Using still life as a source of inspiration, you will build a collage by first making and then applying textured paper shapes. The result will be a colourful and imaginative composition reflecting your own interpretation of the subject.

For anyone who wants to learn how to draw a head and shoulders portrait. A model will sit in a studio setting and students will be assisted and encouraged to develop their creative skills without worrying too much about technical limitations.

Using landscape images as inspiration, you will create a vibrant collage using textured paper shapes. Students who attended on the previous day will extend their skills, whilst first-timers will discover how the creative techniques can be used in a highly imaginative way.

Using still life to begin with, we will work with line and pencil, exploring different disciplines for the first half of the day. During the second half, we will be using charcoal to depict a portrait of a seated model.

Have fun with watercolour – experiment with some exciting techniques and learn a bit about colour mixing, washes, brush strokes and

composition.

Experience the immediacy of drawing with inks, sticks, quills and pens. Use watercolour or acrylics to produce colourful paintings in a traditional pen and wash style or go for bold washes and add pen for detail.

Discover the advantages of using acrylic paints – water soluble, fast drying and odour-free! Imaginative studio exercises designed to explore the creative possibilities of this highly versatile medium.

We all admire a flowing italic script and today you will find out that Calligraphy (or “Beautiful Writing”) is not as hard as you may think! Demonstrations and simple studio exercises will show you how to hold and use a calligraphy pen and create the various letter forms used within the calligraphy alphabet. There will be pointers towards ways of developing your skills and suggestions for future projects.

An overview of the online resources that can be used to delve deeper into our family histories. We will look at the various censuses available online, as well as parish records and civil registrations. There will be advice on storing relevant information and examples of genealogical computer applications. Participants should be prepared to pay online fees via credit or debit card, in order to access certain sites. Basic computer skills are required for this course.

Come and learn some of the favourites that are regularly danced at socials and tea-dances. This practical one-day workshop will include the Saunter Together, Rumba Number One and the Catherine Waltz. Suitable for beginners. Couples and single applicants are welcome – no partners are required as we have “leaders” and “followers” in this style of dancing.

The Double is the most flexible “weapon” in the bidder’s arsenal. Today, you will discover how to make the most of the Double and incorporate this into your overall game. Suitable for bridge players of intermediate standard.

You will be introduced to the techniques and materials used to paint a traditional miniature, which involves much more than just “little painting”. Advice and help will be given to enable you to continue this very different and absorbing skill at home.

A technique associated with early miniaturists, the painting of silhouettes is still practised today. Using a variety of subjects, you will learn how to paint these detailed and delightful pictures, and how to embellish them with gold or white highlights.

For anyone who has an interest in photography and wants to learn how to create better pictures with their digital compact camera. You will learn about the various menus and controls and discover how to become more creative when taking pictures. Subjects will include macro, portrait, flash, architecture and landscape. There will be a practical session in the grounds followed by a helpful evaluation of your pictures. Bring your own camera or borrow one of ours if you wish.

All the absolute basics will be covered - for beginners who have bought themselves a PC running Windows Vista. You will learn how to operate the mouse and keyboard, navigate around your screen and select menu options. Simple commands and routines will be covered during the day, as time allows.

Many portrait artists work from photographs of their subject. The tutor will take you through the step-by-step process that she uses when creating beautiful pastel portraits. You will learn about technique, composition and how to handle the medium - as you produce a realistic portrait, using your own image or one supplied by the tutor.

An introduction to Silver Art Clay for beginners. The clay consists of ground pure silver, binders and water. When fired, the binder burns away leaving pure 99.9% silver. Learn the basic techniques, how to handle, shape, fire and finish your pieces, making an original item of jewellery.

An opportunity to learn essential watercolour techniques. Through studio-based exercises, we will explore observational and tonal drawing, colour mixing and various techniques including wet in wet.

Do you want to be able to do Breast Stroke without ending up with a stiff neck or sore back? Learn to put your face in the water and work on your gliding, timing and breathing. Progressive practice will help you gain a better understanding of this stroke. The day will include small group sessions in the warm Earnley pool (usually 85˚F).

Don’t let the Internet be a stranger in your life! Find out how to go online, send and receive emails, make sense of the Web and carry out online transactions safely and securely. Participants must know their way around the computer but no Internet experience is required.

Enjoy the freedom of expression that you get from using pastels for quick sketches and finished paintings. The tutor will demonstrate various techniques and styles and there will be time to work on a short studio project taking flowers or landscape as our theme.

Discover some exciting ways of using super-versatile acrylic paints. They can be handled like watercolours to produce vibrant washes and blocks of color, or more like oils – using thick impasto – applied with a knife if you wish. The tutor will demonstrate various styles and methods and there will be time for a studio project taking flowers or landscape as our theme.

Discover some exciting ways of using super-versatile acrylic paints. They can be handled like watercolours to produce vibrant washes and blocks of colour, or more like oils – using thick impasto – applied with a knife if you wish. The tutor will demonstrate various styles and methods and there will be time for a studio project taking flowers or landscape as our theme.