Short Courses

Discover the versatility of acrylic paint. Participants will explore pictorial composition, the key to getting the right shades and hues, creating textures, form and value through still life, landscape, portrait and figure painting with this richly coloured medium. The prerequisite for Level II and above courses is the completion of the previous level or prior experience. Applicants who wish to join Level II and above and have prior experience in acrylic painting are required to submit art works for trainer’s review. Applicants with no prior experience are encouraged to start from Level I. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject …

Embark on a visual journey as we explore the art and techniques of mobile photography, tailored specifically for avid travellers. ’Capturing Wanderlust’ is a comprehensive course designed to empower participants with the skills and knowledge needed to elevate their travel memories through the lens of a mobile device. In this course, participants will learn to harness the full potential of their smartphones to create stunning and evocative travel photos. We will delve into the principles of composition, lighting and storytelling to capture the essence of each destination – from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. This will happen through hands-on exercises, …

Step into the captivating world of charcoal drawing and delve into its intricate techniques through a comprehensive course. This course not only teaches the foundational skills of charcoal drawing but also provides the knowledge and expertise necessary for an introduction to fine arts. Uncover the beauty and power of charcoal as a medium in this immersive course. Drawing inspiration from realist traditions, this course focuses on fundamental techniques that form the building blocks of charcoal drawing. By emphasising these essential skills, participants will develop a strong foundation in the art form and gain a deeper understanding of its principles. The …

Join Michelle Elvy in this introductory writing course to build your writing confidence. This basic writing course will explore the ‘how to’ of writing, from building-block structures to meanings between the lines. Explore different writing forms that will help in your own writing, be it fiction, poetry, essay or business materials. Each week, participants will be introduced to a topic with an introductory set of discussion points, writing assignments along with recommended reading and a chance to share your writing drafts. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

This course uses the creative and expressive aspects of body movement and dance to support emotional transformation and integration. Participants will explore new movement patterns for growth and well-being through a mix of taught movement exercises, bodywork, guided improvisation and movement exploration, as well as pair and group activity. A background in dance is not required. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

Join Michelle Elvy, writer and editor and once-upon-a time historian from New Zealand for a course in writing memoir. The course will consist of discussions and exercises with a focus around building voice and creating believable story arcs around material that is drawn from memory – and the space that we need to examine between memory and reality. You will be introduced to a variety of memoir writing – from straight narrator to graphic novel to diary-like writing to creative non-fiction small story writing. You will also have the opportunity to share and talk about the stories you have written. …

Ever had a tune stuck in your head but unable to think of the lyrics? This introductory songwriting course will guide you through experimentation and different strategies of conceiving ideas as a guide to how you can produce a song. With the help of Garageband, you don’t need to play a musical instrument or understand music scores to compose. All you need is a love for music, an open mind, and a desire to create. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

What is the source of impulse and action? Can we listen to what is ready to be spoken? Authentic movement is a technique used in dance movement therapy that offers participants an experiential way of finding movement in the body. Throughout the weeks, this course will focus on building movers’ trust in their body wisdom—where movement pathways become a bridge for self-knowledge, connection and response and possibly, healing.

Explore the engaging art of urban sketching with a pen. Capture the essence of your surroundings through spontaneous linework, learn courageous mark-making techniques to bring streets, buildings and everyday scenes to life with ink and a creative eye.

Urban sketching is all about drawing on location, whether indoors or out, and capturing scenes from direct observation. Sketching outdoors can be challenging, requiring adaptation to environmental and weather conditions. This course is an introduction to the basics of urban sketching with watercolours, helping you to embrace the joy and spontaneity of creating art outdoors. Learn essential techniques, overcome challenges and experience the joy of painting on location. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.