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Art, Design and Crafts

Painting and Drawing with Purpose

towards abstraction 3

Start date: 6th Nov 2025

Time: 09:15 - 11:45

Cost: £118

Day: Thursday

Duration: 6 weeks

Tutor: Richard Squire

Course code: 25AU017

Course Overview:

This “Painting and drawing with purpose” course is designed for All who want to explore painting in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The course will introduce various painting and drawing techniques, materials, and styles, encouraging creativity and self-expression. No prior experience is necessary—just a willingness to experiment and enjoy the process.

Course Level: for All

Mediums Covered: Acrylic paint, Watercolour, Pastels (both chalk and oil) Gouache (poster paint) Inks, Watercolour Pencils, Charcoal, Pencil plus student’s choice)

Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Materials

Overview of tools and materials

Understanding colour theory and mixing

Experimenting with brush techniques and textures

Creating a simple piece including colour blending

Week 2: Exploring Composition & Perspective

Basics of composition and focal points

Understanding light, shadow, and depth

Creating a simple landscape or still life painting

Week 3: Expressive Techniques & Styles

Exploring different painting styles (impressionism, realism, abstract)

Using palette knives and other tools for texture

Week 4: Capturing Nature – Landscape & Florals

Techniques for painting skies, water, and trees

Layering and blending for realistic effects

Creating a landscape or floral painting

Week 5: Painting from Reference & Imagination

Using photos and sketches as inspiration

Combining elements to create a unique piece

Exploring personal artistic voice

Week 6: Final Group Showcase

Course Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will:

Feel confident using different painting techniques and materials

Understand basic principles of composition, colour, and texture

Develop their own creative style

Materials Needed:

All materials will be supplied.

Students may wish to bring their own materials in addition

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Richard Squire

Richard Squire

A wartime baby born in Halifax, failed my 11 plus but passed every subsequent exam. Had to prove my abilities. I still trying to.
I’m a retired Art College graduate. An ex High School Art teacher who’s lived in Harrogate for some many years.

My training covered many areas from; academic, classical style drawing and painting across a range of mediums; to casting, pottery, print-making including lino, etching & lithography plus lots more things for eight brilliant years.

I’ve taught Art to people of all ages and experience for 56 years.
I love to work with anyone wishing to develop their Artistic selves 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 fought with Deaf and Hearing people for the rights of Deaf children to access their education via Sign Language and Interpreters. A fight that is still going on.

In retirement I was a volunteer worker at Henshaws Arts and Crafts, 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 to help your Artistic self forward

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