Cardiff Open Art School opens its doors again in Summer 2023 with a whole range of fantastic learning opportunities available. From pottery to painting, drawing to design thinking, photography, printmaking and craft courses, there is something for everyone.
It doesn't matter if you're an experienced artist or designer, are preparing a portfolio to apply for a degree or Foundation programme, or if you've never picked up a pencil before, the courses and workshops are a great way of both trying out new skills or further developing your practice.
Please note that, unless otherwise stated within the course description, our courses are open to those aged 18 or over.
All courses are available to
book now.
You can book directly onto any course you like via the Cardiff Met online store, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and places are on a first come, first served basis. We will still be able to help process bookings over the phone on weekdays, during office hours, if required.
Please note that bookings for all courses will close exactly one week prior to the start of the course.
Courses run throughout the year at our Llandaff campus, typically starting each Autumn, Spring and Summer Term. The most up to date information about what we are running and when will always be found on the courses section of the COAS website.
To sign up for our mailing list and receive updates on our programme of courses, email your contact details to
coas@cardiffmet.ac.uk.
DRAWING
Introduction to Drawing, Wednesdays from 27 September 2023
Date: Wednesdays, starts 27 September 2023, 7.00-9.00pm
Course length: 10 sessions*
Price: £195
Tutor: Christopher Holloway
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Develop your drawing skills within a studio setting by exploring a range of different methods and approaches to drawing, in a creative and supportive environment.
Working from observation, the course will cover a study of line, tone, shape, texture, scale and composition. Subject matter will include still life, the figure, interior space and a range of observational drawing scenarios. This course will focus on the principles of drawing and developing our skills in observation and ways of seeing.
This is a taught class within a studio environment, whereby experimentation is encouraged and where you can learn through drawing itself. One to one tuition and feedback will be provided throughout.
Students should bring with them: One box of willow charcoal, some drawing pencils and an eraser for the first session, A1 white cartridge paper will be available at the class. Tuition will be provided with regard to materials, so it is advisable not to purchase unnecessarily before the course commences.
*Please note that there will be a break week on Wednesday 1 November (for Half Term) and courses will resume the following week, meaning that the last session will take place Wednesday 6 December.
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Life Drawing, Tuesdays from 26 September 2023
Date: Tuesdays, starts 26 September 2023, 7:00-9:00pm
Course length: 10 sessions*
Price: £205
Tutor: Christopher Holloway
Level: All levels
Life drawing offers the opportunity to draw and study the human form over ten focused classes. This is an open to all class, which will appeal to all levels including beginners.
The classes are structured to give a diverse range of poses to draw from, both short and extended. The course will include set exercises which will give you the opportunity to experiment and engage in a range of approaches to drawing. Each session will give you the opportunity to develop and refine your own response to drawing the figure.
This is a taught class within a studio environment, whereby experimentation is encouraged and where you can learn through drawing itself. One to one tuition and feedback will be provided throughout.
Students should bring with them: One box of willow charcoal, some drawing pencils and an eraser for the first session, A1 white cartridge paper will be available at the class. Tuition will be provided with regard to materials, so it is advisable not to purchase unnecessarily before the course commences.
*Please note that there will be a break week on Tuesday 31 October (for Half Term) and courses will resume the following week, meaning that the last session will take place Tuesday 5 December.
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TEXTILES
Introduction to Sewing Clothes - Make a Garment, Mondays from 25 September 2023
Date: Mondays, starts 25 September 2023, 7:00-9:00pm
Course length: 10 sessions*
Price: £195
Tutor: Karen O’Shea
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Introduction to Sewing Clothes is a sewing improvement course that will introduce a range of basic dressmaking techniques aiming to build the confidence and skills required to tackle projects and garments. The course is designed for seasoned beginners to intermediate level - those who have a little bit of sewing experience under their belt, who ideally have used a sewing machine before and who wish to improve to tackle projects and garments. It would also suit those at an early intermediate level with some experience and confidence in completing project.
Students will be guided on dress making techniques and given room and material to practice before progressing to making a garment of their choice. By the end of the course students should be able to: use a range of techniques for sewing projects including inserting buttonholes, darts, gathering, easing, interpreting a dressmaking pattern, measuring, and cutting out fabric and sewing a garment of their choice to wear.
The course will refresh students' knowledge of using the sewing machine and will introduce a range of dressmaking techniques, building confidence, skills, and the opportunity to practice.
A separate course, for complete beginners (who can't yet thread a needle) is intended to run on alternating terms, so that students can progress from the complete beginner sewing course (Intro to Stitch) to advancing to making projects and garments within this course.
Students should bring with them:
- Notebook and pen/pencil
- Small sharp scissors
- Pins
In the introductory weeks, students will be guided in selecting and buying fabric and an easy dressmaking pattern - to create a garment of their choice in a fabric that they love.
*Please note that there will be a break week Monday 30 October (for Half Term) and courses will resume the following week, meaning that the last session will take place on Monday 4 December.
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