Textiles and surface pattern: colour and abstract design
A creative exploration of colour and abstract design for textiles. Explore and develop your understanding of colour using using paper dyes to create your own abstract imagery.
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.
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This course is designed to spark your creativity in textiles and surface pattern through hands-on drawing and media experimentation. Whether you’re a beginner who feels nervous about drawing or a more experienced artist, this course offers a welcoming space for you to develop your skills. Through playful and enriching experiments, you’ll discover how drawing can invigorate your design work. For those already confident in drawing, this course invites you to explore new techniques and expand your creative perspective. Emphasizing the importance of imaginative research, you’ll build explorative sketchbooks and delve into dynamic ways of capturing ideas, ensuring that each stage of your process contributes to innovative design.
What will we cover?
This course offers an in-depth exploration of colour and abstract design principles, with a focus on textiles and surface pattern applications. You will develop a body of experimental drawings through studies of texture, line, mark-making, printmaking, scale, layering, and surface techniques, using mixed media. Working with a collection of personal objects/images and still life sources, you will draw inspiration to infuse your designs with unique, meaningful elements. We will begin in black and white to establish a foundation, before gradually introducing colour as your designs develop. Throughout the course, we’ll emphasize the importance of sketchbooks as creative tools for gathering imaginative research and refining your design process. Beginners will receive guidance on starting and maintaining a sketchbook practice, while experienced sketchbook users will have opportunities to share and expand their methods. With a foundation in mark-making and printmaking, you'll experiment with layering and composition, transforming your drawings and sketchbook entries into design concepts. Using photocopying, collage techniques, and print processes, you’ll explore placement, layout, scale, repetition, and motif creation. Encouraged to follow a personal design direction, you’ll find that the design process often leads to surprising and exciting results, providing a solid grounding in textile and surface pattern design.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Beginners - Understand the basics of colour mixing and the use of paper dyes. - Develop ways to gather colour inspiration through new exploration methods. - Understand creative ways to develop abstract designs for textiles and surface pattern. - Gain confidence through the opportunity to build a small body of personal work of new creative ideas, techniques and processes, providing you with the foundation to build upon this within your sketchbooks for future textile and surface pattern application.
More advanced - Develop your creative experimentation.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels of ability from those who want to gain confidence in drawing and developing creative ideas to those more advanced who want to further their creative experimentation.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions. There will be demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is a creative course with an emphasis on hands on application. There will be teaching materials to refer to such as examples of the techniques and processes that you will be exploring. You are welcome to take photos for your own future reference. There will be discussion, support and feedback throughout the course. You may choose to develop your work during the time between classes but this is not at all compulsory.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
-Basic materials are included. - Sketchbook: A4 or A3 Portrait or Landscape. -You may wish to bring a further selection of drawing media that you personally like to work with. -You may wish to bring 1 or 2 additional personal objects to work from for still life drawing. Consideration of these objects may include any of the following: interesting surface texture, marks, shape and/or colour. -You will need to bring a selection of 4-6 images which you find inspiring whether this is through colour, texture or composition. These may be your own photographs or images from books, magazines or found and printed out from the Internet. -It would be useful to bring a simple portfolio/folder to carry your work home in.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can further develop your skills and interest in design through a range of textile courses at the City Lit such VX455 Textiles and surface pattern: drawing and design and City Lit Textiles. Please browse the website for all other upcoming courses. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00
Janie Murphy (b.1967 Leamington Spa, UK) studied an MA Degree in Textile Design at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, London (1993-1995). She has sold work through numerous retail outlets and galleries but more recently through The Artist Support Pledge via Instagram and The Dulwich Artist Open House. Janie currently lives in South London and works from a small studio (converted 1920’s garage) at the end of her garden. She loves drawing, painting and printmaking. Inspiration for work is taken from her environment and the garden. Her observational drawings are developed as Abstract artworks using bright colours, surface overlays, collage and prints. She has experience in teaching adults from all different backgrounds. At City Lit she runs short courses in textiles, recycling fashion and printed textiles. You can see her designs featured on: https://www.instagram.com/janiemurphy4/ https://patternbank.com/janiemurphy
