PART-TIME COURSES

The Curious Artist – Exploring Drawing and Painting together – Wed 03 Jun – Wed 08 Jul 2026 (10am-12pm) Shrewsbury

Course code: M16P218
Type: Part Time
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: Gateway Adult Education Centre
Additional Costs - £41.00,FE Tuition - £48.00

About the course

In a relaxed and supportive studio environment together, we will explore art through drawing and painting. We will experiment and work with a range of materials and techniques giving you the opportunity to develop your own artistic voice. Remember, you are an artist. This term the focus will be on developing our understanding of the formal elements through guided projects and exploration, you’ll investigate line, colour, tone, texture and composition. Using them together to create artwork that shows your own unique style and voice. We will begin with pencils and move on to develop skills with acrylic, watercolours and mixed media. Using a range of subject matter such as still life and reference photos, you the artist, will develop your new skills gaining confidence through curiosity and creative play. Although, these sessions are taught there will be opportunity for you to explore your own independent work if you prefer.

Health and Well being benefits of a group art class can be:

• Stress Relief: Art can be therapeutic, providing a relaxing and meditative effect, reducing stress and anxiety.

• Self-Expression: It offers a channel for expressing emotions and thoughts that might be difficult to articulate otherwise.

• Confidence Boost: Completing a piece of artwork can enhance self-esteem and confidence in one’s abilities.• Networking: Art courses often provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of community.• Collaboration: Group projects and critiques can enhance teamwork skills and provide new perspectives.• Cultural Awareness: Exposure to various artistic styles and histories broadens cultural understanding and appreciation.

Level: Whether you are new to art or have been drawing and painting for some time, all are welcome.

Why choose us

Shropshire Community Learning has an excellent reputation for delivering enjoyable, informative and interesting community learning courses. These enable students to develop or enhance their skills, leading to better job prospects, finding new friends and improving their self confidence and self esteem.

What you could do next

Each half term is a 5 -week course with a focus on a particular aspect of art working towards final projects whilst still giving ample opportunity for experimentation with a range of materials.

Key facts

By the end of the course you can expect to be able to do the following

• Experiment with different materials and techniques• Confidentially use different drawing materials as you explore mark making

• Develop your painting skills through still life studies

• Work with reference photos

You will need: First session – pencils and cartridge paper.

Although there will be sketching pencils and a A4Sketchbook available. As you progress through the course there will be regular opportunities to expand your art kit to include acrylic / watercolour paints, paintbrushes, and a range of painting surfaces / paper. However, the tutor will give you further information on how to access this either through direct or individual purchases. If you’re buying items and are in any doubt, the tutor can advise what you need. However, a folder for storing artwork may be useful as you progress.

The tutor will supply: The Tutor will supply handouts as necessary. Subject matter as and when required through still-life set-ups and reference photos. Though there will be opportunity for individuals to work from their own reference photos.

About the tutor: Jo Frost is an experienced artist and educator with over a decade of practice in mixed media. Her work explores a wide range of materials, textures, and techniques, bringing together drawing, painting, and experimental processes. Alongside her studio practice, Jo has extensive experience in teaching art to learners of all ages and abilities, fostering creativity, confidence, and personal expression. She creates a relaxed, supportive, and inspiring environment, encouraging participants to explore, experiment, and develop their own visual voice.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment by tutor and self.