Frequently asked questions

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Course info

Facilities + Access

Support + Inclusion

Course info

Payment help

We use PayPal and Stripe as our payment gateways as they are both trusted industry leaders in ensuring your data remains safe and secure.
To use Stripe – select the Credit/Debit card option during the Checkout process.
To use PayPal – You do not need to have an account to use PayPal to pay with your credit or debit card. Search for the ‘Pay as a guest’ option. This sometimes seems to be hidden by the PayPal system which can be annoying. I suggest you either refresh your page to start the process again, or use Stripe instead.
I do not use Credit/Debit cards – Not to worry. Contact me to make alternative arrangements.
If in doubt, are having issues, or would like to pay via bank transfer please contact Brian for help or for details of an alternative way to pay.
Does it matter what level I think I'm at - even if I've never done art?
The weekend Begin to draw + paint course is specially aimed at absolute-beginners.
The ‘Level 1’ courses are designed as the ‘next steps’ of learning for Beginners and Improvers.
Level 2 courses are aimed at Improvers and Intermediate students.
Other courses are are suitable for beginners, improvers, and intermediate artists, unless indicated.
The ‘peer-led’ art groups are suitable for everyone, no matter what level of ability
I'm just a beginner - what course should I do first?

I understand it can be intimidating when you’re beginning something new. I’ve designed a course specially to give absolute beginners a helping hand – a first step onto the creative ladder. The Begin to Draw and Paint course is a great starting point and will give you all the foundation knowledge you need to continue with confidence.
The ‘Level 1’ courses offer students a supportive next-step to becoming increasingly independent in their art skills and is a great way to continue after attending the Beginners course, or equally a great place to start if you have some foundation in drawing and painting already. All my other courses are suitable for beginners to intermediate artists and if you are determined and enthusiastic to give drawing and art a go – then there should be nothing to stand in your way.
I teach at a pace everyone can follow, so you will not be left behind, with lots of 1:1 support and guidance – so browse my website with confidence and pick a course that intrigues you the most. Simple.
What kind of things will I learn about?
That depends on which course you book. Read each course description for more details. However there are 2 sets of fundamental principles underlying all my courses which are crucial for you to understand to be able to improve and develop as an independent artist.
These fundamental principles are;
Learning to understand and to manipulate the Art Elements (Line, tone, colour, shape + form, etc). A bit like a musician learning the basic notes and chords on their chosen instrument, and then learning how to manipulate them to write their own music.
Learning how to adopt good Art Practices that underpin our ‘seeing’, ‘looking’, and rendering while drawing and painting . A bit like a martial arts expert lays down foundations of good habits to help hone their skills.
I went to at school many years ago - is there an art course for me?

I started Creative Art Courses because I wanted to offer a range of creative courses that would stretch and challenge adult students and were not generally available through ‘adult education’ type courses.
All my courses offer enough content to make you think and re-examine your ideas and arts practice. The courses offer you the space to explore, play and experiment with supportive guidance and tuition aimed at helping you become a confident and independent artist.
What kind of art materials will I get to use?
Each course is different. However, across all my courses students will have the opportunity to use;
Dry ‘drawing’ materials
Pencil
Graphite
Charcoal (willow and compressed)
Pastels (oil and chalk)
Wet ‘painting’ materials
Acrylic paints
Ink (drawing and printing)
Watercolour paints
I see a lot of talk about Drawing on your website - but not so much about Painting - why is this?

