WEA courses

This Day School studies the glorious art and architecture of the 1,000-year Republic of Venice.

This course aims to give you an introduction to a range of watercolour techniques such as layering, colour blending and creating textures, to gain basic skills and an insight into the possibilities of this exciting medium.  Come along and join fun in a relaxed and friendly environment. This course is a great chance to develop your skills and meet new people while creating something unique.

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.

What makes an artist forger artworks?, what motivates them?, which famous artists do they copy?, what techniques do they use?, and do they get away with it?. This course explores the answers to these questions, as well as how many fakes are produced, and the money that can be made. Above all, when the forger is caught how they can became celebrities in their own right with exhibitions of their artworks in their own name. The course will also examine the challenges and opportunities and above all the controversies surrounding AI-generated Art, is it original, a copy or a fake?

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.

Can you read the hidden meanings in paintings? For centuries artists have relied upon symbols to convey their intentions, but how do we find out what lies behind some of the most well-known works of art? In this extensively illustrated study day with WEA tutor David Brindley, we’ll explore the wealth of symbolism in western art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the Impressionists to Surrealism, and from abstract art to the present and offer an interpretation of the hidden meanings within these pieces.

Exploring National Authors Day 2024: A Short Interactive Session In honour of National Authors Day on November 1st, 2024, this 2-hour interactive session offers participants a vibrant exploration of literature and authors. The session begins with an introduction to the history and significance of National Authors Day, emphasising its role in celebrating the achievements and impact of writers across cultures and genres. Participants will engage in interactive discussions and activities designed to showcase the diversity of literary works and authors. Through guided exploration of notable authors and their contributions, attendees will discover new perspectives and genres, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling. The session will include opportunities for creative expression, such as writing prompts, collaborative storytelling exercises, or exploring excerpts from celebrated literary works. Participants will be encouraged to share their favourite books, authors, and literary influences, contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas and recommendations. Throughout the session, facilitators will highlight the importance of supporting authors and literature, discussing ways to promote reading culture and literacy in communities. Interactive elements will encourage participants to actively participate and engage with the themes of creativity, imagination, and cultural diversity in literature. By the end of the session, participants will have gained insights into the global impact of authors and their works, inspired to continue exploring and celebrating literature beyond National Authors Day. This interactive session aims to ignite a passion for reading, storytelling, and the written word, fostering a community of enthusiastic readers and supporters of literary arts.

The Christmas story has probably inspired more art than any other subject. From medieval icons of the Virgin and Child to the Renaissance paintings of the shepherds and the wise men; and from stained glass windows to Christmas cards, the story has been at the forefront of western art.

This 5 week course delves into the works of 5 street artists, including Banksy, Blek Le Rat, JR, Blu and Os Gemeos. Each week explores key art concepts including colour and composition through samples of their work. You will engage in group discussions, take notes and recall information. By the end of the course, you will be able to name significant street artists, describe their artistic methods, spot similarities and differences among their work desconstruct essential components of artworks and select a preferred piece based on personal opinion.

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.