Art courses, craft kits and handcrafted gifts

On this course, you’ll learn key strategies to help you draw the figure and begin experimenting with new approaches. It’s open to beginners, but will also suit those already familiar with life drawing. The course is therefore ideal for anyone wanting to upskill, for personal or professional development. Whilst there are a wealth of life drawing classes out there, very few encourage the use of contemporary approaches. This is despite the influences of work by the likes of Egon Schiele and Jenny Saville, both of whom have pushed the boundaries...

Come and join us on this practical journey of discovery as we travel half way around the globe to source the finest examples of Islamic Geometric Pattern; Persia, India, and Moorish Morocco and Al-Andalus will feature in our travels. The genius of the craftsmen geometers from the Islamic Golden Age has never been surpassed; their pursuit and devotion for a unifying language embodying their Religion, Art and Science - without parallel. The principles underlying Islamic Geometric Pattern are timeless and as relevant today as they have ever been or will...

This course is encouraging and gently challenging. It’s aimed at those interested in drawing and mark-making using different tools and materials. It will encourage participation, experimentation and reflection, whilst exploring the fundamentals of energy, the organic self, the sensory self and the expression of self. Mark-making can be the result of an action or a gesture. Marks can use or remove material. They can remain on the surface or penetrate below. As children, making marks is natural, and drawing can be seen as crucial to their development - it could...

The Andalusian Nasrid masterpiece the Alhambra has for centuries proved a rich source of inspiration for artists, scientists, mathematicians and poets. The human soul has an inherent yearning for the True, the Beautiful and the Good; tourists flock in the millions annually to experience these timeless principles present in the patterns and architectural proportions of this magnificent palace. Participants will develop a portfolio of Geometric Patterns from the Alhambra and will also develop a deep appreciation of the process of Islamic Geometric Pattern designing/constructing from first principles using the traditional...

This is not an old-fashioned still-life drawing course. Over the two days, you’ll learn how to draw and illustrate your own imagined designs and concepts, using drawing to refine and develop a three-dimensional form. Freehand drawing is a fundamental skill of the professional designer. It’s used extensively within the design industry to communicate an early idea and concept (before the computer aided design and modelling begins). This course is therefore aimed at anyone involved in 3D art and design who would like to improve their drawing skills. It’s ideal for...

This course is an energetic exploration of the ways in which people use drawing and mark-making to analyse and respond to physical (and metaphysical) spaces. It’s aimed at anyone who is new to drawing or people with experience looking for a challenge. The course aims to enhance your ability to produce expressive, analytical, mixed media and collaborative drawings. It will also improve your knowledge and understanding of traditional and contemporary approaches to drawing and mark making. Topics and content will be dictated largely by the aspirations of the group. However,...

This course will provide you with an introduction to digital animation using Adobe Animate CC and Wacom Cintiq tablets. On this course you will: - learn the fundamentals of animation including timing and spacing - create animated ball bounces and walk cycles - study the movement of balloons and other objects - create character turnarounds - build your own short animation that demonstrates a personal approach. You can have little or no previous animation knowledge to attend and still achieve great results. What will you gain? By the end of...

This summer course explores new ways of thinking and advanced technologies that are being used by professional architects today. The course will introduce you to contemporary approaches to design, with ingenious projects that will develop your awareness of how designers are shaping the modern world we live in. During this course you will: - investigate current building projects in the UK and around the world - learn the various stages of design development that professionals must go through - go on excursions to see local projects in progress, as well...

Art encourages you to be a spontaneous, original thinker and have a great imagination. Spark your creativity and express yourself on this exciting, experimental course. You will have the opportunity to explore both 2D and 3D contemporary art techniques and use unconventional materials whilst developing your own unique style. Perfect for artists who enjoy trying new things, this course is a great way to develop your portfolio if you are thinking about further studies. It’s also an ideal way to build your confidence and work on your creative skills, gaining...

On this practical course you’ll have the opportunity to engage with the latest concept art techniques and create successful characters and environments for game design using Adobe Creative Suite and Wacom tablets. You’ll be creating a world of your own, developing a personal approach to either real-life, fantasy, sci-fi or cartoon concept art. You can have little or no previous knowledge to attend and you can have any drawing ability – you will still achieve great results! This course is ideal for anyone who’d like some fun, hands-on experience turning...