WEA courses

In this course, we will focus on an extraordinary artist, well-loved from today’s public: Vincent van Gogh. You will learn about his Dutch origins, his interests and friendships while in Paris, the dreams he nurtured in Arles, and, his last months in Auvers-sur-Oise. As we study the main phases in his life, we will study key examples of his paintings and drawings to better understand his artistic identity. What was the purpose of painting for him? Why did he paint with bright colours and thick brushstrokes? We will seek to understand van Gogh’s art not simply in light of his own mindset, but also in light of the wider cultural context he was part of.

This is the third course of six aimed at elementary (A1/A2) level learners. This six-week course is for those whose first language is NOT English and will practice all four major skills in each session to develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Although this is a low-level English course, learners should be able to recognise sounds of the English letters and read simple lines of text prior to joining so that they would not struggle. Lessons will be delivered face-to-face using a range of teacher led and freer interactive activities to build learners’ proficiency and confidence in the English language.

During this friendly and creative course, you will continue to use your sketchbook and art practice as a starting point to develop your work. You will have the chance to gain more confidence in your unique artwork by trying out different materials and techniques to create bigger scale work. You will be able to use the creative experiments carried out in your sketchbooks and on paper to progress your art practice by using your preferred techniques and materials. The many techniques, materials, themes, concepts and artists that influence your artwork will be crystallised into more finished pieces during this course.

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.

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.

During this creative and inspiring course, you will continue to collect your artistic ideas in sketchbook form. You will be developing your skills in drawing, painting, collage, note taking and sticking in reference to a range of inspirational material. You will continue to generate your own personal visual language as a starting point for larger work. This course will encourage you to consider the many themes, concepts and artists that resonate with you. The Sketchbook is a useful tool for the artist to offload their many artistic ideas and influences and try out new techniques and materials. This can be used in the safe space created in the classroom or wherever you go!

Explore the therapeutic benefits of arts and crafts with our Art Practical: Progression Arts and Crafts for Health and Wellbeing course. Ideal for individuals looking to enhance their well-being through creativity.

For beginners and improvers, this course will use the theme ‘ My World’ to explore a range of arts materials and techniques to give people confidence and skills to create their own unique art. ‘My World’ can be abstract, real or imaginary. As always, the focus will be on experimentation, enjoying the process, and trying a range of materials to find out what works best for each student’s style and interest. We will also be looking at a range of drawing techniques.

The Victorian years saw unprecedented industrialisation which changed the face of Britain but also attitudes. Industrial developments were perceived as both positive and negative, but the countryside was viewed as a tradition, community and continuity. Yet images of the country, as well as the town, reveal the complexity of a society adapting to the modern world. Depiction of idyllic country scenes and grimy urban life reveal deep tension in Victorian society. This course will reveal that complexity and the contradictions which characterised the years 1837 to 1901 by examining paintings, engravings, photographs cartoons and the literature of the period.

This course in art appreciation provides close attentions to particular works of art from two important artists working in Italy in the fifteenth century, Sandro Botticelli and Piero della Francesca. The focus will be upon specific paintings and drawings in relation to who the works were for, how the decisions about visual presentations were determined and the integration of pictorial practice with contemporary ideas. 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. The course would be appropriate for both experienced viewers of art and those new to the subject.