Adult Art Lessons, Tuition and Classes in all Mediums

The Art Trail Centre - Classes

About Lessons at the Art Trail Centre

Morning, afternoon and evening classes are held throughout the year in the form of Workshops and Courses in many subjects, and for any standard of ability.

Various other events occur each Season, including painting outings, outdoor classes during the Summer, and Painting Holidays.
We provide high quality art tuition to adults of all standards and abilities in various forms.

Overview

Jill McKay's Art Trail Centre Classes and Workshops

Jill McKay has many years of teaching drawing and painting at every level from beginner to A-level standard and experienced adult painters. Each individual can progress according to their own speed of learning within the class environment with personal attention given at all times. Teaching is at a variety of institutions including the Art Trail Centre in Ferndown. Photographs above show students at the Art Trail Centre during a class and the Duchess of Cornwall during a 121 session with Jill McKay. Her painting will be sold in aid of the W.I Charity.Art Courses (Suitable for all)

Medium: Watercolour term based weekly classes

These will take you along a well planned and logical learning path.

Many demonstrations will show you new or different painting techniques and the different use of materials, according to your level of competence.

Choosing which colours work well together and organising your subjects on the paper are just a few of the many things covered during the Course.;
We generally concentrate on landscapes during the Autumn Term, and the following terms involve more landscape features and a rich variety of additional subjects;

We work step by step with beginners - together from perhaps sketches, objects or photographs for your personal styles to emerge.

More experienced students are given either more demanding tasks to develop their current knowledge, or more freedom during tuition time.

By the end of the Course, all students will have several cameo studies/finished paintings;

Students are shown simple solutions to many problems which they may encounter whilst painting with watercolours.
Student progress is personally developed whether you are a beginner or have already been painting for some time.

Do make an appointment to visit us at the Centre if you would like to view samples of the latest class work or just come to be inspired!

Duration: Lessons are 2 hoursTimes:

Style:

Art lessons are Step by step, plenty of explanations, demonstrations and practice time. Students progress along a logical trail of learning. Tuition is matched to the ability of each student.

Subject Matters:

Reference material is used to support the chosen techniques and subjects, which are too numerous to list. Suffice to say the reference material is constantly being updated. Students are encouraged to make notes and paint at home, although this is not a requirement.

Swap facility:

We appreciate that sometimes holidays or other special dates clash with individual student classes To allow students to maximise their classes and facilitate these we offer a 'swap date' facility with one of our other class days, once each term. These are subject to pre agreement and avilability.

Cost:

Costs vary according to the number of weeks each course runs. We follow the local school terms beginning January, April, and September, with a half term break in Summer and Spring.

If you cannot buy these please do not buy any other make until you have spoken to Jill. You can use a studio brush on your first lesson if necessary. After the first lesson you can purchase other equipment as recommended. This will prevent you purchasing unnecessary items. Some art suppliers give discounts to our students. Please call us if you are unsure of anything

Mini Art Courses - (Suitable for all)

Media: Acrylic Duration: 3 hours & 6 hoursTimes:

Friday afternoons 1 pm - 4 pm or 1.30 pm - 4.30pm. (dependant on other private bookings)

Saturday all day 10am - 4.30pmor times as advertised.

These mini courses run for either two or three lesson weeks depending on the subject. Each with a different theme. With each mini course you will leave us with a different painting.

Style:

Step by step, plenty of explanations, demonstrations and practice time. Students progress along a logical trail of learning over the mini course term. Tuition is matched to the ability of each student.Subject Matters: Reference material is used to support the chosen techniques and subjects, which are too numerous to list. Suffice to say the reference material is constantly being updated. Students are encouraged to make notes and paint at home, although this is not a requirement.

Cost:

Costs vary according to the number of weeks each mini course run. We follow the local school terms beginning January, April, and September, with a half term break in Summer and Spring.As we border two counties you will need to see which holiday periods we have selected.Seeour calendar for the next mini course.All materials and use of equipment are included unless stated, so all you have to do is turn up!

Workshops - Saturday (s) (Suitable for all)

We have a workshop Freqently Asked Questions page which will answer many of your questions.

In summary we run all different types of media on Saturdays to supplement our weekly classes for those who wish to try another medium or who have to travel long distances to attend. Normally our workshops include all materials and use of equipment so all you have to do is turn up and have some fun. You will take home a finished painting.

Click on to our calendar to see availability.

Media:

Watercolours, Pastels, Acrylics, Oils, Gouache, Pen & Wash and Chinese Brush Painting and Drawing Media.

Duration3 - 6 hours (Week days, Saturday or Weekends)

These are term dependant.

Times: normally Saturday's but we occassionally have either weekday mornings from 10am or afternoons from 1.30pm.

Half day or full day Saturday workshops commence from 10am - 12pm , 10am - 1pm,- 2pm, 3pm,- 4.30pm.see individual events and medium

Saturday and Sunday workshops are occasionally available.

Doors are open from 10 minutes prior the class start time

Style:

Step-by-step and self contained. Some workshops may be part of a group, but all can be taken individually.

Subject Matters:

All lesson subject matter used is new, from flowers and landscapes, to seascapes and people. Techniques used may cover the practical and theoretical aspects, but this is apparent in the title and description of each workshop.

Cost:

Start from £16 for half day workshops. Generally materials are included unless stated.

For those travelling longer distances to us, why not book one of our morning workshops and compliment these with a personal 'one to one' tuition workshop in the afternoon.

Art Painting Challenges (suitable for all)

Regular art challenge painting days are held throughout the year and any media may be used, these outdoor challenges provide a really exciting painting day with lots of personal challenges. . Tuition is available to ensure you maximise the enjoyment and painting of the day. See our calendar for more information. On acceptance of your booking we will provide you with a list of the items you may need on the day.

Further Information

For more information and dates click on any of the following links:

Calendar Just weekend events Holidays