This is a fun, day-long taster course in hand built ceramics for those who may be considering a longer evening or Saturday course and would like to try it out first. Throughout the day the tutor will lead the class in practical demonstrations to help you to learn the various processes involved in working with clay by using classic hand built ceramic techniques such as pinching and coiling as well as basic finishing techniques. We aim to foster self-certainty and enjoyment of the media within this workshop and offer a relaxed yet stimulating environment. Please note that at the end of the day there will be the possibility to choose to have your work kiln fired.

This is a fun, day-long taster course in drawing for those who may be considering a longer evening or daytime course and are wondering how much they will enjoy it. Throughout the day the tutor will lead the class in practical demonstrations to help you begin to see shape and tone, and how these elements can relate together to form a composition. We aim to foster self-certainty and an enjoyment of drawing in a relaxed yet stimulating environment. As you work through a series of exercises, you will gain confidence with pencil and charcoal, which will encourage you to further explore the medium.

This is a fun day-long taster course in oil painting for those who may be considering a longer evening or daytime course and are wondering how much they will enjoy it. Throughout the day the tutor will lead the class in hands-on, practical demonstrations to show you how to mix colour and see shape and tone, and how these elements relate to form a composition. We aim to foster self-certainty and an enjoyment of painting in a relaxed yet stimulating environment. You will make at least two paintings in the day, the morning will be spent focusing on how to handle oil paint whilst working from a still-life set up using natural and organic forms. During the afternoon students will be taken through detailed colour theory whilst painting a bright colourful still life, they will learn how colour and pigment strengths affect oil paint and how to use it to create a vibrant expressive painting. Throughout the day you will be encouraged to play and enjoy the application of paint whist also understanding techniques of working from observation.

This is a fun, day-long taster course in sculpting with clay and plaster for those who may be considering a longer evening or daytime course and want to try it out first. Spend the morning with the joy of clay to create a small figure sculpture from a life model. In the afternoon mix plaster and other media to make your own creative sculpture. No need to worry if you have nothing in mind. This is a great opportunity to combine these two basic sculpture skills and techniques. There will be the option to leave your clay sculpture for hollowing and firing for an additional fee and you are welcome to take home your plaster piece. Throughout the day the tutor will lead the class in practical demonstrations to help you get a feel for the medium and the way it can be manipulated into shape and form. We aim to foster self-certainty and an enjoyment of sculpting in a relaxed yet stimulating environment.

This is a fun day-long taster course in watercolour painting for those who may be considering a longer evening or daytime course and are wondering how much they will enjoy it. Throughout the day the tutor will lead the class in numerous short demonstrations , followed by sort practical painting sessions to introduce you to the common techniques used in watercolour painting. The tutor will demonstrate how to mix colour with an emphasis on working tonally, and the importance of  planning the sequences needed for a work on paper. You will make many 'sketchbook style' explorations in the morning (although these may be done on sheets of paper), learn about paper varieties, paint types and some additional materials, whilst practically manipulating watercolour paint. During a part of the afternoon students will have the opportunity to apply their learning and paint from a selection of still life items*. Tutor feedback and support will be constant during this longer afternoon painting session. A short review of learning will complete the day. Throughout the day you will be encouraged to play and enjoy the application of paint whist also developing an understanding of ways of working from observation. *This course is remotely taught. A list of essential materials and still life items will be provided. Please plan ahead to gain the most from your day. The course price was adjusted to exclude price of the materials which are usually provided by the Academy.