I think I use the terms ‘drawing’ and ‘painting’ a bit differently to many other artists.
I use the term ‘drawing’ to mean the act of looking, really studying an object and trying to understand its form, shape and colour. To really get to grips with your subject matter.
All my courses tend to stress this side of art making. And it can be done whether you use ‘drawing’ materials or ‘painting’ materials. However you understand drawing and painting, you can draw with wet ‘painting’ materials and you can paint with dry ‘drawing’ materials. Believe me!
I use the terms ‘drawing’ and ‘painting’ quite loosely and many courses offer you the chance to use both dry drawing materials and wet painting materials (see the above list).
What will I experience when I visit the studio?
Have a look at the videos which can be found on the video gallery page >
High quality teaching to nurture your creative spirit, actively encouraging you to find and develop your own artistic voice.
Your learning and development towards artistic self-confidence lies at the heart of my ambitions as a teacher.
My drawing classes teach you skills and techniques that provide the springboard to your artistic independence.
A fun and enjoyable time learning, focusing on art, and socialising.
I'm going on holiday - will I get a refund for the sessions I can't attend?
Flexibility is key and I have built this into my course design as much as possible. Unfortunately, I am not able to offer refunds for sessions students are not able to attend, unless it falls within the conditions set out in the Terms + Conditions >
However, I have planned in flexible booking opportunities to help students work around holidays, family committments and financial constraints – such as;
The 30-week Arts + Creativity course includes flexible booking enabling students to spread their course attendance and financial cost over 2 years
The Weekly Art Class and Learn Life Drawing courses have flexibility built-in as students can book single classes at times that suit them.
The peer-led groups (AVA and LDA) and the Creative Wellbing class can be booked as single sessions
Do you issue qualifications and certificates?

Creative Art Courses is proud to be an independent art studio. We teach with passion and professionalism to pass on our in-depth knowledge and creative experience with the flexibility needed to ensure our course content fits around the needs of our students, rather than students needing to fit into the generic content dictated by a national qualifications board. Therefore, we do not offer nationally recognized qualifications.
Do you offer Gift Vouchers?

Facilities and Access

Is there parking at the studio?

Yes. The mill building has its own courtyard car park for students to use while attending a course. It isn’t visible from the road, so drive down the driveway and it will be become visible on your right. It can get full at times and spaces cannot be reserved, but there is additional parking on the road outside.
Full detailed directions and studio access information is available here>
I have limited mobility or use a wheelchair - is the studio accessible?

Unfortunately our studio is not wheelchair accessible and Hope Mill is not DDA compliant. If you have any specific access needs, please let us know before booking.
We are located on the 5th floor of a 200 year old mill building so please be confident you have the ability to walk up + down 5 flights of stairs in the event the lift is not working.
Physical access
We try our best to ensure our courses are as accessible and inclusive as possible, but are restricted by the limitations of Hope Mill – one of the last remaining central Manchester art studios.
Learning needs
Our tutors are fully qualified and experienced and will ensure their teaching style is suitable for a wide variety of learning needs. If you feel it best the tutor knows about your specific learning needs prior to the start of your course, please email our lead tutor – brian@creativeartcourses.org
We are always happy to help and discuss your requirements so please get in touch>
Is the lift safe?

Yes it is. Although somewhat Victorian in character and age it is extremely well maintained, regularly serviced and repaired as is required to meet Health + Safety regulations. Like all machinery it does break down on occasion, but this would be true of modern day lifts as well. I have been a resident in the mill for over 15 years with no mishaps having occurred.

Support + Inclusion

Do you cater for special diets?
We provide tea, coffee, chocolate and ginger biscuits. Students are asked to bring their own lunch.
I offer the following brands of tea and coffee: Clipper Tea with fully compostable tea bags and Nescafe coffee
De-caf tea (Nescafe ) and coffee (Tetley) is available
The chocolate biscuits are vegetarian friendly, and the ginger biscuits are vegan friendly (although not labelled as vegan on the packaging).
This is an alcohol-free studio.
How has Covid impacted our courses?

The Covid pandemic has made us more aware of the need to establish a safe low-risk environment to reduce transmissible infections that include Covid, Flu, and Norovirus, amongst others.
To this end, we are continuing with many of the non-intrusive Covid mitigations we have put in place. This is outlined in our HEATH-aware procedures. We will continue to keep students updated with all Covid related information as we navigate new government guidelines and requirements.
Details of this can be found here >
Do I need to being my own lunch? Are refreshments available?

Yes, lunch is kept to half an hour, so it is best to bring your own lunch on full day courses. There is a corner shop just 3 minutes walk away that offers a limited range of sandwiches, chocolates, crisps and drinks. No other sandwich shops or takeaways are near enough to get to within the lunch period.
I live with a chronic condition - will this count against me if I need to cancel at the last minute?

