Visual art workshops

Want to learn the fundamentals of using your digital camera including ISO, aperture and shutter speed, understanding depth, focusing modes and lenses? Then this is the course for you!

Course outline

In this course, you will be introduced to the basic settings of using a digital camera including ISO, aperture and shutter speed, raw files and JPGs, metering modes, focusing modes and lenses.

You learn how to take landscape and portrait images while being introduced to Photoshop, Camera Raw and Lightroom software used to process your images.

There will be a field trip to practice your skills. From here you learn to select your images and prepare them before arranging them.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you should:

• have confidence in using the manual controls of your camera
• have the ability to use Photoshop, Camera Raw and Lightroom software
• have a folio of images.

Who should enrol

Beginning photographers who want to develop their image making and processing skills.

Materials

To gain the full benefit, owning a DSLR or mirrorless camera is suggested. Also, if possible, bring to each session a small portable USB to save your post produced work.

Want to learn the fundamentals of camera composition and lighting? Want to learn what makes an appealing shot and where to place your camera? Then this is the course for you!  

Course outline

In this course, you will be introduced to the basics of composition and lighting. The rules and guidelines photographers use and take a great photo no matter where you are. How lighting affects your shots and how to use lights and flash. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you should:  

• have confidence in how to capture a visually interesting image
• learn what makes photos appealing and how to take advantage of it
• learn about lighting techniques with natural and artificial lighting
• learn the basics of flash photography
• have a folio of images.  

Who should enrol

Beginning photographers who want to develop their photography composition and lighting. 

Materials

To gain the full benefit, owning a DSLR or Mirrorless camera is suggested however you can still use most of these techniques.

Want to learn the fundamentals of post processing your photos? From organizing your photos to editing to exporting. Then this is the course for you!  

Course outline  

In this course, you will be introduced to the basics of photo post processing using multiple software. 

Learning outcomes  

By the end of the course, you should:  

• have confidence in how to organize your photos
• learn to edit your photos tones and colours
• learn to colour correct and colour grade
• learn to crop, spot remove, red eye correct and other adjustments
• learn the basics of layering and image manipulation
• learn how to export in different formats for print and web
• have a folio of edited images.  

Who should enrol  

Beginning photographers who want to develop their post processing skills 

Materials  

To gain the full benefit, owning a DSLR or Mirrorless camera is suggested for processing RAW images.

Ever been interested in creating fine objects in wood? Well, this course is for you! Understand timber properties and learn basic hand skills to bring home a masterpiece of your own.

Each week will see a more demanding stage for the project at hand. hand tools will be fully explained and demonstrated along the way. Preparation and finishing of the project are a crucial part of the course.

Learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, you should:

• have an understanding of the importance of allowing for wood movement in making various items in wood
• successfully complete a beautiful object in wood.

Who should attend

This course is open to anyone interested in woodworking. No experience is necessary, and all levels can be catered for.

Course materials

Please ensure you wear appropriate workshop gear and closed-in shoes.

In this introductory course, learn the equipment and processes associated with steel fabrication including mig welding, oxy-acetylene cutting, forging, and hand tools to design and construct a work using a selection of supplied steel formats.

Course outline

• Topic 1: Introduction to tools, skills, and safety
• Topic 2: Idea development and fabrication techniques
• Topic 3: Individual work development and fabrication

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you should:

• be introduced to a wide range of skills in working with steel
• develop confidence in handling a wide range of tools and equipment from mig welding and forging to angle grinding
• develop your own creative program in consultation with your tutor, to complete a project.

Who should enrol

Anyone with a love of creating!

Course materials

Students will need safety gear - riggers gloves, closed toe boots, and overalls. Safety gear will be discussed during the first week, providing guidance on necessary and optional purchases

String and line are fundamental to the art forms of textiles and drawing. This inspiring course provides the opportunity to explore the creative possibilities of string and line for making artworks. The simplicity of string and line provide an accessible, yet abundant ground from which to embark on your own creative exploration.

Course outline

During this course, students will engage in a series of experimental and playful line-drawing exercises designed to increase confidence and help generate visual ideas.

Learn how to:

• make twined string by hand,
• techniques for manipulating string to make three-dimensional forms
• be introduced to netting, twined weaving and crochet

Inspiring contemporary artists using line and string in installation and sculptural works will be showcased and discussed. Each class will be a blend of structured exercises, demonstrations and discussion.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you should:

• acquire experience in making and manipulating sting and line in two and three dimensions
• be able to situate the techniques you have learnt in a contemporary art context
• be able to utilize a range of creative exercises to develop your personal artistic style

Who should enrol

This course is open to all. Structured creative exercises provide a supportive and gentle introduction for beginners and can assist in generating new creative possibilities for those with more experience.

Materials

Students will need to bring an A3 sketchbook and some HB/2B pencils. Basic textile materials will be provided. If you would like to work with speciality materials you are invited to source these individually. All materials required will be discussed in the first class.