Art Classes

Art Classes by Wendy Brown

Wendy is an experienced trainer with hundreds of hours of teaching under her belt, in subjects as varied as food safety and computing. She is now using those skills to train in her true passion - Art. 

Wendy has been an artist for over 50 years, 25 of those professionally. She is a firm believer that anyone can improve their art skills with the right teaching and some effort.  

These classes are designed to get you to see like an artist and get that vision committed to paper or canvas in a way that you never thought you could do. This is not an informal art group where you bring along what you fancy and have a go, though we might have the odd session like that.  On the whole this is structured learning but it’s still a LOT of fun.  

Sessions are kept small to ensure everyone gets attention and help.

Do message to secure your spot!

Who are they for?

Beginners and improvers

These classes are aimed at adults who have never painted or drawn or who have done little art since leaving school. They are also suitable for people who have done art occasionally but are looking to step things up to the next level. 

What will we use?

Various mediums 

As an artist Wendy’s strengths are in graphite pencil, coloured pencil, acrylic and oils so we will focus on these mediums.  She can also teach some digital skills.

What subjects will we cover?

Various art concepts and themes

To start with the course covers art theory, such as perspective, composition and learning to see like an artist. Then we will move onto learning about different materials and how to draw/paint  varied subjects such as landscapes, seascapes, animals, flowers, people and still life. 

What format is the class?

2 hours weekly in term time

Each class will start with a brief introduction followed by a presentation and/or demonstration. You will then have plenty of time to put it into practice with lots of encouragement and guidance on the way. The classes are kind and nurturing so that you build your skills and confidence week on week. 

Class details - Jan - 2025

Drawing for Beginners - Tuesdays - 7-9pm, Weston-super-Mare Social Club, Devonshire Road. Aimed at those who want to start from basics, covering pencil types and usage, value, perspective, composition and learning to see like an artist. Please message if you want to join. 4 spaces left. Confirmed dates: 14th, 21st, 28th Jan and 11th Feb. Please note we skip 4th Feb due a pre-existing rooom booking. £50 for 4 weeks. 
This class starts with drawing skills but will progress onto painting after a few weeks, so it is still suitable if you are mostly interested in painting. Being able to draw is a prerequisite to painting well, especially if realism is your aim. 

 

Painting for beginners/improvers - THIS CLASS IS NOW FULL!

Wednesdays, 7-9pm, Weston-super-Mare Social Club, Devonshire Road. Aimed at those who have some drawing experience but want to learn more about painting. We are focussing on acrylics this term, including paint types, handling and mixing techniques, mediums, different surfaces and practising blending and paint application with various brushes. Confirmed dates: Jan 15th, 22nd, 29th and 5th Feb. £50 for 4 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a friend?
Yes sure, as long as they are a paying student too and as along as there are enough available spaces.
Can I bring children with me?
No, sorry. There will be no suitable facilities for them and you will need to be able to concentrate on your art, as will fellow attendees.
What happens if I miss a session?
You will be given any presentation notes to help you catch up plus some extra guidance at your next session. There are no refunds for missed sessions, sorry. So do try to attend regularly to get your money's worth. 
What happens if YOU cancel a session?
If Wendy can't make it for any reason, you will be offered a refund for the missed session.
How do I book the next block of sessions?
A week or two before the current term ends, existing students will be offered a place first, then it will be opened up to anyone on the waiting list. After that, if there are still spaces available, it will be opened up to new students.
How do I pay?
Once your have confirmed there is space, Wendy will take payment in person (cash or card) or by sending an online invoice. These are payable immediately and are easy to do. Your space on the course is not confirmed until payment is received.  Payments are for a term at a time, typically 6 weeks, though it might vary according to the school terms with which we are broadly in line.  Taster and holiday drop-in sessions are the only ones where you can turn up and just pay on the day. 
Can I join part-way through a term?
Yes, if there is space. You will be provided with any course notes and Wendy will do her best to help you catch up on any missed  materials. 
Are there any sessions during the school holidays?
Yes, there will be some. As people will often be away and tied up with family commitments, we will adopt a flexible drop-in system during term breaks. You'll be informed when these are. These sessions will be "pay-as-you-go" and used to work on whatever you choose, with Wendy's guidance. Please come along if you can. 
Can I swap to a different location/time?
Yes in theory, IF there is space available. The various locations might not be completely in sync with the timetables so you might end up repeating or missing part of the course. This is very much dependent on availability though. 
Can children attend as students?
At the moment this is aimed at adults only. If there is sufficient demand Wendy may consider renewing her DBS check to work with older children ONLY, age 14+.
Do you do Private Tutoring?Yes, for adults. This is charged at £50/hr for a minimum 2 hours, plus any travel expenses. Its subject to availability and has to fit round class and art commitments.
Please message for details.