Painting Now
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£495
- Start Date(s): 24 January 2026
- Duration: Saturdays, 10 am to 12.30 pm, for ten weeks
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
24 January - 28 March 2026, Saturdays 10 am - 12:30 pm
This course is the ideal opportunity to explore traditional and modern approaches to painting in watercolour, gouache, acrylic and ink.
You’ll have lots of opportunities to experiment with a range of techniques using each of these mediums.
The course is aimed at the adventurous beginner and those with more experience as it will build on the basics of painting: the qualities of paint, how to use paint in an effective way and how to plan and create original compositions in your own style.
On this course, you’ll be encouraged to create a range of work that explores both the medium of paint and your own painting style.
Throughout the course there’ll be a range of practical activities and inspiring projects for you to engage with, supported by demonstrations of specific materials and techniques, and supportive group critiques.
You’ll study how to effectively use different applications including impasto, sgraffito, dry-brushing, wet-on-wet, mark making and texture gels.
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You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your designs at home or work. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
What you’ll study
- identify traditional and modern painting techniques
- complete painting exercises and understand colour theory
- research your own subject matter that interests you
- learn how to select the best materials to use, including supports and primers
- improve your brush and tool techniques
- develop an individual painting project.
- Watercolours, gouache, inks, acrylics and water-based oils
- Tools for painting, mark-making
- Grounds and supports
- Materiality, subject matter, themes, use of sketchbooks for painting
- Watercolour Techniques – including wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, dry-brushing
- Colour triangle
- Gouache Techniques – including handling of opaque paint or body colour
- Acrylic Techniques – including impasto, texture gels, s’graffito
- Composition
- Water-based oil techniques
- Mixed media – any combination of painting media, including collage
- Abstraction
- Review, critique, presentation, evaluation, and progression
How you’re taught
You will be based in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus.
You'll find bright painting studios in which to develop your ideas.
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’re welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
By the end of the course, you’ll have created a portfolio of new, innovative work.
You’ll leave with a good knowledge of painting techniques and mediums and have the confidence to produce further works to keep developing your skills.
The course could also be a means to progress within fine art into different materials or approaches.
Entry requirements
Level: Open to all.
Entry requirement: Beginners as well as those with some painting experience are welcome.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £495.
Payment is due at the time of booking.
How to apply
You can book your place via the NTU online store:
24 January - 28 March 2026, Saturdays 10 am - 12:30 pm
Browse all our short courses in art.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813