Frequently asked questions

• 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 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.

 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;

1. 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.
2. 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 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.

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 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).

• 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.

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. 

Yes I do! 

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