Contemporary sketchbook: mixed media projects
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 03 Oct 2025End Date: 12 Dec 2025Fri (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00In PersonFull fee £449.00 Senior fee £359.00 Concession £292.00
- Start Date: 16 Jan 2026End Date: 27 Mar 2026Fri (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00In PersonFull fee £449.00 Senior fee £359.00 Concession £292.00
- Start Date: 01 May 2026End Date: 10 Jul 2026Fri (Daytime): 10:00 - 13:00In PersonFull fee £449.00 Senior fee £359.00 Concession £292.00
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What is the course about?
An introduction to the use of the sketchbook as a visual diary of your experiences, interests and visual experiments. You will explore ways of recording and developing ideas and experiment with composition. This will involve drawing and working in mixed media using a variety of materials, both in the studio and on location. You will be encouraged to discover and pursue your personal means of expression in response to the work of contemporary artists.
What will we cover?
- How contemporary artists have produced exploratory work and sketchbooks.
- Visual language - the use of line, tone, texture, shape, form, colour and the implications of composition.
- Working on location as well as in the studio.
- The generation of personal themes that may fuel one or two larger works in the studio.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Experiment with materials and techniques.
- Gather information in the studio and on location.
- Develop ideas for composition/final works.
- Develop materials and media towards personal ends.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is designed both for those with basic drawing skills and for more advanced students who wish to develop and enhance a personal means of enquiry and expression, through sketchbook work.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Examples of sketchbooks will be shown. Demonstrations of methods and techniques will be given. There will also be practical exercises, handouts, one-to-one discussion and tuition, and informal group presentations and reviews.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Basic drawing materials for the course are provided. Please bring an A4 hardback sketchbook and any preferred drawing media you may have, to the first session. You will need a variety of materials, to be advised during the course.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The sketchbook course is designed to help you explore and develop your own initiatives through drawing and mixed-media, and paves the way for further development in the visual arts, such as drawing, painting, textiles and 3D work.
Your tutor can advise you on the right course for you to progress onto.
Ruth has taught drawing, painting and mixed media for more than 30 years, at many levels including Further, Higher and Adult Education, all over the country, including Manchester, Birmingham and London. She studied Fine Art at Liverpool and Birmingham Universities and has exhibited diversely, including the Royal Academy in London. As an artist and educator she has an eclectic mix of skills and interests. Drawing is pivotal. Mixed media has become a central focus over the years and her practice has developed towards the interface between Fine Art and Textiles where elements of painting, relief and experimental textiles meet. Coming from a background of accomplished artists and educators’ she has spent many years developing values in educational practice and enabling students to access their own creative potential.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.