COAS Programme 2025-26
Spring Term
Courses
Cardiff Open Art School opens its doors again in Spring 2026 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 and over.
All courses are available to book now.
Please note: Each course must reach a minimum number of bookings to run (8 usually). The University will ask you whether you’re interested in taking part in a course through the medium of Welsh as part of this process.
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
Date: Tuesdays, starts 27 January, 7.00-9.00pm
Course length: 5 sessions *
Price: £125
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 Tuesday 17 February (for Half Term) and courses will resume the following week, meaning that the last session will take place Tuesday 3 March
Date: Tuesdays, starts 10 March , 7:00-9:00pm
Course length: 5 sessions *
Price: £125
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.
- Date: Saturday 11 April 2026, 10am – 4pm
- Course Length: 1 session
- Price: £85
- Tutor: Nikolett Kovacs
- Level: All welcome
This unique course invites individuals of all artistic levels to explore the intersection of creativity and the mind-body connection. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a beginner seeking new adventures, or you are interested in integrating art into your day-to-day life, this course is designed for you!
The course does not require any kind of previous drawing or artistic skill - It's all about the process: basically, if you can draw lines, you can make Neurographic Art. You will be drawn into the is meditative process of art making the course is ideal for both art enthusiasts and anyone interested in mindfulness and well-being.
Neurographic Art combines psychology and art and aims to help to reduce stress, transform subconscious beliefs and create an overall sense of well-being. Discover the therapeutic benefits as you create vibrant artworks, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.
The only prerequisite for joining the course is curiosity.
What do students need to bring with them?
- A4/A3 sketchbook (at least 210gsm paper)
- Colouring materials: A selection of markers and pens, depending on personal preference. Advice will be provided during the first session.
- Coloured pencils
- Permanent marker (blue or black)
- Sharpener
- Eraser
- A desire to learn
Optional: Watercolour pencils, watercolour, crayons, gel pens
Painting
Date: Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March, 10:30am -3:00pm
Course length: Weekend
Price: £150
Tutor: Christopher Holloway
Level: Intermediate / Advanced
Figurative painting has remained a popular subject matter throughout the history of art and maintains its importance as a subject for painting today.
‘Painting the human figure’ offers the opportunity to study the human form over two days.
This class will explore the technical aspects of painting in oil or acrylic with a study of composition, mixing practice, colour and observation.
We will be working with a variety of techniques in order to produce a final composition(s), starting with preliminary sketching and drawing to gain an understanding of the placement of the figure within the environment. We will be exploring compositional values in response to observation, strengthening the understanding of the painting’s structure and balance, and developing forward to working with colour and tone as a way of controlling light
The class will be suitable for those with some painting experience and wishing to develop their practice in response to the figure, whilst seeking tuition with regards to the technical and formal aspects of painting the figure from life
This is a taught class within a studio environment, where one to one tuition and feedback will be provided throughout.
What do Students need to bring with them?
Students to bring with them: Student or Artist Quality Oil / Acrylic Colour:
- Warm Red e.g - Cadmium Red
- Cool Red e.g - Alizarin Crimson or Quinacridone Red
- Warm Blue e.g – Cerulean, Manganese or Phthalo Blue
- Cool Blue e.g - Ultramarine Blue
- Warm Yellow e.g - Cadmium Yellow
- Cool Yellow e.g - Lemon Yellow
- Yellow Ochre
- Viridian Green
- Titanium White
- Black
Students may bring additional colours if they wish.
Also: rags, palette, palette knives, masking tape, flat and or round brushes - if possible sizes 2, 4 and 8, low odour artist white spirit or turpentine (for oil painters), brush washing jar, drawing materials (pencil, charcoal, eraser), an apron may be useful.
Various sized surfaces to paint onto such as – Primed canvas, canvas board, primed oil paper / acrylic paper pad, primed boards, whichever you feel comfortable using.
Date: Mondays, starting 9 February, 6:00-8:00pm
Course length: 6 sessions *
Price: £175
Tutor: Nikolett Kovacs
Level: All Welcome
Designed for all skill levels, this course will guide you through the vibrant world of acrylics, offering hands-on techniques, color mixing, and brushwork mastery. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your artistic skills, this course offers a step-by-step approach to mastering acrylic techniques and provides personalized guidance to develop your own unique style. Join a supportive and relaxed environment where you can explore, create, and connect with other aspiring artists.
In the small class size you will get constructive feedback from the tutor and have inspiring conversations with fellow hobby artists.
The final the work you choose to develop is based on your own interests, you can explore what inspires you and find your own unique artistic style.
Week by week breakdown:
1. Getting started - Introduction & Basics
- Overview of materials (brushes, paints, surfaces)
- Basic color mixing & color theory
- Practice: Simple brush techniques & mark-making exercises
2. Composition & Blocking in a Landscape
- Understanding composition
- Creating an underpainting for landscapes
- Practice: Sketching simple landscape layouts
3. Sky, Depth & Perspective in Landscapes
- Creating depth using atmospheric perspective
- Understanding scale and overlapping elements
- Painting different types of skies (sunset, cloudy, clear blue)
- Practice: Sky-focused painting with soft blending techniques
4. Landforms, Water, Reflection & Textures
- Practice: Painting mountains, hills, fields, and water, Creating texture with brush techniques
5. Trees, Grass & Natural Textures
- Techniques for painting trees, bushes, and grass
- Adding depth, layering
6. Final Project & Personal Style
- Bringing all elements together in a full landscape scene
What do students need to bring with them?
