Alternative Painting and Unusual Media

Level(s) of Study: Short course
Course Fee:
£295
Start Date(s): 6 October 2026, 13 April 2027
Duration: Wednesday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, three days or Tuesdays 6 - 8 pm, six weeks
Study Mode(s): Part-time
Campus: City Campus
Entry Requirements: More information

Introduction:

Course dates:

6 October - 10 November 2026, Tuesdays 6 - 8 pm, six weeks

13 April - 28 May 2027, Tuesdays 6 - 8 pm, six weeks

This course is ideal for those who have experience in painting at any level and using any medium (watercolour, tempura, oils or acrylics) and are already aware of technical skills such as colour mixing, composition and observational drawing.

It’s for those who want to shake up their art and push the boundaries of what painting can be, with a focus on abstraction and invention that is underpinned by contemporary art theory.

You’ll be part of a creative community in our art studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration and encourages experimentation.
With a limited class size, you'll receive one-to-one attention to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your painting style.
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor (and TV star!) who has established links to the arts.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a digital certificate and badge.

What you’ll study

Sometimes paint, canvas and brushes can be expensive. This can put people off making art. But when you don’t have much, you can get inventive!

This course allows you to work with what you already have in a creative way. We will be delving into the backs of cupboards, garages and even under the bed to revive and repurpose materials and objects to make exciting, successful paintings. You’ll be working with unusual media, from natural materials to food stuffs, and making your own art tools from household items.

The focus will be on experimenting, playing and exploring. You’ll push yourself in inventive and dynamic ways and be encouraged to have freedom to play and let it all out. It’s about enjoying the processes, learning something new and being open.

During this course, you will:

building on the technical skills of observational drawing, composition and colour mixing
be inventive with everyday items, materials and media
be dynamic with your mark making skills
learn to experiment through playing
apply alternative approaches to traditional painting
use your body to be gestural and physical when making work
gain confidence in painting through drawing
complete exercises towards creating a more accomplished piece of work
bring out your personality in your artwork
learning about artists and gain inspiration from them through talks and discussions.

Whilst there is encouragement to experiment, there is also a focus on observational skills. Other technical aspects include colour-mixing, paint application using various tools and working with compositions. You will be working with your own personal subjects - your artwork will be a personal story about you.

There will be a range of demonstrations to show you what you can do, artists presentations and learning from them to inspire you, one-to-one support as well and peer discussions. Your tutor strongly believes that art can bring out your personal story and individuality, and she will endeavour to make you think about the world differently and have a voice

Introductions, sketchbook samples, artist presentation and discussion, subject matter, experimenting with unusual media, production of small explorations.
Artist presentation and discussion, producing a large-scale line drawing or painting.
Artist presentation and discussion, experimenting with painting on alternative surfaces (such as 3D surfaces, photographs etc.)
Artist presentation and discussion, focus on your individual work, developing ideas, discussions and one-to-one support.
Individual artwork development.
Completion of individual work, review and critique, presentation, evaluation and progression.

Tutor profile:

Diana Ali is an experienced visual artist who has been an educator nationally and internationally for over twenty years. She has an MA in Fine Art and a Certificate in Education.

Diana has a significant career in fine art and years of experience in leading such courses, exhibiting and curating around the world. She has also been a creative mentor on BBC’s ‘Big Painting Challenge’, ‘Life Drawing Live’ and Channels 4’s ‘Drawers Off.’

Careers and employability

The course is designed to prepare you to succeed in your fine art endeavours, whether for personal or professional development.

Certificate of attendance and digital badge

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a digital badge powered by Accredible.

Your digital credential is more than just a certificate – it’s secure, verifiable, and protected against fraud through encryption and blockchain technology.

They also come with detailed metadata, including an overview of the skills you have achieved on the course, evidence of completion, and assessment criteria if appropriate.

Share your achievements seamlessly with friends, customers, and potential employers online, and proudly add your badge or certificate to social media platforms such as LinkedIn, so all the right people can see it.

Campus and facilities

You will be based in the Nottingham School of Art and Design on the City Campus.

You’ll work in our spacious fine art studios.

You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.

You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.

Entry requirements

Level: Beginner / Improver

Entry requirement: Some art, drawing or painting experience is required.

You must be over the age of 18 in order to attend this course.

Fees and funding

The fee for this course is £295

Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library.

NTU will provide much of the materials, but you will need to bring with you:

Basic drawing tools that you already have (pencils, fine liner, inks, oil/chalk pastels)
Paint brushes and pots
Sketchbook
Personal house hold items – we’ll discuss these on the first day and as your project develops.

You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.

Looking for accommodation for a summer course?

You can read about short-stay options on the Visit Notts website:

Where to Stay - Visit Nottinghamshire