COAS Programme 2025-26
Summer Term
Courses
Cardiff Open Art School opens its doors again in Summer 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 21 April, 7:00pm-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, a selection of graded drawing pencils, an eraser, A1 and A2 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: Tuesdays, starts 2 June, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Course length: 5 sessions *
Price: £135
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, a selection of graded drawing pencils, an eraser, you may wish to bring your own sketchbook, A1and A2 white cartridge paper will be available at the class for larger drawings. Tuition will be provided with regard to materials, so it is advisable not to purchase unnecessarily before the course commences.
Painting
Date: Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May, 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 20 April, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Course length: 6 sessions *
Price: £155
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 25 May (for Half Term) courses will resume the following week, meaning that the last session will take place Monday 1 June
Date: Thursdays from 23 April, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Course length: 6 sessions*
Price: £155
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 28 May (for Half Term) courses will resume the following week, meaning that the last session will take place Thursday 04 June
Date: Wednesdays from 22 April, 7:00pm-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 27 May (for Half Term) courses will resume the following week, meaning that the last session will take place Wednesday 1 July
Date: Saturday 09 May, 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
Date: Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2026, 10:00am-4:00pm
Course length: 1 weekend
Price: £115
Tutor: Nikolett Kovacs
Level: beginner/ intermediate
Inspiring two-day weekend course that explores the bold and expressive world of abstract acrylic painting.
Designed for complete beginners and those looking to reconnect with their artistic side, this workshop provides a hands-on introduction to working with acrylics in a relaxed and supportive studio environment. Over the course of the weekend, you’ll be guided through key abstract techniques including layering, mark-making, and texture-building — all while developing your confidence and personal style.
Through live demonstrations, one-to-one feedback, and group discussion, you’ll explore how to use colour, composition, and form to create your own unique abstract work. By the end of the course, you’ll have a completed painting and a toolkit of skills to continue creating independently.
Whether you're new to painting or want to loosen up your approach, this is a perfect opportunity to dive into abstraction and play with paint in a meaningful way.
Students should bring with them:
Selection of acrylic paints (including the warm and cool primary colours, black, titanium and mixing white, raw umber, burnt sienna and yellow ochre)
- Acrylic paint retarder (to slow down drying) (optional)
- Acrylic flow medium (optional)
- Acrylic gel medium
- Paint palette (white or clear, e.g. ceramic plate)
- Water jars
- Selection of brushes (preferably a mixture of soft and hard)
- Palette knife
- Canvas boards in various sizes, depending on preference
- Apron or old shirt to protect your clothes
- Some examples of painters or paintings that inspire you or that you like
Printmaking
Date: Wednesdays, starts 22 April 2026, 6.30-8.30pm
Course length: 6 sessions
Price: £160
Tutor: Russell John
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Collagraph printmaking is a great way to bring texture, playfulness and improvisation to your images. It allows us to do things that are quite difficult in other printmaking processes, such as ‘jigsawing’ different pieces of image together, using relief and intaglio technique together, and using a whole range of everyday tools to achieve interesting and immediate texture and mark making. During this 6 week course you will be introduced to the fundamentals of printmaking and how these techniques apply to collagraph. Each week you will develop, edit and refine complex images whilst being guided through this interesting process. By the end of the course you will have produced a series of collagraph prints in a variety of colours and compositions.
Students should bring with them:
- Scalpel and/or Stanley knife
- Drawing pencils
- Found imagery and/or personal imagery, photocopies, cuttings from magazines
Other advice will be given during first session.
Date: Wednesdays, starts 3 June 2026, 6:30-8:30pm
Course length: 6 Sessions
Price: £160
Tutor: Russell John
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Reduction linocut printing was popularised by Picasso and his master printer Hidalgo Arnéra. It is a bold and usually colourful relief print technique.
In this course you will be guided through the development and production of a series of reduction linocut prints.
Using sketches, found imagery and photographs we will create personal compositions which embrace the inherent restrictions of reduction linocut printing and harness its bold and colourful appearance.
Each week we will respond to what we have previously created and build upon successes, allowing us to create an edition of prints which take advantage of this wonderful technique.
What do students need to bring with them?
- Found imagery and/or personal imagery, photocopies, cuttings from magazines
Other advice will be given during first session.