What’s On

Origami is the Japanese art of paper-folding, and this course is suitable for absolute beginners through to improvers. Tony will introduce students to, and explore with them, a range of basic and more involved origami techniques, styles and paper types and their application to the art. This is Tony’s second full day course at NIA, and this year it will focus on using origami in practical ways, such as making natural scenes, gift cards, jewelry, decorations and multi-piece or modular origami, all with a nature theme. Tony has a particular interest in “upcycling” paper products such as tourist leaflets, flyers, post cards etc, and these materials will be used whenever possible and appropriate during the day. Expect a hands-on and fun course and leave with a boxful of paper creations involving animals, birds, fish, flowers, abstract and geometric forms and more. See Tony’s website www.smiley-origami.me.uk for more information.

Drawing is a fantastic way of exploring the world around us.

This one day workshop is designed to be fun it will invigorate, excite and challenge. The morning session will be a series of short exercises exploring drawing. Participants will develop ways of seeing, interpreting and making. The afternoon session will be made up of longer exercises where participants will be able to develop their drawing skills further with the aid of one to one tuition.

This workshop is open to all who want to draw!

On this 2-day course you will learn all about working with graphite pencil from experienced artist Jamie Boots.

Graphite pencil can be used to produce so much more than just a sketch.

Jamie will show participants that. whether or not you are using a pencil that is blunt or sharp, pressing lightly or hard, or using a variety of tones, the realistic texture of skin, fur and the glassy look of an eye can be achieved.

This is a two day course that will show you how to paint impressionist style landscapes with acrylic paint. Using photos supplied by the tutor you will be shown how to paint summer landscapes and buildings in the landscape using a loose and painterly technique similar to that of the French Impressionists. Techniques taught will include colour mixing, scumbling, impasto brush marks and using the paint both thick and thin. By the end of the course you will have produce a couple of paintings. Suitable for beginners and students with some knowledge of the medium.

You will create beautiful, natural soap using the finest essential oils, vegetable oils and herbal ingredients. Gain the knowledge and understanding of this amazing alchemic process, techniques and troubleshooting. Learn how to build recipes, select ingredients and blend aromas. Use marbling and colouring techniques to further complement the natural beauty of your soaps. Take home your creations, great as gifts. Suitable for absolute beginners and aromatherapists looking for a new outlet for their knowledge. Bring your creativity and ideas, all ingredients are provided but please feel free to request any that you’d like to work with.

Using just needle, thread and beads create a pretty case to house your favourite little sewing scissors inspired by the vibrant colours and form of a butterfly. A colour chart will be supplied for you to use a bead weaving stitch known as peyote to weave pretty little beads into a pattern redolent of a butterfly as it swoops from flower to flower! This workshop is suitable for beginners and improvers who have some sewing skills.

This one-day workshop which will introduce you to Sumi-e, the ancient art of creating Japanese ink pictures, or Japanese brush painting. Traditionally, these paintings feature subjects from the natural world such as flowers and birds. The Japanese experience painting as a form of meditation that brings peace and harmony to the artist and the finished pieces are intended to inspire the same sense of tranquility and joy in the viewer. This practical course will help you master all the techniques you’ll need to create striking paintings and discover the spiritual aspects of this unique art form.

This course is a wonderful introduction to the world of coloured pencil techniques. Learn the art of layering and blending Derwent Coloursoft Pencils whilst using different pencil strokes to create the textures required for the subject. All materials will be supplied including a line drawing to trace for those not wishing to draw free hand.

Example of Karen’s work…