WEA courses

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.

Isolation includes solitude (choosing to be alone for contemplative or other good reasons) and social isolation (real or psychological separation from others, which can result in loneliness). Some artists need solitude to explore the world around them or to remove external pressures. Others use their work to express feelings of loneliness, whether from societal causes, unrequited love, illness, or other circumstances. Our speaker, Roger Wotton, will discuss a range of paintings that express, for example, the solitude found in nature, or the loneliness in urban living. He will consider, too, the most common example of isolation shown in art: the Crucifixion of Christ.

This exciting new course in art appreciation provides close attentions to particular works of art from ancient and modern periods. Ancient art from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome; the European Renaissance; the Enlightenment and its derivations; twentieth-century Modernity; the present day. The focus will be upon the specific and often connected comprehensions of beauty and coherence through understanding specific works of art in relation to these concepts. The course will present a range of work each week and will select one part of the subject for a Close View for detailed attention. The focus will be upon works of art in relation to their sometimes specific and often varied concepts of beauty. This will encourage a range of attentions from ideal sculptures to presentations of works with planned proportions as well as incidental measurements. This will also involve attentions to both forms directly from the natural world to objects representing different aspects of humanity.

We shall discuss the tidal waves of history which enabled the Low Countries to become the driving force in trade, exploration and also painting at this time. This course will educate and entertain those with an interest in the life and work of three of the greatest artists of their age and probably of all time – Pieter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt van Rijn and Johannes Vermeer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.