Art courses for beginners
We have two "beginners" level courses available at the moment. Our still life course (Course 100) acts as a general introduction to art for anyone who has not studied it before, and is a suitable starting point for anyone wanting to go on to any of our other art courses. Our landscape course (Course 109) continues that first introduction to art, but can also be taken by people with some experience who have a particular interest in landscapes.
An Introduction to Painting and Drawing Through Still Life written by Elaine Honigmann (Course 100)
This course is the ideal starting point for both complete beginners and those wanting to hone or brush up rusty art skills. You will learn the basics of drawing and painting, and be introduced to a wide range of materials and techniques.
This course focuses on still life, the ideal subject to start with as you do not need to allow for movement, changes in weather or light, and so you can take as much time as you need. Gouache is the ideal paint for beginners. It is easy to use and introduces many of the painting techniques used in watercolour, acrylic and oil painting.
You will begin to discover your personal style through the following topics:
- keeping a sketchbook,
- line and shape,
- still life composition,
- more accurate drawing,
- introduction to perspective/space,
- composing with tone,
- colour mixing,
- colour harmony,
- colour composition,
- basic gouache techniques,
- introduction to mixed media,
- introduction to collage,
- drawing in colour,
- flower painting, and
- discovering your personal style.
Improving Your Art Through Landscapes written by Elaine Honigmann Course 109
This course aims to refine and develop a broad range of artistic skills through the study of landscape, a favourite subject for British artists. You will paint and draw landscapes, townscapes, waterscapes and skies, and develop the confidence to use perspective to create a convincing deep space.
You will also develop as an artist, becoming more creative, using mixed media, and meeting the challenge of painting mood and atmosphere. You will learn what to look for in art exhibitions, and how to adapt what you see for your own work as you develop your personal style.
The course covers:
- making sketches and studies,
- washes and painting wet-in-wet,
- impasto (Impressionist) and textured paint,
- composing landscape pictures,
- pattern and rhythm,
- landscape perspective,
- tone composition,
- colour harmony,
- colour composition,
- gouache painting techniques,
- mixed media,
- collage,
- (wet colour) drawing,
- painting outdoors, and
- developing your personal style.
Companion kits of art materials
All of our art courses have a companion kit of art materials which you may buy so that you can get started on your studies straight away. Please see our art shop page for more details.
