Adult Visual Art Summer Sessions

Exploring the Landscape through Paint

Tuesday 5th August 10-3pm

A day dedicated to exploring the landscape by initially working on preparatory drawings made from the area surrounding our studio in the heart of Ilkley.

On returning to the studio we will develop these drawings using a range of different painting mediums, including acrylic, watercolour, ink and gouache, exploring experimental mark making techniques to bring expression into your work.

Print through Nature

Wednesday 13th August 2025

Using gathered natural materials as our starting point for a day of experimental print making, using block printing, mono printing, stencils and collage.

We will continue to develop work using the different approaches of layering, collage and drawing to enhance the finished outcomes

Family Creative day

Friday 15th August 10-3pm

A day designed for families to create together as we guide you through a series of fun exercises exploring drawing, into paint, to print and collage.

We will offer the opportunity for you to work alongside other members of your family creating your own piece of work or make something together.

We are offering this session at the same cost as our usual young artists rate, which is £45 per person. We ask that each adult booking is accompanied by a maximum of two young artists. Please get in touch if you have any questions. Thanks.

Cyanotype & Mixed Media on Paper and Fabric

Thursday 21st August 10-3pm

A day of working with mixed media on a paper and fabric surface. We will begin with manipulating the surface with stain and print including the process of cyanotype and continuing to respond to the marks created.

By building up layers we will create a surface which can be further developed using paint, print and stitch.

We will provide snacks and refreshments throughout the day and will break for lunch between 12-1 and ask students to bring a packed lunch. Please wear appropriate clothing

£70 Per Session

£45 for Family Creative Day

Please drop us an email with any questions and we will get back to you

 10 Week Autumn Courses

Booking Available Soon

New Course: Multimedia Course: Exploring Techniques

Wednesday 10-12pm or 1-3pm

 This hands-on course is designed to develop your creative skills across a wide range of art disciplines, including drawing, painting, printmaking, bookmaking, and collage. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a practicing artist, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of materials and techniques in a supportive, relaxed environment.

 Working on either fabric and paper surfaces, you’ll begin by exploring methods of surface manipulation—mark-making, layering, and texture development—using different approaches and techniques. As the course progresses, you will develop pieces using either the surfaces created or new ones through drawing, painting, print, collage and stitch.

 With all materials provided and guidance throughout, you’ll be encouraged to experiment, take creative risks, and develop your own personal responses while working alongside like-minded individuals.

Acrylic Still Life Painting

Tuesday 10-12pm

Still Life – appreciating the beauty in the ordinary. This course focuses on the foundational elements of painting, including drawing, underpainting, colour mixing, tonal values, and brushwork. You’ll work from direct observation & secondary source images, building your skills through a combination of developmental studies and completed paintings. Throughout the course, you’ll look at art history, drawing inspiration from painters, such as Cezanne, Matisse, Van Gogh and Hockney.

The course offers a supportive environment for painters of all levels, from beginners to advanced artists. You'll work alongside others who share your interest, fostering a community where ideas and techniques can be exchanged. Painting is a journey filled with unexpected challenges – it's in the mistakes, the corrections, and the process of resolution that your skills will grow. This course encourages you to embrace these moments and enjoy the journey.

Experimental Painting

Tuesday 1-3pm

This course will help you create systems that open up pathways into experimental painting. You will work from visual resources and follow a structured approach that will underpin your creative process. The class will be fast-paced and filled with practical demonstrations and a variety of exercises.

The sessions are designed to push you beyond traditional painting techniques, encouraging you to explore new ways of thinking about form and composition while building confidence in trusting your intuition. You will engage with the physicality of painting, experimenting with transparency, layering, paint consistency, and various application methods.

The course provides a supportive environment for painters of all levels, from beginners to advanced artists. You’ll work alongside others who share your interests, fostering a community where ideas and techniques can be exchanged. Painting is a journey full of unexpected challenges, and it is through mistakes, corrections, and the process of resolution that your skills will grow. This course encourages you to embrace these moments and enjoy the creative process.