Drawing & Painting - Beginners & Improvers

Course intent

Learn a range of techniques and methods of drawing and painting. Gain confidence through using sketchbooks, drawing from photographs, found images and working from direct observation. Then paint in acrylics and / or watercolour finding what interests and inspires you.

What will I learn?

You will learn:

• how to draw and paint what you see
• how to use line, tone & texture in pencil and paint
• Pen, ink and wash techniques
• brush and pencil techniques
• colour theory and colour mixing
• watercolour painting techniques
• acrylic painting techniques
• composition to make your pictures more compelling
• about the tools and materials you are using
• how to develop your style & confidence by expressing yourself through your painting
• about artists and be inspired by this contemporary and historical context

  Who is this course for? Is there anything I need to know before joining?

  This course is for absolute beginners, beginners and those with some experience of painting wishing to develop their skills further.

  What do I need to bring to the first class? Will there be any extra costs?

  For the first class you need to bring:

• A set of pencils of various grades (e.g. HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
• A sketchbook of A4 cartridge paper
• Waterproof artists ink pen
• a soft rubber
• sharpener
• An apron or old clothes

During the first lesson, your tutor will discuss other materials that will be required for painting and give you tips on what to buy: the colours and brushes you will need if you don’t already own these materials.

What can I do when I finish the course?

Learners can progress onto many opportunities to take up other art & craft classes, including further drawing, watercolour and acrylic painting courses or one-day specific Saturday workshops with this tutor.

Additional information

We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol, please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class.

How to enrol

Our courses are for adult learners aged 19 or over. If you are under 19, please call 0300 200 1044.

Find another course

If this isn't what you're looking for, then we've got plenty more courses to offer!