WEA courses

Discover the art of portrait painting with our Art Practical: Learn to Paint Portraits course. Learn techniques for capturing likeness and expression in your paintings. Ideal for artists of all levels looking to develop their portrait painting skills.

The emergence of abstract art in the early 20th century was a revolution. When looking into its very beginnings the names of Kandinsky, Malevich, and Mondrian come to mind. But in the 1980s, the world discovered the abstract paintings made by a Swedish artist, as early as 1907. Should her many abstract paintings encourage us to rewrite the history of abstract art, or can her work and experiments be seen as marginal because of her intense spiritualism? Why did her works come to our attention so late? This is a thought-provoking case, and a great story!

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of practical drawing and painting techniques with a specific focus on still life compositions. Through a series of hands-on exercises and projects, students will develop their artistic skills and gain a deeper understanding of the principles and elements of art. In a supportive and collaborative environment, participants will learn to observe and capture the essence of still life objects using various drawing and painting mediums. Through a combination of demonstrations, discussions, and individualized feedback, students will refine their abilities to render form, texture, and light with accuracy and sensitivity.

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of practical drawing and painting techniques with a specific focus on still life compositions. Through a series of hands-on exercises and projects, students will develop their artistic skills and gain a deeper understanding of the principles and elements of art. In a supportive and collaborative environment, participants will learn to observe and capture the essence of still life objects using various drawing and painting mediums. Through a combination of demonstrations, discussions, and individualized feedback, students will refine their abilities to render form, texture, and light with accuracy and sensitivity.

Discover the beauty of botanical art with our Art Practical: Botanical Illustration course. Learn techniques for accurately depicting plants and flowers in your artwork. Ideal for artists and nature enthusiasts looking to refine their illustration skills.

This course will help you develop further watercolour techniques interrelated with drawing skills, and in connection with inspiring examples in art history. It will help you learn classical techniques in a subtle way, by relating them to examples by various masters of drawing and watercolour and contemporary artists. If you would like to have a fresh view of watercolour painting and drawing, and learn how to achieve expressivity by carefully combining techniques such as glazing, graded wash or cross-hatching, this course will offer you an overview and will inspire personal artworks of great subtlety and sensitivity It will also encourage you to create your own original artworks based on the techniques learned and it will bring a fresh perspective on known techniques and styles, if you have already practised them in your own paintings. You will need to bring your own materials, paints and paper along for this course. The tutor will let you know what to bring

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.