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/textiles-and-surface-pattern-colour-and-abstract-design286200Textiles and surface pattern: colour and abstract designhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/j/a/janie_textiles_development_1_2.jpg239239GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Fashion & textiles/Courses/Art & design/Fashion & textiles/Textile design & software/Courses/vm/Make Art You're Proud Of22851132115517291374412285113211551653A creative exploration of colour and abstract design for textiles. Explore and develop your understanding of colour using using paper dyes to create your own abstract imagery.002568133Textiles and surface pattern: colour and abstract design239239https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/j/a/janie_textiles_development_1_2_3.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-05-09T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMay 2026Art & designVX306239239Textiles and surface pattern: colour and abstract design191155239Janie Murphytextiles-and-surface-pattern-colour-and-abstract-design/vx306-2526A creative exploration of colour and abstract design for textiles. Explore and develop your understanding of colour using using paper dyes to create your own abstract imagery.0000-Available|2026-05-09 00:00:00This course is designed to spark your creativity in textiles and surface pattern through hands-on drawing and media experimentation. Whether you’re a beginner who feels nervous about drawing or a more experienced artist, this course offers a welcoming space for you to develop your skills. Through playful and enriching experiments, you’ll discover how drawing can invigorate your design work. For those already confident in drawing, this course invites you to explore new techniques and expand your creative perspective. Emphasizing the importance of imaginative research, you’ll build explorative sketchbooks and delve into dynamic ways of capturing ideas, ensuring that each stage of your process contributes to innovative design.A creative exploration of colour and abstract design for textiles. Explore and develop your understanding of colour using using paper dyes to create your own abstract imagery.This course offers an in-depth exploration of colour and abstract design principles, with a focus on textiles and surface pattern applications. You will develop a body of experimental drawings through studies of texture, line, mark-making, printmaking, scale, layering, and surface techniques, using mixed media. Working with a collection of personal objects/images and still life sources, you will draw inspiration to infuse your designs with unique, meaningful elements. We will begin in black and white to establish a foundation, before gradually introducing colour as your designs develop.<br/>Throughout the course, we’ll emphasize the importance of sketchbooks as creative tools for gathering imaginative research and refining your design process. Beginners will receive guidance on starting and maintaining a sketchbook practice, while experienced sketchbook users will have opportunities to share and expand their methods.<br/>With a foundation in mark-making and printmaking, you'll experiment with layering and composition, transforming your drawings and sketchbook entries into design concepts. Using photocopying, collage techniques, and print processes, you’ll explore placement, layout, scale, repetition, and motif creation. Encouraged to follow a personal design direction, you’ll find that the design process often leads to surprising and exciting results, providing a solid grounding in textile and surface pattern design.Beginners<br/>- Understand the basics of colour mixing and the use of paper dyes.<br/>- Develop ways to gather colour inspiration through new exploration methods.<br/>- Understand creative ways to develop abstract designs for textiles and surface pattern.<br/>- Gain confidence through the opportunity to build a small body of personal work of new creative ideas, techniques and processes, providing you with the foundation to build upon this within your sketchbooks for future textile and surface pattern application.<br/><br/>More advanced<br/>- Develop your creative experimentation.This course is suitable for all levels of ability from those who want to gain confidence in drawing and developing creative ideas to those more advanced who want to further their creative experimentation.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions. There will be demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.This is a creative course with an emphasis on hands on application. There will be teaching materials to refer to such as examples of the techniques and processes that you will be exploring. You are welcome to take photos for your own future reference. There will be discussion, support and feedback throughout the course. <br/>You may choose to develop your work during the time between classes but this is not at all compulsory.-Basic materials are included.<br/>- Sketchbook: A4 or A3 Portrait or Landscape.<br/>-You may wish to bring a further selection of drawing media that you personally like to work with.<br/>-You may wish to bring 1 or 2 additional personal objects to work from for still life drawing. Consideration of<br/>these objects may include any of the following: interesting surface texture, marks, shape and/or colour.<br/>-You will need to bring a selection of 4-6 images which you find inspiring whether this is through colour, texture or composition. These may be your own photographs or images from books, magazines or found and printed<br/>out from the Internet.<br/>-It would be useful to bring a simple portfolio/folder to carry your work home in.