Textiles sketchbook course

Course Dates: 31/05/25 - 14/06/25
Time: 10:30 - 16:30
Location: Keeley Street
Tutors: 
Ruth Brison
Develop a creative and experimental sketchbook. Explore the surface qualities of drawing and mark-making with the layered possibilities of mixed-media and hand stitch. You'll have the chance to generate visual research and ideas towards a personal project.
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220075
Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £191.00 Concession £155.00

Textiles sketchbook course
  • Course Code: VX704
  • Dates: 31/05/25 - 14/06/25
  • Time: 10:30 - 16:30
  • Taught: Sat, Daytime
  • Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
  • Location: Keeley Street
  • Tutor: Ruth Brison

Course Code: VX704

Sat, day, 31 May - 14 Jun '25

Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)

Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.

What is the course about?

This course has been devised for textile and mixed media practitioners with various experience who wish to develop a textile sketchbook, to generate visual research and develop creative ideas towards personal projects. Students will be able to observe and understand the concepts behind a range of work from artists, generating ideas in mixed media and stitched textiles. Materials will include pencils, pastels, paint, collage and mixed-media towards the use of more tactile processes such as paper, fabric and stitch. Projects will be structured to promote visual thinking and the creative process.
The use of surface and structure may also be suitable for those involved in related areas of ceramics, applied arts and jewellery.

Students will research subjects and themes - explore materials and techniques – develop and inform ideas towards personal outcomes. By the end of the course students will have a body of work in the sketchbook.

What will we cover?

• Research and the production of visual material and surface treatments for sketchbook use.
• A range of mixed-media techniques, including mark making, drawing, collage (paper, fabric, photographs) and stitch.
• Developing ideas and outcomes from visual starting points.
• What forms can a sketchbook take? How to consider choosing a format and working in a personal way.
• How textile artists have developed ideas – leading to resolved pieces.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Research and collect visual material for use in an individual sketchbook.
• Work with a variety of techniques: mark-making, drawing, mixed-media, surface manipulation and stitch.
• Appreciate and consider a range of work from practitioners
• Explore a range of ideas and outcomes about chosen themes.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Some drawing experience will help. However, the course is designed to assist students with more tactile skills to use the experience of drawing, mixed media and stitch to develop ideas.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.
Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Demonstration, group discussions, brainstorming, practical work, one to one and group tutorials.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will be required to bring one A4 – A3 sketchbook, for the course. Book bound or spiral, portrait or landscape with good quality cartridge paper is appropriate. (Spiral bound books allow for densely textured work). Any other sketchbooks you may have, of a different scale or surface, (such as watercolour) can also be used. All other materials will be supplied, but if you have additional drawing, colour or textile materials you would like to try, please bring them along.

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 where you can use what you have created on this course.

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.

Ruth Brison

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.