Art, Design and Crafts

Painting and Drawing with Purpose - Improvers

Start date: 23rd Apr 2026

Time: 09:15 - 11:45

Cost: £98

Day: Thursday

Duration: 5 weeks

Tutor: Richard Squire

Course code: 26SU020

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Course overview:

This “Painting and Drawing with Purpose” course is designed for anyone who wants to explore painting in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The course will introduce a variety of painting and drawing techniques, materials and styles, encouraging creativity and self-expression.

Course level:

For all.

Media covered:

Acrylic paint, watercolour, pastels (both chalk and oil), gouache (poster paint), inks, watercolour pencils, charcoal and pencil, plus students’ choice.

Materials needed:

All materials will be supplied.

Students may wish to bring their own materials in addition.

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Richard Squire

A wartime baby born in Halifax, I failed my 11-plus but passed every subsequent exam. I had to prove my abilities, and I’m still trying to.

I’m a retired art college graduate and an ex–high school art teacher who has lived in Harrogate for many years.

My training covered many areas, from academic, classical-style drawing and painting across a range of media, to casting, pottery and printmaking, including lino, etching and lithography, plus many other things, over eight brilliant years.

I’ve taught art to people of all ages and levels of experience for 56 years. I love working with anyone who wishes to develop their artistic self, whatever their age, experience or ability. We’ve all got artistic potential. Art is in me and makes my life complete.

In a mid-life career change, I trained to teach the deaf — another visual world. For many years I worked alongside deaf and hearing people to fight for the rights of deaf children to access their education through sign language and interpreters, a fight that is still going on.

In retirement I was a volunteer at Henshaws Arts and Crafts in Knaresborough for 15 years, until I had to care for my handicapped wife. I’ve also run local art clubs and groups for around 20 years.

That’s about it so far, I think.

I’d love to see you and help move your artistic self forward.

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