This is a unique opportunity to take part in an inspirational 3 week online art course with renowned artist Kerry Harding. Combining videos you can watch in your own time with live group tutorials using Zoom, you will work through a series of tasks and learn to incorporate the playful exploration of oil paint into a series of landscape inspired paintings.

The tasks are designed to consecutively lead you through the course however it is important to enjoy each stage and not be focused on a final perfect end point.

The course will introduce you to new techniques as well as a working practice based on experimentation and play. By this we mean making without expectation which we believe will open up a world of possibilities for you.

The course structure includes 6 units of learning with pre recorded video sessions where Kerry sets out a task for you to follow (5 in your studio and 1 outside in your local environment). A live session on Zoom is scheduled each week on a Monday evening. Students will have the opportunity to ask the tutor questions prior and during these live sessions as well as have access to a group forum on a secured course platform. This private online space is a chance for you and your group to connect with each other and share progress during the course.

You will be able to enjoy access to the video sessions and Zoom recordings up to one month after the courses finishes. In addition there are downloadable theory notes for you to keep.

You will need to gather together your own materials for the course and have access to the internet. We will have staff on hand to assist with your connecting on Zoom. You will receive a comprehensive handbook on setting up ready for the course covering equipment and materials.

What will I learn?

Learn to tap into the power of experimentation and play (making without expectation)

Explore an expressive and loose approach from which you then can slowly resolve and consider your paintings.

Learn to harness the happy accidents. Being open to where the creative process takes you often produce better results than a more controlled approach.

Learn how to let the paint work for you, make it contribute to your painting and express your personal voice.

Combat the ‘fear of failure’. You have to be relaxed to make good art. The course will help to banish fear and pressure in the studio.

Who would this course suit?

This course is suitable for the adventurous. It’s ideal if you feel you need a confidence boost combined with technical tips to enjoy painting more. Those who would like to be more confident using oils in particular and want to understand this media better will find Kerry’s approach liberating. Although the theme of landscape is used what you learn can be used for any subject.

How long will I have access to the course?

You’ll have access to all course materials for the duration of your course, plus an additional 4 weeks after your end date.

How much contact time will I get with Kerry?

You will receive a weekly response from Kerry via our course platform where she will comment and feedback on a selection of your photo uploads on the communal studio wall. There will also be 3 live Zoom group tutorials where you will be able to send in questions for Kerry to discuss with the group.

There may be up to 25 students on this course, which is more than the usual 10 we have in the studio. However the nature of online learning means this in no way impacts negatively on your learning.

The ability to review the sessions via recordings for a month combined with the face to face online sessions and feedback over 3 weeks gives you more opportunity to ask questions and embed the learning in your practice.

What to Bring

You will receive a comprehensive handbook on setting up ready for the course covering equipment and materials. We will guide you on how best to set up in your own home environment whatever that might be from the kitchen to the studio.

Timings and Breaks

Over the three weeks there will be a live session every Monday which lasts 90 minutes: 6pm – 7.30pm (London time). The tasks are made available for you to complete in your time.

On Wednesday 27th January 3-5pm, there will be an introductory session with our digital administrator to make sure you are comfortable with the technology.

IT Equipment

You will need a laptop or tablet with audio and camera enabled so you can have a screen near where you are working. A phone is not ideal as you will struggle to see enough. You will also need reasonable broadband connection and speed.