Art and design courses

Who the course is for

This course is suitable for people facing depression, anxiety and/or having difficulty in discussing issues with family or friends. It is also for someone interested in studying art therapy as a subject.

What you'll learn

You'll learn how to deal with problems and issues using artistic expression. 

You will increase your confidence by sharing and empathizing with other group members.

How the course is taught

The course is taught by a trained art psychotherapist in a safe environment and a small group. 

There will be group discussions of finished artwork.

Materials you'll need

• drawing paper
• pencils
• crayons
• watercolours
• poster paints

There is an art shop in Camberwell on Orpheus Street, SE5 and Camberwell College of Art has a shop where you can buy art materials

After the course

You will feel more able to cope with difficult challenges and have the confidence to discuss your issues. You may feel more able to apply for employment, paid or unpaid.  

How to enrol

Complete an online enrolment form

Course location

Thomas Calton Centre
Alpha Street
SE15 4NX

Who the course is for

This course is for the self-directed learner who wants to work for a full day in a studio setting with others. 

You will gain tuition and peer feedback while developing a single painting or a series of works.

What you’ll learn

This course is designed to give you time and space to develop 2D work, in the medium of your choice, within a supportive environment and to explore subjects or themes of your choice. 

Regular group discussions will allow for feedback from the tutor and other students. 

The studio space is full of light with a library of art books and a computer for research. The course is perfect for anyone wanting to further their development who may not ordinarily have the space or time to produce work.  

How the course is taught

Tutor-led with demonstrations, one-to-one support, group discussions on progress and finished work.

Materials you’ll need

• you will need to bring materials for this course

Solvents of any kind are not permitted in the studio, your tutor can provide further advice at the first session.

After the course

You can take further adult learning art courses. Past learners have also started businesses and progressed to degree courses and employment.

How to enrol

Complete an online enrolment form

Course location

Thomas Calton Centre
Alpha Street
SE15 4NX

Who the course is for

This course is perfect for anyone interested in abstract painting and who wants to explore different routes and processes for making work with personal expression. 

It is open to all levels of experience with a willingness to consider a range of starting points and experiment with mark-making in paint.

What you’ll learn

The course will introduce several starting points to explore abstraction as a painting process. 

You will gain further knowledge of relevant art history movements and consider all aspects of the visual vocabulary relating to abstract painting.

How the course is taught

Each week you will be directed to consider a different abstract concept or springboard, with the freedom to explore your own expressive interpretation. 

The final two weeks of the course will involve further personal development of painting processes, as per your interest and sensibility.

Materials you’ll need

• for some exercises, paper and paint will be provided
• you can bring in your own painting surface, such as canvas or oil paints or mark-making tools and brushes

The tutor will give you briefs ahead of most sessions so that you know what to bring the following week.

After the course

You may like to follow up with further courses on the subject elsewhere or by enrolling in our personal development painting studio course.

How to enrol

Complete an online enrolment form

Course location

Room 20/Art Studio
Thomas Calton Centre
Alpha Street
SE15 4NX

Who the course is for

The course is for adults at all levels, from complete beginners to those with experience, who wish to learn about working from a life model.

What you’ll learn

Through short and long poses, you will discover how to interpret the figure onto paper using basic techniques of measuring, proportion and composition, as well as creating effects with mark making in pencil, charcoal, pen and ink and other appropriate mediums. 

You can learn to express yourself freely with gestural drawing techniques. Throughout the course, you will have opportunities to reference established artists.

How the course is taught

Courses are tutor-led with demonstrations and one to one support. 

Learners will have opportunities to support and learn from each other through group discussions of work in progress and finished work.

Materials you’ll need

• a sketchbook and/or drawing paper and drawing materials
• pencils with different grades 4H to 9B
• charcoals - willow and compressed
• you can use pen and ink

After the course

Further adult learning art courses are available. Past learners have also started businesses and progressed to degree courses and employment.

How to enrol

Complete an online enrolment form

Course location

Thomas Calton Centre
Alpha Street
SE15 4NX