Sketching and Watercolour (Stage 1)

In this highly creative 10-week course you’ll release your personal style through using different mediums and methods of creating traditional art.

To book your place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button 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.

What you need to know

When does it run?

Monday 2 October – 4 December 2023

How long is the course?

10 Monday evenings

What time will your classes be?

18.00-21.00

Where does it take place?

Classes will take place on AUB's campus.

You'll be taught in AUB's industry-standard studios with access to professional resources.

Who's this course suitable for?

This course has been developed for creatives and aspiring artists aged 18+.

Perfect for anyone who has a passion to learn and develop their skills.

It's suitable if you're a beginner or if you've some previous experience and wish to develop your skills further.

Do you need previous experience or qualifications?

This is an introductory course, so no previous knowledge or experience is required.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1202 363222.

How much does this course cost?

£339

What's included in this price?

Any additional materials and resources not listed in the 'what to bring' or 'additional costs' section below.

Are there additional costs?

Please be aware you'll need to bring some art equipment with you. This may incur an additional cost on top of your course fee if you need to purchase any equipment. Refer to the 'what to bring' section below for full details.

What should you bring to class?

Good quality hard back A4 sketchbook (Pink Pig, Sea Whites or similar)
Pencils 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B
Charcoal
Set of black fine line drawing pens (permanent ink)
Putty, plastic eraser, pencil sharpener
Watercolour pan set (e.g., Winsor and Newton Cotman sketching range set of 12)
Pro-arte Watercolour paintbrushes, set of 5
A roll of cheap lining paper

Why should you choose this course?

Come away with enhanced knowledge, skills, and confidence to draw and paint in your own time
Improve your artistic abilities, especially your drawing and observational skills
Explore and experiment with different mediums and methods
Experiment and develop your ideas and discover new approaches to creating
Develop basic watercolour techniques and apply these skills to your sketching
Learn how to use your sketchbook as a visual journal or as research for an art project
Discover a means to relax through art in any location
Develop your technical skills and unique creative voice
Receive expert support and guidance from your industry professional tutor at every turn
Leave with increased confidence and the skills to continue creating beyond the course
Study in an encouraging and friendly setting alongside 14 like-minded creatives

About this course

This 10-week course offers a hands-on approach to the world of sketching or ‘art on the go’. Ideal for all levels and abilities, it provides a relaxed way to build upon your drawing skills whilst enjoying the surrounding environment.

Sketching and drawing is fundamental to everything we do and throughout history every great artist and designer has kept a sketch book. A personal visual ‘journal’ offers a place to experiment, record special moments or work through your ideas for a more advanced project.

During this course you'll explore the fundamentals of drawing and observation including how to capture spontaneous and honest moments. You'll use a variety of materials and techniques including pencils, pens, charcoal watercolour, looking at genres such as landscape, botanical and the human form.

The course includes two evenings where you’ll have the opportunity to develop your drawing and sketching skills of the human form, including a portrait focused class. These human form classes will use a dressed model.

You’ll further your knowledge and explore colour and design through our on-campus resources. This includes our nationally recognised museum, Museum of Design in Plastics, TheGallery, and Library that houses an excellent range of print and online collections.

Observational drawing, including how to ‘see’ and sketch the world around you
Capturing the human form
Skills with pencil, pens, watercolour, and charcoal
Expressive use of line and mark-making
Tone, contrast, textures, colour, and form
Capturing movement and basic perspective
Basic techniques to approach landscape, botanical, objects, and people
Explore renowned artists and their work

Possess improved artistic and observational skills
Be able to demonstrate a wide range of techniques using a variety of mediums and be able to choose materials appropriate for your intentions
Be inspired by different art movements and renowned artists
Have the skills required to ‘see’ and sketch the world around you
Not be afraid to experiment and adapt your ideas as you go
Have increased confidence in your own skills and feel inspired
Have boosted creativity and imagination
Be encouraged to experiment and explore your ideas, remembering that there's no right or wrong way to be creative
Possess the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Short Course certificate of attendance. To request your certificate contact the short courses team: shortcourses@aub.ac.uk or call 01202 363222.

After this course, you could:

Elevate your observational and watercolour skills by taking our intermediate Pure Watercolour (stage 2) short course
Continue to harness your creativity and develop your skills further; explore our full range of Art, Design, Drawing and Painting short courses
Broaden your creative horizons and try your hand at a range of disciplines; explore our full range of evening and weekend courses
Continue to develop your skills at home as a hobby

You'll study at a leading specialist university – we know what we're doing when it comes to providing unparalleled courses
Our tutors are industry professionals, so you'll learn from the best
We cater for all abilities and have no formal entry requirements for this course, so there's nothing holding you back
You'll learn in a safe and encouraging environment where there's no right or wrong way to be creative
You'll learn 'by doing' and always feel fully included and supported
Benefit from our incredible campus and its industry-standard studios, and use state-of-the-art equipment and software to unleash your creativity