I recommend using larger tubes, and good student grade paint to avoid disappointment.
- A3 sketchbook (at least 230gsm paper)
- acrylic brushes
- 2 glass jars for water
- White china plate for your palette, alternatively plastic palette
- Pencil, eraser, sharpener
- Gloves (optional)
- Greaseproof paper to carry wet artwork home
*Please note that there will be break week Monday 16 February (for Half Term) courses will resume the following week, meaning that the last session will take place Monday 23 Marc
Date: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March, 10:30am -3:00pm
Course length: Weekend
Price: £150
Tutor: Christopher Holloway
Level: All Welcome
Still Life Painting has remained a popular subject matter throughout the history of art and maintains its importance as a subject for painting today.
‘Still Life Painting – Composition and Colour’ is a two-day class which explores the technical aspects of painting in oil or acrylic, with a study of composition, colour mixing practice, and observation.
Working with everyday objects brought into the studio space for their possibilities of colour, shape, shadow and line. We will work with a variety of approaches to observation, including preliminary sketching and how to select and improve upon a composition. Experimenting with initial colour studies will and enhance our understanding of mixing practice, all of which will lead us to producing a final painting composition(s).
The class will be suitable for those who wish to develop their painting experience with oil or acrylic, whilst seeking tuition with regards to the technical and formal aspects of painting objects in space, from life.
This is a taught class within a studio environment, where one to one tuition and feedback will be provided throughout the experience.
What do students need to bring with them?
Students to bring with them: Student or Artist Quality Oil / Acrylic Colour:
- Warm Red e.g - Cadmium Red
- Cool Red e.g - Alizarin Crimson or Quinacridone Red
- Warm Blue e.g – Cerulean, Manganese or Phthalo Blue
- Cool Blue e.g - Ultramarine Blue
- Warm Yellow e.g - Cadmium Yellow
- Cool Yellow e.g - Lemon Yellow
- Yellow Ochre
- Viridian Green
- Titanium White
- Black
Students may bring additional colours if they wish.
Also: rags, palette, palette knives, masking tape, flat and or round brushes - if possible sizes 2, 4 and 8, low odour artist white spirit or turpentine (for oil painters), brush washing jar, drawing materials (pencil, charcoal, eraser), an apron may be useful.
Various sized surfaces to paint onto such as – Primed canvas, canvas board, primed oil paper / acrylic paper pad, primed boards, whichever you feel comfortable using.
Date: Thursdays from 05 February, 6:00 -8:00pm
Course length: 6 sessions*
Price: £175
Tutor: Nikolett Kovacs
Level: beginner/ intermediate
The Introduction to Watercolour is a perfect opportunity for hobby artists to learn foundational techniques and develop their skills. You don’t need to be an experienced painter, this is a place to learn and find joy in the creative process, make new friends who love expressing their creativity just like you do!
The aim of the course is to explore essential techniques and build your confidence and skills through easy-to-follow, step-by-step lessons. From mastering basic brush strokes to understanding color mixing, our tutor breaks down each concept into manageable chunks. A broad subject range will be covered including still life, landscapes, and pet portraits. The lessons are structured around a central theme.
In the small size classes you will get constructive feedback from the tutor and have inspiring conversations with fellow hobby artists. The final work you choose to develop is based on your own interests, you can explore what inspires you and find your own unique artistic style.
What do students need to bring with them?
- Watercolour paint set (Pans or tubes). I recommend using a good student grade paint to avoid disappointment. Watercolour paint can be expensive, so my advice is to start a good student grade set. Recommended brands: Windsor and Newton, Daler-Rowney, Sennelier
- A4/A3 sketchbook (at least 210gsm paper)
- Watercolour brushes
- 2 glass jars for water
- White china plate for your palette, alternatively plastic palette
- Pencil, eraser, sharpener. Optional: Variety of material for experimental techniques – spray bottle, toothbrush, salt, plastic wrap, sponges, crayons
Please note that there will be break week Thursday 19 February (for Half Term) courses will resume the following week, meaning that the last session will take place Thursday 19 March
Date: Wednesdays from 28 January, 7:00 -9:00pm
Course length: 10 sessions*
Price: £225
Tutor: Christopher Holloway
Level: beginner/ intermediate
This course will explore technical aspects of painting in oil or acrylic with a study of composition, colour, mixing practice and observation. Each class will guide you through the beginning steps of painting and how to use your materials to respond to different subject matter, leading you to create several paintings and studies throughout the course.
The course will begin by exploring the basics of colour theory. We will learn how to control light by using colour and shade when applied to simple forms and basic shapes. Working towards more substantial compositions from observation you will develop an understanding of scale, structure, proportion and space, and how to create depth in your painting. Developing these formal elements at the beginning stages in your painting journey can be of great benefit in developing confidence in painting. Subject matter will include objects and still life, natural forms and interior spaces.
