Introduction to Art for Improvers - Painting & Drawing with Emily Brady
6 week course - Tuesday Evenings

This course is ideal for artists who've done a beginners class and want to develop their skills, observation and understanding of different media and how to use them.
If you're a complete beginner the next Art For Beginners 6-week course may be more suitable.
Click the link for details.

The 6 week Art For Improvers course structure:

Session 1 - How to compose a picture - Thinking about the rules of composition to create a landscape.

In this first session we will look at  the components of composition, framing and dividing the page. We'll try some exercises drawing thumbnails of landscapes and then choose part of a picture to paint, testing these ideas.

Session 2 - Using reference images and portraiture

This week you'll look at how to use reference images, building on composition lessons learned in the first week, developing shading and tone.

Session 3 - Learning to draw from memory and imagination

This week learn how to develop and use personal sketchbooks, studies and thumbnails.
You'll make a series of drawings in your sketchbook looking at objects that are then taken away and drawn from memory.
You'll then arrange your own still life and choose which angle to draw it from - building on compositional rules from lesson 1.

Session 4 -Painted still life - Painting from an object in the studio

Working in Acrylics, using a background colour  to enhance an image, you'll learn to capture colour faithfully from an object.
Drawing on previous sessions you'll work on observing and painting direct light and reflected light, coloured light and shadows.

Session 5 -Texture in watercolour - Developing skills to create a sense of different surfaces in watercolour

This week we'll work on how to use brushes to create layers of texture; you'll experiment making impressions of doors, walls, leaves and more, following structured tutorials with demonstrations by Emily.

Session 6 - Unusual Angles - Thinking about where we look at our subject from, and how that changes what we see.

By drawing familiar objects seen from unusual angles you'll learn about foreshortening, while asking 'how much are you looking at the object' and 'how will you compose your pic to enhance the angle'? Important questions for all artists to ask of themselves!

Student Materials for this course:
Please bring a sketchbook at least A4 in size, pencils B-6B, an eraser and a sharpener.
All other materials are provided.

• Little previous experience is necessary - just a willingness to have a go!
• Step by step demonstrations
• Variety of mediums to explore
• Small class sizes - max 5 students
• Paint/sketch along with your tutor
• Refreshments included
• An opportunity to make new creative friends!
• Course cost £140 inc VAT for all 6 sessions

If you have any questions prior to the start of the course please do not hesitate to contact us.

2022 Courses

• Look our for dates for Art For Improvers soon

How to book your place

Introduction to Art For Beginners takes place at Vitreus Art's Northants studio near Towcester. The course is structured as a 6-week term and bookings are for all sessions, on the dates above. Sessions book up early - secure your place on our next course below!

If you're ready to book, use the PayPal button below and select the session you want to join - debit / credit cards and PayPal accepted . We can also take personal bookings in our studio.
All bookings are subject to our class bookings Terms And Conditions.

We've updated our workshops-related COVID-19 fact sheet - find it here.
If you have any questions or concerns get in touch and we'll do our best to help.

More Information

Watch Emily introduce this workshop! Still have questions? Contact us!

Visit this page to see videos on workshops and courses, rotating views of art, chats with artists and helpful tips for glass crafters - click here.