Short Courses

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.

Go beyond painting what you see and inject your personality into creative and expressive digital paintings. This course will begin by covering essential digital painting skills and concepts, then lets you play, explore and practise to create pieces with a deeper connection to your own perspectives. You will learn how to use colour, brushwork and composition to convey mood and atmosphere. This course is perfect for aspiring digital artists who want to discover what lies beyond realism and expand their artistic voice and is recommended for those who have a foundational level of experience with the iPad app Procreate. Ideally …

An introductory course to mystery and suspense writing that will span the history of the detective novel—from the golden age of detective fiction to the current trends in Grip Lit. It will cover the general narrative fundamentals of writing fiction as well as consider those requisite for mystery and suspense writing. You will get to learn techniques regarding plot as well as consider character development and style. By the end of the course, you should be confident to generate a main idea for a novel as well as its protagonists. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with …

This course acquaints learners with the artistic language and conventions employed by Italian Renaissance artists, especially in the realm of painting. Learners will discover the context and knowledge required to understand the time-specific allegories, visual puns, signs and symbols of an Italian Renaissance painting, enhancing their intellectual and visual experience of the art. Rather than taking a chronological approach, this course will focus on specific themes and genres to discuss and illustrate the “secret” language used by Renaissance artists such as Botticelli, Fra Angelico, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo and Titian. There will also be a session where claims in …

  From generating visual concepts to illustrating designs on paper, take your jewellery idea to the next level with this course. Learn basic jewellery sketching and drawing techniques using colour pencils and artist gouache to illustrate gold, silver, diamonds and gemstones. The prerequisite for Level II is the completion of the previous level or prior experience. Applicants who wish to join Level II and have prior experience in jewellery illustration are required to submit artworks for the trainer’s review. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.  

Uncover the fundamentals of writing fiction with an eye on both the short story and the novel. An introductory writing workshop that will explore setting, point-of-view, dialogue, conflict, plot, tone, voice, character and genre. The course will reference contemporary fiction, film, television and other art forms that demonstrate fundamental lessons in narrative while simultaneously emphasising their operation in polished literary fiction. The prerequisite for level II is the completion of the previous level or prior experience.  Applicants who wish to join level II and have prior experience in fiction writing are required to submit writing portfolio for trainer’s review. Applicants …

Explore the great architectural monuments and art of Southeast Asia with a focus on Indonesia and Cambodia. This course will survey the ideas, philosophies, literature and religious beliefs that shaped artistic development and achievement in the region. Learn more about some of the most powerful and culturally rich kingdoms and empires led by local rulers who styled themselves as god-kings (dewa-rajas) following their conversion to Hinduism and/or Buddhism.

Expand your creative drawing skills with an intriguing dry art medium. Charcoal has unique characteristics that will help you discover your creativity through bold strokes, intricate marks and blending. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

Spark your creativity by exploring and experiencing a whole wide range of mixed media styles and painting techniques. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

In this engaging and hands-on gouache painting course, participants will learn the techniques and skills necessary to create stunning anime backgrounds inspired by the iconic Studio Ghibli films. Throughout the course, students will gain an understanding of the key elements that make Ghibli backgrounds unique and explore various methods of using gouache paint to bring their own imaginative landscapes to life. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

Be exposed to the history, tools and forms of penmanship and Western calligraphy. Have confidence in analysing current scripts and how they can alter existing styles. Participants will learn to design their own works, experiment with lettering systematically and use words as visuals to tell personal stories. Note: Course trainers are, on occasion, subject to change with short notice.

Ballet for Adults I (Beginners) Go beyond the mere execution of steps and discover the understanding of ballet, its history and development of certain movements and traditions. Learn the basic principles of ballet, with an emphasis on safety and understanding of alignment and the biomechanics involved in executing particular ballet movements. Ballet for Adults II (Intermediate) This course builds upon the Ballet for Adults I (Beginners) course. A wider vocabulary of barre work, and centre work will be introduced. Participants are expected to have some level of understanding of safe turnout and foot control. The emphasis on safety and understanding …