ART COURSES
CHOOSING
THE RIGHT
COURSE
Can’t decide which class
to book? Ask yourself
thesesixkeyquestions1
WHAT AM I ALREADY
GOOD AT?
While we’re here to learn, art is an
ongoing process and identifying what
existing skills one can build upon will
aid your development. If you enjoy
making accurate copies of photos,
perhaps a portrait class might be a
good challenge? If drawing is your
forte, would a linocut workshop
appeal to your draughtsmanship
skills? Most venues will happily
suggest courses to best suit your
needs if you call them in advance.2
WHAT DRIVES YOUR
CURIOSITY?
When we choose a course, we tend to
think in terms of subjects or media.
For an artist who likes painting
landscapes, for example, enrolling on
a landscape painting course would
seem like a no-brainer. It can be just
as important to ask yourself which
aspect of the subject appeals to you.
Are you most excited about colour?
If so, a studio-based course with a
focus on the palette might be an
unexpected aid to plein air work.
Are you more interested in abstracting
the landscape? A more expressive
workshop focused on mark-making
may be the most satisfying.3
WHAT LEVEL AM I AT?
An honest assessment of your
own abilities is important. Selecting a
course beyond your current skillset is
the quickest way to temper
enthusiasm, yet likewise modesty can
also prevent shy artists from pushing
themselves forward sufficiently.
If the only course available for the
next term is labelled “advanced”, is
there an entry-level course you should
have completed first? If you are
considering applying for a diploma or
full-time course, is there a selection
process you must undergo first?A course beyond your
skillset is a quick way
to temper enthusiasm
4
WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
While good tuition is invaluable,
when times are hard it pays to weigh
up all the costs in advance. Consider
not only the cost of the course itself
but the travel to and from the school,
and what materials are included in the
price. Don’t be afraid to ask what level
and type of tuition you will receive
either. Contact time with a tutor is
valuable so class sizes are important.5
WHAT STYLE OF
TEACHING MIGHT YOU
RESPOND TO BEST?
Beginners or less confident artists
might benefit from a more
encouraging approach. Artist-led
courses in domestic studio settings
can be a less daunting prospect if so.
“I would advise attending a small
class to begin with, as a new student
will need a lot of direction to start
with,” says Lindy Allfrey, who runs
portrait workshops from her
Cotswolds studio. “There is a book
I would also recommend which is
Betty Edwards’ Drawing on the Right
Side of the Brain. Go through a couple
of the exercises as a warm up.”
Some tutors like to demonstrate,
while others prefer to advise on your
progress. Do you like to be led by the
hand or given an encouraging push? If
you are craving to learn practical skills
and prefer following a more rigorousprogramme, consider a school that
offers “atelier-style” training. This
involves cast drawing, sight-size
techniques and other academic
exercises that date back centuries.6
HOW LONG SHOULD
I COMMIT?
Art courses can be engrossing yet
draining, particularly if you are new to
it. Beginners should consider a taster
course to see if the subject and venue
is right for them before committing to
a longer term of studies.
More methodical artists may prefer
a once-a-week class with time to
reflect on your progress in between,
while anyone keen to fully immerse
themselves in a subject should
consider an intensive week-long
course instead.
Whatever you choose, ensure that
you will be able to balance your other
priorities with your education.
A course will become far less useful
(not to mention less cost effective) if
life events or other commitments
cause you to miss key days.