day we shall seek to decode the 'messages' contained in these great works and see what Sixtus IV and Julius II and their artists were really saying to us.

This course is delivered to a group of learners based in a local partner-organisation which offers a range of activities and opportunities for LLDD learners. The sessions are delivered face-to-face in a purpose-designed space in the partner-organisation’s premises. The course is delivered once a week for 2 hours. There is no charge for venue hire from this partner-organisation. Support workers are provided by the partner-organisation.

Explore the complex history of art destruction with our Art Appreciation: The Destruction of Art by Artists, Institutions, and Conflicts course. Learn about the motivations, impacts, and ethical considerations of art destruction throughout history. Ideal for art enthusiasts and anyone interested in the intersection of art, history, and ethics.

This course views painting produced in the twentieth century. The course will include developments of figurative and abstract painting. There will be views of artists already prominent in the early twentieth century and artists who set out after 1945 from a wide range of attentions. From those born in the nineteenth century to those born in the 1960s. The course will attend to direct visual experience of reproduction of the works involved linked to elements of comprehension and understanding through a considerable range of exciting encounters and engagements. There are no requirements from students prior the beginning of the course. Students would benefit from access to online sources during the course. Papers and images will be made available to students through the WEA Canvas site. You will need to have access to the internet to access the papers for this course. The course uses a secure digital learning portal for all the classes and for communications with the tutor and access to learning materials.

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.

This 6 session course will offer learners the opportunity to practise and learn more about using watercolour as a medium through different tasks and projects. You will be working from imagery of flowers, trees and other organic objects to inspire you and will cover use of specific essential techniques such as wet on wet, lost and found edges and tips on how to work from light to dark. Sharing work, feedback and group discussion will be an essential component for this course. Suitable for beginners and those with experience. Materials list will be available on canvas prior to course.

Mindfulness means the awareness that arises from paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” Jon Kabat-Zinn 1990 Surely drawing is a perfect way to stay present in the moment...or is it? Not if the inner critic has anything to do with it. This course will help you challenge your inner critical voice and help you gain confidence in your drawings. You will be encouraged through weekly exercises that build on your skills and willingness to let go of any sense of accuracy or perfection. Instead the practical drawing approaches will instil a sense of liberty in yourself and emphasis on trusting your instincts. Drawing materials list will be available beofre course starts on Canvas. This course will be run online with an intimate and friendly sharing group.

In this course, we will discuss in detail works from lesser-known painters of the Renaissance era. Since the High Renaissance is much better known, we will look at artists from the fifteenth century, who were very highly thought of at the time. They were influential and sought-after by the powerful in Florence.

Over the last twenty years, research and exhibitions have brought to our attention a great number of Victorian women artists. From Emily Mary Osborn and Lady Butler (aka Elizabeth Thompson) to Evelyn De Morgan, 19th century London did not lack great women artists. They lived in a society that globally remained hostile to independent career women. We will see how they trained, what they painted and his which style, and how they balanced the pressure of social norms and their personal ambition.