LeisureCourses.net – short courses & residential study breaks in great locations

Strugglers

This is a very practical hands-on weekend with lots of playing. We will work through plenty of Tunes (songs and instrumentals) in varied styles such as Rock, Blues and Country.

Blackwork Embroidery

Blackwork embroidery became popular during the reign of King Henry VIII. Introduced into the Tudor court by Queen Catherine of Aragon, the traditional style is worked on linen using the weave as a basis to count stitches. A variety of different stitches will be taught using a range of different weighted threads. Butterflies were popular...

Botanical Illustration – Spring Flowers

Spring is an exciting and unique time for flowers; learn how to compose a picture, prepare precise pencil drawings and how to use watercolours skilfully to produce accurate, vibrant illustrations. Individual help ensures that beginners and experienced artists can work at their own pace but with strong support.

Spring Landscapes in Acrylic

This course will show you how to paint spring landscapes with acrylic paint. Techniques covered will include thick and thin paint, colour mixing, working from dark to light and glazing. The course will include spring landscapes in an impressionistic style from photographs supplied by the tutor.

An Introduction to Stained Glass

This is a practical course suitable for beginners and those who wish to improve their skills. Learn to make a stained glass panel using traditional tools and materials. Students work on their own project with individual guidance from the tutor. Prepared designs are available from the tutor or bring your own.

Eastern Influences

Design and make a small project such as a wall hanging, cushion or bag, taking inspiration from Japan or Japanese textiles. A variety of machine and hand stitched techniques will be demonstrated and discussed for you to choose from to begin work on your chosen project.

Honiton Lace

This course covers basic techniques for lacemakers who are new to this classic English lace. For experienced Honiton lace makers it is an opportunity to expand skills and understanding of this lace and gain inspiration and guidance on interpretation and design development. Whatever your level, enjoy the magic of lace making!

Wild Seas – Crashing Waves in Watercolour

What can be more emotive than wild seas crashing onto rough, rugged rocks! Really let your colours flow on this exciting weekend of watercolour wonderment. Let your senses run riot and try out some different techniques with this stimulating subject.

Portrait Drawing in Charcoal

Work alongside award-winning portrait artist Peter Keegan on this day course where you will capture unique portrait subjects in charcoal. Using photographs provided by the tutor, or ones you bring with you, you will explore a range of techniques including beginning a drawing, capturing tonal values, facial details and ultimately a likeness.

Floristry Masterclass

A really inspirational course for students with existing skills. Come and experiment with some cutting edge ideas. We take our lead from the best contemporary florists in the world and will use new techniques and innovations to develop and create beautiful designs.

Art History – The Dukes of Burgundy

The Burgundian Dukes were the real winners of the Hundred Years War between England and France. With lands from Burgundy to the Low Countries, the Dukes were wealthier than the French Crown and from their courts came the most extraordinary arts of the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance.

Make a Mosaic for your Garden

Create a mosaic that’s specifically designed to go outside! You can make a mosaic sign or panel to adorn your garden, or mosaic a pot or other decorative object. This course is for students of any ability, beginners or experienced mosaicists. Course materials are available from the tutor; please see the course information sheet for...

Woodcarving

These courses take learners from complete beginners to the very advanced through a carefully planned series of projects covering traditional and modern carving styles such as foliage ornament and frame or architectural mouldings, figure and animal carving in the round, lettercutting and abstract sculpture. Design skills are also included. Learners can enrol on single courses...

Ukulele for Beginners

One of the fastest growing musical pastimes is playing the ukulele. This course is aimed at those who do not read music and have never played an instrument before. A ukulele is needed, of course, but those without one can contact the tutor by email to arrange the acquisition of an inexpensive, entry level instrument.

Digital Photography – Taking Back Control of Your Photos

This course aims to take you beyond simple snapshots, offering you the opportunity to capture pictures that have more personal meaning and individuality. You will be encouraged to explore many of the camera's controls in a logical sequence that is easy to remember and repeat.

Still Life in Oils

This is a lovely weekend course where you will explore the wonderful genre of the still life. With plenty of demonstrations and guidance, you will be able to choose from a range of excellent items to construct and paint your own original still-life arrangements.

Exciting Techniques in Gouache

What can be more emotive than wild seas crashing onto rough, rugged rocks! Really let your colours flow on this exciting weekend of watercolour wonderment. Let your senses run riot and try out some different techniques with this stimulating subject.

Bead Needle Weaving

Discover the Joys of Playing the Ukulele

TCHAIKOVSKY’S LAST YEARS

SHOSTAKOVICH: a composer for our times

Prokofiev and the Ballet

Haydn and the Classical Symphony

Traditional Wooden Boat Building

Rope Work

Wooden Boat Restoration

Sail Making