Art School Experience - Nottingham Trent University

Description

Have you ever dreamt of stepping into the vibrant world of an art school? Here’s your chance! On this course you’ll spark your creativity, experiment with diverse materials, challenge your creative limits, and develop your unique artistic style. This hands-on, experimental course is designed to unleash your originality and help you explore both 2D and 3D contemporary art techniques. You’ll dive into drawing, painting, printmaking, and even 3D sculpture in the heart of our art studios. Perfect for beginners or those looking to refresh their skills, this course encourages spontaneous creativity and embraces the joy of making mistakes. Whether you’re building a portfolio, rediscovering your passion, or just dipping your toes into the creative waters, you’ll leave feeling inspired and brimming with ideas. If you’ve ever felt nervous about starting or trying something new, this course is your chance to dive in with confidence. From quick, playful sketches to longer workshops in life drawing and sculpting, you’ll find your rhythm in a supportive and relaxed environment. With projects that encourage curiosity and exploration, you'll leave with not just skills, but the determination to keep creating. So, grab a pencil, make your mark, and start your next creative adventure. Art encourages you to be a spontaneous, original thinker and have a great imagination. Ignite your creativity and express yourself on this exciting, experimental course. You’ll immerse yourself in hands-on activities designed to build your artistic confidence and skills; from quick, playful sketching exercises to in-depth projects, every session brings fresh challenges and will equip you with the skills and knowledge to create a unique and diverse body of artwork. During this course you will: • Draw from observation, concentrating on proportion, line and tone and expressive mark-making. • Practise mark making with different tools and materials. • Learn how to demonstrate your approach to idea generation and research skills. • Explore mixed media techniques and experiment with mono and lino printing. • Take part in both group discussions and one-to-one tutorials. • Develop your practical skills in 3D techniques, from wire sculptures to plaster casting. • Be encouraged to practise new ways of working. • Record and reflect on your work throughout the course. • Receive guidance on portfolio development. Optional homework will encourage you to pick up your sketchbook daily, helping you embrace creativity without overthinking. It’s all about building habits, exploring ideas, and learning to approach your art with curiosity and freedom. By the end of this course you’ll have a portfolio filled with sketches, prints, and 3D pieces; a testament to your creative journey and have gained a deeper understanding of transforming ideas into 2D and 3D, and plenty of inspiration to fuel your creative journey. You’ll be able to demonstrate your ideas and research skills, feel confident in discussing and presenting your work, have the ability to continue exploring your creativity with a variety of materials and techniques, inspired by a buzzing studio full of like-minded people. Our tutors are practicing artists and passionate educators who love sharing their craft. With years of experience across painting, sculpture, and design, they’ll inspire you to push boundaries and think creatively. Their guidance will help you explore your potential and develop a distinct artistic voice. James Gant has been teaching painting and drawing at various educational institutions for almost twenty years after completing his degree in fine art. He works as a freelance artist on a range of exciting projects including films, book illustrations, and murals as well as his own personal work. He has vast experience in teaching creative painting and drawing techniques to all skill levels and feels it important that the learner understands the potential of the materials so that they can explore and express themselves in an exciting and personal way. Sam Taylor’s experience of teaching has encompassed a range of art and design subjects including 3D design, architecture, sculpture, and set design. She promotes the importance of learners developing ideas through practical experimentation using 2D and 3D problem solving skills. This accumulates into an interesting body of work for portfolio purposes. Sam has a Masters in glass making, and creates both sculptural and functional forms. She also holds a wealth of knowledge working with a wide range of other 2D and 3D materials, techniques and processes including working with wood, plastics and metals. Whether you’re planning further studies or seeking a creative outlet, this course equips you with the skills, confidence, and inspiration to keep making your mark. Level: Open to all. Entry requirements: You should have an enthusiasm for drawing and painting and an interest in developing your creative and technical skills. You will be based in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus. You'll find bright drawing and painting studio and workshop spaces to develop your ideas and create exciting work. You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.

What's included in the price?

This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University City Campus. Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course. Please bring with you to the first session: • Any art or drawing equipment you’d like to work with. • A black sharpie or permanent marker pen. • A black biro pen. • A Black fine liner pen. • A6 or A5 hardback sketchbook. • 4B or 6B graphite sticks. • Eraser, scissors and scalpel. • Black drawing ink. • A selection of nylon round headed paint brushes in size 10, 12 and 16. • A couple of water containers. • Acrylic paint: 1 tube of each of following colours: primary red, blue, yellow, black and white. • Something to take your work home in e.g. A2 plastic folder. On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Nottingham Trent University

with Craft Courses since 2015

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