Art workshops for the over 50s London
Many people have spent their entire adult lives wishing they had the time to learn how to express themselves through art. Once you’re over 50, particularly if you’re retired or semi-retired from work, you may find that you now have that time. If so, don’t waste the opportunity; it’s never too late to develop your interest in art.
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Art workshops for the over 50s
Choosing an art workshop involves asking yourself four basic questions then doing some research to find the way forward that best meets your needs. These are
1. What type of art? “Art” is, as they say, in the eye of the beholder and definitely covers a very wide range of forms. Within the visual arts alone there’s drawing, sketching, painting, sculpture, mosaics, collage, embroidery, photography, jewellery… and that’s before you even start to consider the medium – watercolours, oils, resins, pastels, pencils, plastics - the list is endless. At this stage in life you can afford to be adventurous; start with one form you like the sound of and then try a few more. Many colleges and similar institutions offer “taster” workshops so where possible enrol on one of these and see how you get on.
2. How good are you? When you’re investigating workshops or lessons it’s worth having a conversation with the tutor about the specific standard the course is designed for. No doubt you will have done some art in some form as a child; perhaps you were good at it then and would like to develop that talent. Perhaps you weren’t so good but knew that you also lacked the motivation and patience to succeed back then. Either way, you may be frustrated if the level of teaching on a programme doesn’t match your knowledge and expertise.
3. How much resource can you commit to it? The level of tuition on offer varies hugely from fairly inexpensive, relatively basic courses which you might find at your local further education college, to very expensive programmes at specialist art institutions. So, do your research before you commit and remember that as well as money, you will also need to commit a significant amount of time.
4. What sort of course would best suit your needs? Depending on your circumstances and your other commitments you may prefer to do something for a couple of hours once a week or may favour a more intensive session – say a week-long course. Don’t forget that you will only succeed if you devote time outside the class to doing your own work and practising your skills so you need to assess the time commitment and equipment you’ll need for that, also.
As ever these days your best source of information on available art workshops is the internet. You’ll be able to access a huge amount of information about course content, timings, costs and location from which you can choose the programme that’s right for you.
Finally, don’t forget what a hugely sociable activity an art workshop can be. Try and find out in advance if the people who are going to be on the course are likely to be “your sort”. If so, the ongoing support, friendship and feedback you will get from them is likely to repay your course fees many times over.
Click here to access more useful information for the over 50s from in my prime.
1. What type of art? “Art” is, as they say, in the eye of the beholder and definitely covers a very wide range of forms. Within the visual arts alone there’s drawing, sketching, painting, sculpture, mosaics, collage, embroidery, photography, jewellery… and that’s before you even start to consider the medium – watercolours, oils, resins, pastels, pencils, plastics - the list is endless. At this stage in life you can afford to be adventurous; start with one form you like the sound of and then try a few more. Many colleges and similar institutions offer “taster” workshops so where possible enrol on one of these and see how you get on.
2. How good are you? When you’re investigating workshops or lessons it’s worth having a conversation with the tutor about the specific standard the course is designed for. No doubt you will have done some art in some form as a child; perhaps you were good at it then and would like to develop that talent. Perhaps you weren’t so good but knew that you also lacked the motivation and patience to succeed back then. Either way, you may be frustrated if the level of teaching on a programme doesn’t match your knowledge and expertise.
3. How much resource can you commit to it? The level of tuition on offer varies hugely from fairly inexpensive, relatively basic courses which you might find at your local further education college, to very expensive programmes at specialist art institutions. So, do your research before you commit and remember that as well as money, you will also need to commit a significant amount of time.
4. What sort of course would best suit your needs? Depending on your circumstances and your other commitments you may prefer to do something for a couple of hours once a week or may favour a more intensive session – say a week-long course. Don’t forget that you will only succeed if you devote time outside the class to doing your own work and practising your skills so you need to assess the time commitment and equipment you’ll need for that, also.
As ever these days your best source of information on available art workshops is the internet. You’ll be able to access a huge amount of information about course content, timings, costs and location from which you can choose the programme that’s right for you.
Finally, don’t forget what a hugely sociable activity an art workshop can be. Try and find out in advance if the people who are going to be on the course are likely to be “your sort”. If so, the ongoing support, friendship and feedback you will get from them is likely to repay your course fees many times over.
Click here to access more useful information for the over 50s from in my prime.