The course will be suitable for those who wish to develop their painting experience with oil or acrylic, whilst seeking tuition with regards to the technical and formal painting elements. This is a taught class within a supportive studio environment, where one to one tuition and feedback will be provided throughout the experience. Relevant references to examples of both contemporary and historical works of art will be discussed to introduce concepts relevant to the class activities.
What do students need to bring with them?
Students to bring with them: Student or Artist Quality Oil / Acrylic Colour:
- Warm Red e.g - Cadmium Red
- Cool Red e.g - Alizarin Crimson or Quinacridone Red
- Warm Blue e.g – Cerulean, Manganese or Pthalo Blue
- Cool Blue e.g - Ultramarine Blue
- Warm Yellow e.g - Cadmium Yellow
- Cool Yellow e.g - Lemon Yellow
- Yellow Ochre
- Viridian Green
- Titanium White
- Black
Students may bring additional colours if they wish.
Also: rags, palette, palette knives, masking tape, flat and or round brushes - if possible sizes 2, 4 and 8, low odour artist white spirit or turpentine (for oil painters), brush washing jar, drawing materials (pencil, charcoal, eraser), an apron may be useful.
Various sized surfaces to paint onto such as – Primed canvas, canvas board, primed oil paper / acrylic paper pad, primed boards, whichever you feel comfortable using.
*Please note that there will be break week Wednesday 18 February (for Half Term) courses will resume the following week, meaning that the last session will take place Wednesday 8th April
Date: Choose from either Saturday 21 February or Saturday 14 March, 10:00am -4:00pm
Course length: 1 session
Price: £80
Tutor: Nikolett Kovacs
Level: beginner/ intermediate
An inspiring one‑day journey into the world of loose, expressive watercolour. This workshop encourages you to let go of control, embrace spontaneity, and allow water, pigment, and intuition to lead your brush.
Through simple exercises, live demonstration, and guided practice, you’ll explore the beautiful unpredictability of watercolour, learning how to work with wet edges, soft transitions, and minimal brushwork to capture mood and atmosphere rather than fine detail.
Whether you’ve never held a brush or already paint regularly, this workshop offers a fresh, liberating approach to watercolour. You’ll leave not just with a finished piece, but a renewed sense of joy, confidence, and creative possibility.
What do students need to bring with them?
Watercolour paint set (Pans or tubes)
I recommend using a good student grade paint to avoid disappointment. Watercolour paint can be expensive, so my advice is to start a good student grade set.
Recommended brands: Windsor and Newton, Daler-Rowney, Sennelier
- A4/A3 sketchbook (at least 210gsm paper)
- Watercolour brushes
- 2 glass jars for water
- White china plate for your palette, alternatively plastic palette
- Pencil, eraser, sharpener
Optional: Variety of material for experimental techniques – spray bottle, toothbrush, salt, plastic wrap, sponges, crayons
Photography
Date: Wednesdays, starts 28 January 2026, 6.00-9.00pm
Course length: 5 sessions (3hrs per session)
Price: £245
Tutor: Nik Roche
Level: Beginners
This course aims to help you acquire a knowledge of professional camera techniques and equipment as well as encouraging you to develop your visual literacy skills in order to establish an effective and personal approach to image making.
It will provide you with the practical skills required to begin to confidently employ fundamental photographic techniques including exposure control, depth of field, capturing movement and file management. Alongside this you will learn to consider and practice basic concepts in framing and composition.
You will learn how to operate a Digital SLR camera and unlock its potential to improve your photography and produce an individual portfolio employing the skills and knowledge you have gained. You will receive one to one tuition and advice, with weekly independent tasks to complete and a final group portfolio review from your tutor and a representative of Ffotogallery Cardiff.
Students should bring with them: A Digital SLR camera with memory Cards, further advice on equipment will be given during first the session.
Textiles
Date: Mondays, starting 26 January, 7:00-9:00pm
Course length: 5 Sessions
Price: £115
Tutor: Karen O’Shea
Level: Intermediate
Is your fabric stash taking over your home? This practical and inspiring short course is designed for sewing enthusiasts who want to make the most of the materials they already own. Under the guidance of experienced tutor Karen O’Shea, you’ll learn how to transform your fabric collection into beautiful, sustainable projects.
What you’ll learn:
- To troubleshoot and resolve common sewing machine issues
- Identify and plan projects using your own fabrics or sustainably sourced materials
- Cut, sew, and finish garments and craft items to a high standard
- Tackle construction challenges with confidence
Bring your own patterns, fabrics, and haberdashery—and even swap materials with fellow students to keep costs low. With hands-on demonstrations, group discussions, and plenty of practical sewing time, this course will help you refresh your skills and spark new creative ideas, whilst joining our sewing community.
Who is it for?
Intermediate-level sewers with some experience using a sewing machine.
What do students need to bring with them?
Own dressmaking patterns, fabrics and haberdashery.