Manchester’s leading independent art school for leisure artists
Quality art teaching for everyone since 2010
We welcome absolute-beginners and those with more experience

Hi, I’m Brian Raymond
“As lead tutor at Creative Art Courses I’m passionate about every art course and drawing class I have planned for you.I look forward to welcoming you to my studio.
Courses + Classes
Inspired, supportive, and ambitious teaching for drawing, painting and mixed-media techniques ideal for beginners and those more experienced
Fully taught life drawing courses + classes, and peer-led groups for beginners and more experienced drawers
Everyone who makes art will benefit from art-school crits to help unlock their creative potential, have questions answered and identify next steps
Classes to encourage + guide their inspiration and passion for art, in support of their school art curriculum or for a hobby.
Enjoy small group sizes that ensures everyone, at all levels, receive the personal 1:1 tuition and support they need to learn and grow as artists.
What do students think?
Be inspired by the experiences of other students and get a flavour of what its like to attend an art course with us
“Very friendly, informative teacher. Well equipped studio, nice environment. Course was well structured – moving + building well on each step of learning. Great fun.”
“Simple and easy to book. All the info you need to know is there. Quick response from Brian confirming place and good communication before course dates.”
“Really enjoyable weekend. Covered so much ground and worked so hard! But never a dull moment and felt so good to be learning so many new skills!.”
Comments from virtually every student we have taught since 2012
Videos to watch
Manchester’s most welcoming studio
Make my studio your creative home.
I guarantee you a warm, friendly Manchester welcome so you can feel instantly at ease and settle down to a fantastic creative experience.
Everyone is made to feel very welcome when they arrive at the Creative Art Courses studio. Students find it easy to make themselves comfortable and are happy spending time in the studio’s creative atmosphere, able to learn and grow as artists.
Whether you are just beginning or looking to improve further your tutor will make sure you are able to make the best possible progression. All the expert tutors offer supportive and encouraging teaching, using their skills and expertise to inspire students.
Come along and join us – the Gallery Studio at Hope Mill is the place to nurture your creative spirit and grow your skills and confidence to become the artist you have always dreamed of.
We teach with ambition so you can create with confidence
Face to face teaching specialists
Join us for a real art-school experience in a fully equipped inspiring art studio
Focused and structured teaching allows students to learn technical and creative skills to develop and grow as creative artists.
Read more about what makes Creative Art Courses unique
What to expect
Structured teaching
Carefully structured teaching that will lead you step by step, giving you confidence and the springboard to artistic independence.
Individual attention
Loads of individual 1:1 encouragement to help you explore, experiment and discover.
Personal learning
A teaching style that focuses on your individual needs and is fully accepting of your individuality.
Creative + Inspired
Be inspired with teaching that ensures you learn technical skills, underlying principles, and creativity.
Student Comments
“Really interesting. More educational than I thought it was going to be. Warm, friendly, clean and light.”
Simon C
I wanted an opportunity to … discover how to be creative. I found it a really good experience + gave a good flavour of different materials and techniques and how to use them. Angela B
“I learned real and useful techniques… how to see what was wrong and how to fix it, and techniques I can replicate…”
Susan W
“Well worthwhile. Learned a lot.”
Ruth C
Inspirational Grade 2* textile mill
Getting here
Hope Mill is located just 5 mins walk from the Metrolink, or 20 mins walk from Piccadilly train station + Manchester city centre. The mill has its own private car park for students to use.
Central Location
Easy to travel to from Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan, and within easy access of mainline train stations and motorway networks making us accessible from anywhere in the country.
Address, Map, Directions and access information. All you need to know for your visit