Over 60s Art

Any person over 60 who is wants to learn to draw and paint and who is interested in learning to 'make things'. Don't worry if you don't have good eyesight or a steady hand or if you have any other physical or learning difficulties - you will be included in all activities and extra help can be given if necessary. Just have a word with your tutor on the first day of term.

Structure:
Each term we will experiment with different techniques in drawing, painting, or collage. We will also be exploring different crafts, both traditional and new. A typical term might include drawing, painting, decoupage, sewing felt accessories, jewellery making and working with glass or metal. We will try to design the course according to the interests of the majority of the students and you will be encouraged to work on your own projects, with help and/or advise if you need it.
Aims:
To initiate and establish a productive, friendly and fun art and craft activity group
To develop confidence when discussing your own work and that of others.
To enable and promote confidence in making items and visual expression
To promote confidence when using different materials and techniques
To encourage, where appropriate, the development of individual projects

Topics:
Topics include how to create and understand the importance of colour, tone, composition, contrast and texture in 2D and 3D image-making.
' Using marks, shape, tone and colour in various ways.
' Using various materials to make 2D and 3D images and objects
' Using different materials and techniques
' Discussing, appreciating and learning from your own and others' work
' Gaining confidence in developing your individual style and subject matter
' Discussing and collaborating with the group, and learning and practicing the
skills of constructive self-critique

We aim to provide a safe and friendly class atmosphere in a programme which will be, as much as possible, student led. The course is based in the Mary Ward Centre craft room and so, over the year, you will be able to learn many of the crafts usually taught in this specialist studio.
The days will usually start with a video or PowerPoint display followed by a discussion and a demonstration. There will be a written handout to help you, and one-to-one help will be given by the tutor throughout the lesson. There will be an optional break for tea or coffee in the morning. At the end of the lesson there will be an opportunity for all students to show their work for a positive critique from the tutor and other students.

Basic materials (pencils, paint, brushes, palettes, paper, carft materails) to be provided
by Mary Ward. Students may bring in any of their own materials if they
wish. I may ask them to collect collage materials. e.g. magazines, where possible.

You may wish to join other art or craft classes at the Mary Ward Centre and/or elsewhere, building on the skills that you have acquired on this course. Specialist courses are available, or you may wish to continue with this course, improving newly-acquired skills.
There is detailed information in Reception about all our courses at the Mary Ward Centre.
Information about other learning opportunities can be obtained from Learn Direct: www.learndirect.co.uk and from the following websites: www.floodlight.co.uk; www.hotcourses.com; www.citylit.ac.uk; www.wmcollege.ac.uk; www.morleycollege.ac.uk