<p>You can further develop your skills and interest in design through a range of textile courses at the City Lit such VX455 Textiles and surface pattern: drawing and design and City Lit Textiles.<br/>Please browse the website for all other upcoming courses.<br/>General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00</p>Fashion & textilesTextile design & softwarevirtual191239155VX306NONESat09/05/26 - 23/05/2610:00 - 16:0010:0016:003 sessions (over 3 weeks)31 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetJanie MurphyBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-05-09T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Art & design239239Textiles and surface pattern: colour and abstract designtextiles-and-surface-pattern-colour-and-abstract-design/vx306-2526A creative exploration of colour and abstract design for textiles. Explore and develop your understanding of colour using using paper dyes to create your own abstract imagery.0000-Available|2026-05-09 00:00:00This course is designed to spark your creativity in textiles and surface pattern through hands-on drawing and media experimentation. Whether you’re a beginner who feels nervous about drawing or a more experienced artist, this course offers a welcoming space for you to develop your skills. Through playful and enriching experiments, you’ll discover how drawing can invigorate your design work. For those already confident in drawing, this course invites you to explore new techniques and expand your creative perspective. Emphasizing the importance of imaginative research, you’ll build explorative sketchbooks and delve into dynamic ways of capturing ideas, ensuring that each stage of your process contributes to innovative design.A creative exploration of colour and abstract design for textiles. Explore and develop your understanding of colour using using paper dyes to create your own abstract imagery.This course offers an in-depth exploration of colour and abstract design principles, with a focus on textiles and surface pattern applications. You will develop a body of experimental drawings through studies of texture, line, mark-making, printmaking, scale, layering, and surface techniques, using mixed media. Working with a collection of personal objects/images and still life sources, you will draw inspiration to infuse your designs with unique, meaningful elements. We will begin in black and white to establish a foundation, before gradually introducing colour as your designs develop.<br/>Throughout the course, we’ll emphasize the importance of sketchbooks as creative tools for gathering imaginative research and refining your design process. Beginners will receive guidance on starting and maintaining a sketchbook practice, while experienced sketchbook users will have opportunities to share and expand their methods.<br/>With a foundation in mark-making and printmaking, you'll experiment with layering and composition, transforming your drawings and sketchbook entries into design concepts. Using photocopying, collage techniques, and print processes, you’ll explore placement, layout, scale, repetition, and motif creation. Encouraged to follow a personal design direction, you’ll find that the design process often leads to surprising and exciting results, providing a solid grounding in textile and surface pattern design.Beginners<br/>- Understand the basics of colour mixing and the use of paper dyes.<br/>- Develop ways to gather colour inspiration through new exploration methods.<br/>- Understand creative ways to develop abstract designs for textiles and surface pattern.<br/>- Gain confidence through the opportunity to build a small body of personal work of new creative ideas, techniques and processes, providing you with the foundation to build upon this within your sketchbooks for future textile and surface pattern application.<br/><br/>More advanced<br/>- Develop your creative experimentation.This course is suitable for all levels of ability from those who want to gain confidence in drawing and developing creative ideas to those more advanced who want to further their creative experimentation.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions. There will be demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.This is a creative course with an emphasis on hands on application. There will be teaching materials to refer to such as examples of the techniques and processes that you will be exploring. You are welcome to take photos for your own future reference. There will be discussion, support and feedback throughout the course. <br/>You may choose to develop your work during the time between classes but this is not at all compulsory.-Basic materials are included.<br/>- Sketchbook: A4 or A3 Portrait or Landscape.<br/>-You may wish to bring a further selection of drawing media that you personally like to work with.<br/>-You may wish to bring 1 or 2 additional personal objects to work from for still life drawing. Consideration of<br/>these objects may include any of the following: interesting surface texture, marks, shape and/or colour.<br/>-You will need to bring a selection of 4-6 images which you find inspiring whether this is through colour, texture or composition. These may be your own photographs or images from books, magazines or found and printed<br/>out from the Internet.<br/>-It would be useful to bring a simple portfolio/folder to carry your work home in.<p>You can further develop your skills and interest in design through a range of textile courses at the City Lit such VX455 Textiles and surface pattern: drawing and design and City Lit Textiles.<br/>Please browse the website for all other upcoming courses.<br/>General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 10:30 – 12:00 then 15:00 – 17:00</p>Fashion & textilesTextile design & softwareconfigurable
