How it works
Our tutors run group courses when there is sufficient demand. Courses require a minimum of 2 students and typically run with up to 4 students per group. Once interest reaches the required number, we arrange the course schedule based on group size and tutor availability to ensure convenient times and effective learning. All group sizes and timings are confirmed before the course begins.
Course overview — Basics of Art (Printmaking & Painting) Suitable for two age groups: 9–12 and 13–18 Format: Four 60–75 minute lessons. Each lesson combines demonstration, hands-on practice, discussion and short assessment/reflective task.
Lesson 1 — Introduction to Materials and Mark-making
Years 9–12: Simple introductions to painting and printmaking materials (acrylic/watercolour, basic brushes, ink, foam/block for prints, rollers). Warm-up mark-making exercises to explore line, texture and pressure. Short collaborative activity: make texture rubbings and translate one into a quick monoprint.
Years 13–18: Deeper material theory (paper types, properties of inks and paints). Focused mark-making investigations exploring brush techniques, wash control, and relief print approaches. Brief experiment sheet to record outcomes and preferences.
Lesson 2 — Colour, Tone and Composition
9–12: Colour mixing basics (primary/secondary, simple tints and shades). Tone ladders and creating three-value studies. Intro to simple composition rules (rule of thirds, focal point). Activity: paint a small still-life and create a matching block print emphasizing tone.
13–18: Colour theory (colour wheel, harmony, complementary contrasts, limited palettes), value studies and atmospheric perspective. Composition exercises including thumbnail sketches and cropping. Activity: plan and execute a tonal study in paint; prepare a print plate based on one thumbnail.
Lesson 3 — Printmaking Techniques
9–12: Hands-on relief printing using soft-cut foam or simple linocut starter blocks, basic inking with rollers, registration tips for single or two-colour prints. Emphasis on safety and tool handling. Create an edition of 3–5 prints.
13–18: Expanded print methods: relief printing with lino or collagraph, introduction to reduction printing or multi-block registration for two-colour work. Technical focus on carving tools, ink viscosity and registration precision. Produce a small edition or a two-colour reduction print.
Lesson 4 — Developing a Personal Piece and Critique
9–12: Plan and complete a final small piece combining painting and a printed element (e.g. painted background with printed motif). Group sharing and positive peer feedback using simple prompts (what I like, one thing to try). Short reflective worksheet about process and favourite techniques.
13–18: Develop a resolved mixed-media piece integrating advanced painting techniques with a print component, guided independent work time. Formal peer critique using constructive language and reference to technical choices and intent. Final reflection: artist statement (brief) and notes for further development.
Assessment & Outcomes
Skills: safe material handling, basic printmaking processes, control of paint and colour mixing, compositional awareness.
Creative outcomes: completed prints and paintings, sketchbook/thumbnails with experiments, short reflective statements.
Differentiation: tasks scaffolded for younger group (step-by-step, simpler tools) and extended for older group (concept development, technical refinement).