Painting – Colour and Expressionism

Ages: 18+
Term: Autumn, spring
Length: 10 weeks

Overview

Why should creativity stop when we grow up? This joyful and liberating course celebrates the idea that art is for everyone.

To book your place today, simply click Book Now to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for short course updates.

Course information

In a relaxed and supportive environment, you’ll be encouraged to experiment freely, rediscover your curiosity, and create without pressure or judgement. There is no “right” or “wrong” here – just exploration, expression, and enjoyment.

No experience is required, and you don’t need to know how to draw. Simply bring your enthusiasm and willingness to play.

Throughout the course, the emphasis is on process over perfection. You’ll explore a wide range of creative approaches, learning to let go of expectations and enjoy the act of making. Each week introduces new techniques, materials and inspirational starting points designed to spark your imagination.

You’ll take inspiration from a diverse range of artists and movements – from cave art and Japanese ink traditions to Kandinsky, Pollock, Matisse and Rauschenberg. Activities may include action painting, expressive ink work, marbling, acrylic paint pouring, watercolour exploration, poetry-inspired art, and even “rubbish art” using recycled materials on canvas.

Colour will play a central role, as you explore how it influences mood, emotion and personal expression.

By the end of the course, you’ll have developed greater creative confidence, a sketchbook full of experimentation, and a renewed sense of freedom in your artistic practice.

Experienced guidance from a practising artist who specialises in creative, relaxation-style workshops
Exploration of a wide variety of materials and techniques
Inspiration from historical and contemporary artists and movements (with handouts provided)
Opportunities to experiment with both conventional and unconventional art materials
A supportive, encouraging studio environment

At the end of the course you'll:

Feel confident experimenting with a range of materials and techniques
Have developed a sketchbook/journal documenting your creative exploration
Participate in informal group sharing at the end of each session to support and inspire one another

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's 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

Autumn term 2026

Wednesday 7 October – 9 December 2026 (10 Wednesdays, 18.00–21.00)

Spring term 2027

Wednesday 13 January – 17 March 2027 (10 Wednesdays, 18.00–21.00)

Age

Suitable for adults aged 18+.

Level

Beginners or anyone with some experience who want to refresh or develop their skills further.

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

You may need to purchase additional items for this course – please refer to the ‘What to bring to class’ section for more information.

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

Hardback A4 sketchbook
Pencils, black fine line drawing pens, charcoal and any other drawing materials you may have
Affordable acrylic paint set and brushes
A selection of inexpensive canvases in a variety of sizes
Wear old or protective clothing
For the first session, please bring a sketchbook, pencils and charcoal. The tutor will advise on any additional materials as the course progresses.

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

Laura Wyatt

Laura Wyatt is a professional illustrator and watercolour artist whose work is playful and interactive, often featuring pop-up elements.

Book your place today

Book now

Painting, colour and expressionism gallery

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A series of vibrant expressionist paintings

A student standing by an easel and painting on a canvas.

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.