This course is particularly suitable for those with less experience although all levels of ability are welcome. The aim of the course is to enable students to develop and expand drawing and painting techniques, whilst exploring the relationship between the two disciplines. Students will be encouraged to work form observation, as well as using imagination and secondary sources such as photography. Other topics of discussion will include the use of sketchbooks and concepts of pictorial design. The course aims to develop student’s confidence within the disciplines of drawing and painting. The Summer term will include working outdoors, weather permitting.

Materials needed

Charcoal variety of widths

Basic set of brushes

Set of acrylics and/or oil paints

Students undertake their own drawing and painting projects through tutorially advised studio practice, with demonstrations and critical advice provided within the studio context. In consultation with the student, the tutor will give advice as to setting up these projects and will often relate them to art history or contemporary art as well as the students’ individual requirements. Subjects are individually chosen and will usually be developed over several weeks. The course embraces a wide range of drawing and painting techniques, styles and genres, and focuses on meeting the critical and technical needs of each student. Therefore, tuition is one-to-one.

Materials needed

Charcoal - a range of widths

A range of pencils

Plastic rubber

Masking tape

Coloured oil pastels

Projects are designed to introduce and explore concepts of abstraction and expressionism from a starting point of observational drawing / painting. Colour theory is central. Students attending this class are encouraged to respond in an experimental / imaginative way to the subject matter which for this term will be landscapes, buildings & interiors; working locally from observation as well as from photographs and from their own drawings / imagination, ideally developing a personal response to each task set. Projects are often related closely to the history of art and contemporary art.

Materials needed

Charcoal - a range of widths

A range of pencils

Plastic rubber

Masking tape

Coloured chalk or oil pastels

This class caters for artists/students of all abilities, ranging from beginners to advanced. Guidance/teaching is delivered on an individual basis, and collectively in the form of group critiques in each session. The nude model acts as a conduit for artistic expression and creative zeal, primarily through drawing and the use of colour.

Materials needed

A range of pencils

Rubbers

Charcoal (a variety of widths)

Painting materials eg pastels, paints - whatever you currently have

Open Studio is a forum for artists from all backgrounds to work together on their own projects in a serious studio environment from 10am-4pm on Tuesdays in the renovated Victorian artists’ studio at the Conservatoire, which is spacious and north lit. Students also have access during this time to the specialist reference library. The day provides a platform for artists to have contact with other artists, encouraging discussion, constructive criticism and cross fertilisation for ideas and theories.Most participants attend for all ten weeks and for all three terms. This has been shown to create a genuine community of people making serious art, supporting each other and feeding off each other’s enthusiasm. Alternatively, due to the flexibility of hours and payment methods, artists can also use the day less regularly or for short periods; for example to work on a specific project – perhaps related to another course being taken at the Conservatoire or elsewhere. The Open Studio allows time and space for ideas to form and a network in which to discuss and hypothesize.

** £127 for a book of 5 session tickets. Single session tickets (£41) are also available. Booking system in operation, ring the office for details, 020 8852 0234

Materials needed

Students should bring whatever they need for their individual projects.

This course is created for all ability group participation. Designed both for teaching and facilitating individual expression in the development of a range of practical skills and techniques. Ranging from the fundamental use of materials to advanced exploration in perception and creative endeavours. Students will be encouraged to consider their work within an Art-Historical context in order to further develop their understanding of the figure.

Materials neeed

People and Portraits

A range of pencils

Rubbers

Charcoal (a variety of widths)

Painting materials - whatever you currently have

This class is for adults of all ages and ability to paint primarily in water-based paint, such as watercolour, acrylic, gouache and more. Drawing is employed to inform and support the paintings. We work primarily on group projects which are most often negotiated around still life set-ups. Participants are supported and encouraged to pursue personal painting projects from outside sources such as photographic portraits and travel sketches. This class offers the ideal opportunity for individuals to enhance their love of painting within a supportive group with responsive tutoring in the superb studio setting at the Conservatoire.