Summer courses in art & design

Learn how to develop original abstract ideas from simple starting points and build confidence using a variety of painting approaches in acrylics. Explore the power of line, colour and texture in a lively weekend of structured project work.

This course introduces you to new ways of combining printmaking with creative thinking by using multiple printmaking techniques and processes, layering them to produce compositions that can be made into artworks to take away with you.

Learn how to throw mugs, bowls and lidded jars. Intermediate students can use this course to refresh their skills on the wheel. Tutor:.

Gilded initials make perfect gifts for family and friends. You’ll learn painting techniques and how to apply a PVA mordant and use real leaf. You will be provided with a number of decorative alphabet templates and then taken step-by-step through the stages of drawing, painting and applying real gold to create your own illuminated decorated letterform.

The ultimate introduction to sculpture at City Lit. In each class of this five-day hands-on course you will be introduced to a different sculptural technique and material, by a tutor who is a specialist in that area. This will provide you with a showcase of our sculpture facilities and teaching talent at City Lit. This course is perfect for beginners who want to try out a range of sculptural processes, perhaps to find your area of interest for further study.

Transform your garden and explore design and plant selection techniques tailored to your space. Discover how to improve your garden with professional, practical garden design solutions and tips to maximise the potential of your site.

Explore a variety of techniques and approaches to making a still-life in pastels. Learn how to mix pastels on paper, choose suitable materials and supports to allow you to create a finished pastel drawing.

Dip your fingers into bookbinding. Learn a little about the materials and craft of bookbinding while making an attractive book to take home. A chance to discuss further study in bookbinding at City Lit.

Experiment with polychromatic print onto fabric and paper, exploring the creative potential of Procion dyes and silk screen printing. Processes include mark making, hand painting, resists, stencils and layering. Develop personal designs, textile samples and artwork.

Learn a range of sculptural techniques that are used in the ever expanding film, TV and theatre prop making industry. Explore a range of sculpting and casting methods and fabricating techniques, and experiment with materials.

Experiment with a range of mono printing techniques; painted, wiped and drawn, onto fabric. You will use these techniques with appliqué, manipulation and hand stitch to layer and build exciting dimensional surfaces, exploring pattern and texture.