These courses examine the theory and practice behind a range of art movements Each course explores a different theme or genre and combines lectures, a seminar component (discussions and analysis of artworks) and a workshop element. The latter (one and a half hour per two hour session) will explore various artistic styles and practical techniques in drawing, painting and mixed media.
Tutor: Abi Kremer
This year we are running three different courses throughout the year and these will take place at our Highfield Campus on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9pm.
Please see below a short summary of each course. To book your place, please visit our online store.
1) The Modern British Landscape
We look at the changing social art historical context from late 19th to 21st Century and the impact on artists, each of whom bring their own agenda to the topic. During this module, you will explore the evolution of modern British landscape art from JMW Turner to Kurt Jackson.
You’ll have practical exercises in class using drawing materials, paint and collage, with personal references as a starting point. This module combines:
- lectures
- seminars to discuss and analyse artworks
- workshop
During the last one and a half hour of each two-hour session we will explore various artistic styles and practical techniques in drawing, painting and mixed media.
Dates: Tuesday 14 October to Tuesday 2 December 2025
2) Female Portrait Artists: 16th to 21st Century
This practical art course will help develop analytical and creative skills by reflecting on major art movements.
The Art world has seen a remarkable range of successful female visual artists over the centuries. Their journey, so often a poignant tale of struggle, is inspiring.
This 8-week course will examine the achievement of women painters in a diverse range of styles, tracking the story of art from 16th to 21st Century.
It will enable you to make practical experiments in a range of genres, including Portraiture, Still Life, Landscape and Abstraction with a series of practical exercises involving drawing materials, paint and collage, using own references.
Dates: Tuesday 13 January to Tuesday 3 March 2026.
3) Exploring the Still Life
This course examines the theory and practice behind a range of art movements with an illustrated lecture looking at context and incorporating group discussion. This is followed by a practical session in which techniques and ideas are sampled.
This broad and highly personal genre was taken to new heights of experimentation by Picasso and Braque in the early 20th Century. We will look at the way artists have responded to still life subjects with a series of practical exercises using drawing materials, paint and collage, using chosen objects.
By the end of the course, you will be able to make experimental and resolved still life art and expand your knowledge of this genre.
Dates: Tuesday 21 April to Tuesday 9 June 2026