I appreciate the difficulties of living with a serious long-term medical condition and the uncertainties this brings. I have therefore tried to offer such students a more favourable set of T+C’s in relation to Cancellations and Transfers.
There are conditions you need to meet to qualify so please read the Terms and Conditions before booking.
Do you offer financial support for those on low income

Creative Art Courses is an independent art school and we receive no external funding from the Arts Council, Manchester City Council or other funding organisations. With 15 years experience of working to support communities as a community arts worker, I felt it important to plan courses in such a way as to help lower barriers to participation as much as I’m able.

From the beginning of Creative Art Courses in 2010, I have designed creative opportunities that offer the widest possible accessability to as many people as possible. Although I’m unable to offer financial assistance, I have planned different courses, classes, workshops and peer-groups of varying costs to enable everyone to attend. Everyone can access the studio facilities for less than £5 for a half day of arts activities at AVA – Ancoats Visual Arts – or other creative opportunities within a sliding financial scale to suit differing finances.
Will I fit in at Creative Art Courses?

Everyone fits in and is very welcome at Creative Art Courses.
I, and all the other tutors pride ourselves in offering a welcoming and fully inclusive studio that embraces Diversity and celebrates individual achievement. We welcome everyone of all ages, backgrounds, faiths, gender, LGBTQ, race, ethnicity and ability and ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable.
(There are restrictions for wheelchair users due to the historic nature of the building. Please email me for details.)
There are courses specially designed for absolute beginners; beginners and improvers, and others for beginners to intermediate artists. You need to self-asses your ability level – however – being in a mixed ability class is inspiring and everyone benefits – all students contribute something worthwhile – each in their own unique way.
I've experienced discrimination before, will I be made welcome?

As an inner city art school, within reach of diverse communities, I have always felt it my responsibility to enable these communities to be reflected in the mix of students that attend my studio – age, backgrounds, experiences, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, faith, and arts experience. Everyone can be assured tolerance and acceptance is central to the studio ethos, diversity is celebrated, and equality upheld.

6 Comments

Nicola
11 August 2021 @ 2:47 pm

Hi, I’m interested in a beginners watercolour course/ are they any available?
Thanks

Reply
- artfulantics
  14 August 2021 @ 8:45 am
  
  Hi Nicola
  Unfortunately we currently do not offer a watercolour class. I do run the Begin to draw + paint course which is a general introduction course for absolute-beginners that includes watercolours, acrylics, and a variety drawing materials. I hope this helps.
  Kind regards
  Brian
  
  Reply
Madeleine Montgomery
19 May 2021 @ 7:43 pm

Hi there, I’m thinking of getting a class as a birthday gift for my (soon to be) 29 yr old son who was never really beem arty but is always up for new experiences. I think you say they’re evening classes? He’s been doing a call centre job from home but uses a colouring book to get some stress out between calls so he would be open to this I’m sure! 🙂 I’m thinking the Cezanne one for £42 might be the best for him. The pictures look nice and colourful! Would you think that’s about right? And what’s the best way of booking it? Also, he’s about to start training for a new Work Coach role at the Eccles Job Centre so if these are evening classes, what are the timings / how long are the classes etc? Many thanks.

Reply
- artfulantics
  20 May 2021 @ 6:33 am
  
  Hi Madeleine. Thank you for contacting me. I think any of the 3 evening workshops about the Modern Masters may be suitable. I have emailed you directly with a more detailed response to your questions. Kind regards, Brian
  
  Reply
Saima Choudhry
14 July 2020 @ 2:17 pm

Hi,
Please share the price list of all courses.
Thanks

Reply
- artfulantics
  15 July 2020 @ 2:36 pm
  
  Hi Saima
  The price for all weekend courses is £140. Evening courses are £210, and single evening workshops are £42.
  Prices are clearly indicated on each course page.
  I hope this helps. Feel free to email me with any further questions.
  Kind regards
  Brian
  
  Reply

Frequently asked questions

Course info

Facilities and Access

Support + Inclusion

6 Comments

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