2719 Recreational courses

The Golden Ratio:  Jewel of Geometry and Cosmos 23, 24 October 2021  with Daniel Docherty 10:00-17:00  Cost: £130  

Join us on a journey through the geometric arts of Ancient Egypt ... The profound relationship between qualitative geometry and the forms of architecture and sculpture is no where better expressed than in the ancient egyptian tradition. During this course we will be drawing inspiration from the work of R.A. Schwaller de Lubitcz, John Michell and others. The philosophical implications of the golden section in Egyptian art will be covered. The Pyramids: the pyramids and earth measure - we will draw and model the great pyramid of Giza to scale.

Join Adam Williamson for this two day intensive exploring the stunning rosette panel in the Court of Lions, Alhambra Palace, Granada.  We will draw the full extended geometric and biomorphic pattern complete with multiple rosettes. This composition is full of profound secrets and mysteries and variations of it are found all over the Alhambra Palace. ​ This class is open to all ability levels

Join Daniel Docherty and Sheetle Shah for this practical two-day course exploring sacred pattern and the art of henna. On the first day of the course Daniel will give an overview of the practice and philosophy of Mandalas from various traditions. Participants will be introduced to certain key characteristics and significant symbolism inherent within traditional Mandalas. We will learn how to construct some of these sacred patterns using the traditional tools of compass and straightedge. Sheetle, a henna artist with 20 years of experience with this traditional art form, will guide participants through the processes of making and preparing henna paste 'from scratch'. You will learn how to apply intricate patterns to paper, hands or feet depending on your preference! Henna is a natural pigment with remarkable staining qualities. You will learn how it is traditionally applied to hands and feet during festivals and celebrations; today, henna is also applied for ‘belly blessings’, cosmetic tattoos, semi-permanent face painting, hair dye and has developed many other creative roles.

A practical and participatory two-day introductory course for anyone wanting to develop a deeper relationship to ink and ochre. We will walk in the beautiful Ashdown Forest; we will reverently forage minerals and materials which we will transform - through various alchemical processes - into pigment, paint and ink. These endeavours will be accompanied by exercises in contemplative pattern construction and plein-air sketching.

Learn to create top quality, fragrant, natural candles you can feel proud to burn in your home or gain enough skills to start a business. Paula, the award-winning founder of Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co., a master Chandler with years of experience is your host and teacher. You’ll be in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and leave with two beautiful handmade soy wax candles - one large 30 cl and a smaller 12 cl.

Learn all the essentials of how to make luxurious, fragrant soaps, for home, gifts to wow your friends and family, or as an aspiring entrepreneur.

A bespoke, private studio session with artist Puy Soden to help you experiment with alternative approaches to your art-making practice in a supportive space.

Introduction to palette knives, developing textures and depth in creating landscapes in oils. Learn key points in creating dynamic paintings using reference materials from the rural landscape of Neath. Teaching will be through demonstrating and one to one time with students.

'Strike while the iron's hot' and get sweaty behind a roaring fire to sound of ringing anvils .....