Art History – an Introduction (Theory and Practice)

Ages: 18+
Term: Summer
Length: 10 weeks

Overview

Art History is a fascinating reflection of the way civilisation has evolved throughout time. In this introductory course, you'll study a range of art movements with illustrated discussions.

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Course information

This course will enable you to gain skills of visual analysis and understanding of the ideas and motivation behind artworks. Initially, you'll discuss images as a group in a visual presentation, before moving onto practical sessions where you'll explore the ideas and techniques. This will allow you to gain a deeper understanding and acquire expertise in a range of media.

During this summer term weekend course, you'll study abstract art in relation to landscape. You'll look at the 20th century groundbreaking artists Kandinsky and Mondrian in context and see how British artists such as Ben Nicholson and Paul Nash responded to these international developments. The St. Ives artists Peter Lanyon and Patrick Heron developed visual responses that were site-specific yet reflected their time. You'll also examine contemporary 21st century developments.

The practical sessions will enable you to gain expertise in graphite, charcoal, pastel, watercolour, acrylic and collage. Inspiration will be taken from the ideas and techniques we have discussed, and you may like to bring your own landscape images as a starting point.

During the course, you'll also study the development of the still life genre from Dutch 17th century artists via Cézanne and Picasso to 21st century developments. This exciting and highly personal art form will give you a broad understanding of art in context while examining ideas and techniques.

Art history presentations that explore the artists and art movements.
Illustrated handouts for each session.
Instruction in visual analysis, i.e. how to ‘read’ an artwork and gain knowledge of specialist concepts.
Group discussions to examine ideas and insights.
Membership for an outstanding arts Library for additional research.
Demonstration of techniques for practical sessions.
One-to-one instruction with a range of media.
The guided support of a tutor who is a practising artist and experienced lecturer of fine art and art history.

At the end of the course you'll:

Develop a greater understanding of historical and contemporary art
Gain basic skills in a wide range of art media
Understand concepts from art movements in guided practical sessions
Have created your own art pieces, developed your skills, and practiced in the demonstrated methods  
Possess improved artistic skills
Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
Have boosted creativity and imagination
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

You can request a certificate to confirm your achievements, providing you've a 100% attendance record. To request a certificate please get in touch with us at academy@aub.ac.uk and confirm your name and the title of course you've completed.

Will I be assessed?

No, there is no formal assessment. As the course progresses, your tutor will measure your overall performance and offer essential guidance and feedback, so you know how you're getting on.

What you need to know

Summer term 2027

Saturdays 10 and 24 April; 8 and 15 May; 5 June (5 alternating Saturdays, 09.00–16.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

This is an introductory course and no experience is required. All you need is a willingness to learn, explore and develop your skills in a supportive environment.

Experience or qualifications required

None – this is an introductory course. We have no formal academic entry requirements for our short courses.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: academy@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363222.

£375

Any additional costs

There'll be materials to purchase for this course, listed in the “what to bring to class” section below.

Additional materials and resources will be provided by AUB and is included in your course fee.

Notebook and pen
A3 cartridge sketch pad
Ingres or pastel paper (mixed colours)
Watercolour paper (300 g/m)
Range of pencils, graphite drawing pen
Coloured chalk pastels (Inscribe half sticks)
Putty and plastic eraser
Watercolour paints and palette
Range of sable substitute and bristle brushes
Masking tape, fixative.

Instructions will be given about required materials for the first session.

A student stands painting two cherries in a sketch book.

Suggested Suppliers

Information about resourcing specialist materials/consumables that you may need to bring these with you

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AUB Academy FAQs – Evening and Weekend and Saturday Art School

If you have any questions about our Evening and Saturday Short Courses, you may find the answers in here.

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AUB Academy booking T&Cs

Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully before booking onto our Evening and Weekend courses.

Meet your tutor

Abi Kremer

Abi has had a long and varied career as an artist and educator. Having studied ‘Environmental Art’ specialising in mural design at AUB.

Book your place today

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Beyond the course

This could just be the start of your creative journey! After this course, you could further your artistic skills with another short course or look to the future and explore our creative qualifications that can prepare you to further your current career, enable you to retrain to an alternative career path or prepare you for future creative arts studies.