Adults
It’s not just the children missing term-time courses. Adults can continue to be creative and take the chance to try some exciting new options not usually in the programme.
Summer Atelier (18+)
26th / 28th July & 2nd / 3rd August, 10.00 - 16.00 (£220 for all four days)
Like the term time Atelier Conservatoire, this course is based on the traditional European system of artists coming together as a group to work in a serious studio environment on personal projects, with the support and guidance of a tutor. Participants need to be self-motivated and have an idea of what they would like to do. Many make painting projects based around photographs as source material as well as their own research and drawings. Others work from observation - the still life or interior - as well as imaginatively on abstract compositions. The course runs in the spacious Studio 1 for two, full consecutive weekends. It is an opportunity to continue developing projects already begun in the Atelier Conservatoire, or to begin something new and see it as an intense self-contained period of work. Some experience of painting and drawing is essential.
Tutor: David Webb
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Painting a Portrait in Oils Using a Photograph (18+)
Monday 28th July, 18.00 - 21.00 (£39)
In this beginner-friendly portrait painting workshop, you’ll use your own photographic reference to create a portrait in oil paint. You'll be guided through the process step by step, with a focus on interpreting colour and capturing form from the image. The session is designed to strengthen both your observational skills and creative approach. Suitable for all levels, and with materials provided, this is a practical introduction to portraiture in oils. We are delighted to be working once again with visiting tutor Lee Fether. Lee has over fifteen years of experience as a practicing artist in Greenwich, specialising in portrait commissions and landscape paintings. Lee's portrait of broadcaster and author Michael Rosen can be seen at the National Portrait Gallery.
Tutor: Lee Fether
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Make Your Own Resin Jewellery (18+)
Wednesday 30th July, 18.00 - 21.00 (£39)
Which summer flowers would you like to preserve forever? Come along to this resin jewellery workshop at the Conservatoire to make beautiful resin pieces to wear into the autumn months, to keep summer with you! Using Eco resin and dried flowers, we will create pieces of jewellery perfect to wear in all seasons. Perfect for a summer souvenir or a present for someone you love!
Tutor: Clare Kendall
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Drink & Draw: Summer Series (18+)
Fridays 1st / 8th / 15th / 22nd August, 18.00 - 21.00 (£39 per session)
Come along to the Conservatoire Drink & Draw workshop series to let your hair down, learn some new skills, and make friends. Led by two of our expert art tutors, you’ll spend a fun Friday evening mixing prosecco with paint as you tackle your very own A3 canvas! You’ll come away with a wonderful piece of painted work, no matter your prior experience - beginners are welcome. Each session will take inspiration from a different artist and you will explore different mediums each week. You are welcome to join one, many, or all sessions this summer. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided, if you have any allergies please share them with us at the point of booking, thank you.
Tutor: Sue Harris & Lilly Walker
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Beginning With Watercolour (18+)
Tuesday 5th August, 18.00 - 21.00 (£39)
Get started with watercolour! Starting a fresh blank piece of paper can be daunting, but in this masterclass your expert tutor Sophie Knight will show you some of her own methods which will help you to really have fun with the medium, and work more impulsively. Working from photos of landscapes and seascapes, Sophie will guide you with some ways to apply the paint quickly and to be bold in your approach. This short course will suit both beginners, and people with a small amount of experience in watercolour, who would like to experiment and develop a sense of freedom with the medium. Sophie Knight is a member of The Royal Watercolour Society and her work is in the British Museum, the House of Lords, and several high-profile collections. She runs our weekly term-time watercolour class.
Tutor: Sophie Knight
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Being Bolder In Watercolour (18+)
Tuesday 5th August, 18.00 - 21.00 (£39)
Watercolour is sometimes an unpredictable medium, but it doesn’t have to be scary! Following on from her beginners class on the 5th August, Sophie Knight is back at the Conservatoire for this all-day workshop for those looking to get to the next level working with watercolour. Sophie will demonstrate her own painting techniques such as using large blocks of colour washes to get the painting on the move quickly and create depth. During the day you will experiment with working ‘wet on wet ‘ techniques, by keeping your paper damp; spraying the paper with a fine mist of water, and even squeezing paint directly onto the paper! You will be working from selection of print of landscape photos, developing your paintings using these as a starting point. This course would suit people with a little bit of experience in watercolour work, who would like to work in a freer manner. Sophie will help to develop your confidence and sense of freedom in the medium. Please bring along your own brushes if you have them. Other brushes will be provided.
Tutor: Sophie Knight
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Coil Pots: Historical Vases & Vessels (18+)
Monday 11th August, 18.00 - 21.00 (£39)
Through the ancient technique of coiling, get in touch with history by exploring a clay handbuilding staple! Learn how coil pots have been used throughout history, dating back to 8000 BCE and create your very own vessel inspired by ancient designs. Whether a complete newbie or a beginner with some experience, this workshop will take you through the basic hand building technique before incorporating your designs onto your pot.
Tutor: Catherine Walker
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Working with Ink (18+)
Wednesday 13th August, 18.00 - 21.00 (£39)
Come and join regular Conservatoire tutor Kirsten for a bespoke one-off workshop to explore the rich medium of ink. You will experiment with both drawing and painting, working with water-based coloured inks to create your own study or landscape. Find out if you are a 'line' or 'wash' person… or both! This class is perfect for both beginners and those with previous painting or drawing experience. Materials and equipment are all included but participants are also welcome to bring their own.
Tutor: Kirsten Lyle
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The Art of Calm: Create an Origami Bouquet of Lilies & Irises (18+)
Tuesday 19th August, 18.00 - 21.00 (£39)
In this relaxing three-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to fold beautiful lilies and irises from origami paper and create a delicate bouquet to take home. Origami is not only creative but also wonderfully mindful and satisfying — offering a calming, meditative focus as you transform paper into elegant three-dimensional flower forms. Suitable for all levels, you'll be guided step-by-step to create both flower types. They share a similar process, with small yet satisfying differences that result in two distinct blooms. We’ll add wire stems so your flowers stand tall! Once you’ve mastered the folds, you’ll be able to continue crafting more flowers at home to grow your bouquet. Come and enjoy a peaceful, creative evening — and make a lovely gift for yourself or someone special. The Conservatoire is delighted to be working for the first time with local artist Yukako Shibata. Yukako was born in Hokkaido, Japan, and has lived and worked in London since 1993. Yukako holds an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art. She has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows across the UK, Canada, Germany, and Japan. Her work is held in many public and private collections worldwide, including those of Doris Lockhart Saatchi, The Tim Sayer Collection (bequeathed to Hepworth, Wakefield), Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank, Braintree District Council, Poplar HARCA, and the Royal College of Art Collection.
Tutor: Yukako Shibata
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