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Kathryn’s work focuses on perceptions and making the viewer question what they think they see and what they actually see.  The approach Kathryn uses to do this is to use collage and photomontage to create images that may at first appear normal, but as the elements are taken out of their original context and then reassembled into a new context, this creates an imaginary scene, albeit having the outward look of reality and compositional normality.

Kathryn’s approach to collage is influenced by her photographic background having completed a degree in Photography prior to completing her MA in Fine Art.
This current body of work displayed, is a series exploring the relationship between people and their home, using actual black and white photographs acquired from a range of sources and background images.  She has created a surreal and hopefully amusing snapshot of a house in time.

Exhibition ends: Saturday 12 October 5.00pm
Image: Kathryn Sawbridge ARBSA, Wish you were in here

The RBSA Gallery is open on: Tuesday – Saturday. Opening hours are 10.30am – 5.00pm. Plus Sunday (summer months) 11.00am – 4.00pm

The Richthofen Panels
The Richthofen Panels are not simply a commemmoration of a Great War flying ace; nor an aknowledgement of those Australian forces on the ground below him who brought his killing spree to an end but who were erased from the official account on political grounds.
Rather, the project is a tribute to my father, who devoted much of his precious free time through the 1960s to entertaining his only son and his school mates.  Football in the park, basic carpentry and making scale model aircraft together.

Developed from sketches and photographs, these smaller panels from the series illustrate the fantasies of aerial dogfights enacted in the local park, where Dad, suffering the ignominy of always being cast as an enemy flyer, would be relentlessly pursued by a swarm of children aiming their not always historically accurate allied aircraft at him in a menacing fashion. Happy Days.

Exhibition ends: Saturday 12 October 5.00pm.

Image: Glenn Ibbitson RBSA, Evasive Action.

The RBSA Gallery is open on: Tuesday – Saturday. Opening hours are 10.30am – 5.00pm. Plus Sunday (summer months) 11.00am – 4.00pm

Tanya Kozin is a figurative painter, sculptor and art tutor working from life in a variety of media in the West Midlands.  With parents who were professional Russian/Ukrainian artists and tutors, she has benefitted from studying both in traditional and contemporary schools of art, including an MA from BIAD.

Tanya’s portraits aim to capture both the outward appearance and the inner life of the models.  In sculpture, too, the busts must have a ‘presence’: but the style is more classical and traditional.  Because the works are created in the limited time available in class, however, her paintings often contain elements of spontaneity.  Elements of Greek mythology, especially those involving the Sea, are an added source of inspiration.

Exhibition ends: Saturday 12 October 5.00pm.

Image: Tanya Kozin RBSA, James.

The RBSA Gallery is open on: Tuesday – Saturday. Opening hours are 10.30am – 5.00pm. Plus Sunday (summer months) 11.00am – 4.00pm

An open media exhibition of contemporary work.
The RBSA Prize Exhibition is a biennial celebration of creativity and innovation showcasing work in at the cutting edge of contemporary art. Welcoming work from both established and emerging artists from around the world, this all media exhibition includes artwork created using an exciting range of artforms and techniques and encourages contemporary practices.
The RBSA Prize provides a great platform for professional development and industry networking and artists selected for the exhibition have the chance to showcase their artwork to a large and diverse audience. There are also prizes to be awarded in recognition of exceptional work.
This year’s exhibition was selected by:
David Ferry PRE – President of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers
Yvonne Hindle – Senior Lecturer in Fine Art at Birmingham School of Art
Tabish Khan – Art critic, writer and speaker and trustee of City & Guilds London Art School and Discerning Eye
The following prizes will be awarded:
First prize £1000
Second prize £500
Third prize £250
Student prize £250
Watercolour Prize £250
People’s Choice Prize
Up to six Highly Commended certificates will also be awarded
Private View: Tuesday 3 September 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Artists’ Talk: Saturday 14 September 2.00pm – 3.00pm

Featured image: Richard Baker, French Blue Chair.

The RBSA Gallery is open on: Tuesday – Saturday. Opening hours are 10.30am – 5.00pm. Plus Sunday (summer months) 11.00am – 4.00pm

Shape Shift is an exhibition to celebrate the sculpture of the Midlands’ leading sculpture group, the Shapeshifters.
Established in 1989, and working in Selly Oak and Dudley, the Shapeshifters has a diverse membership encompassing different levels of skill, from novice carvers to professional-level sculptors and makers. A variety of sculptural styles and media will be exhibited, including stone, wood, ceramic, and glass.
This exhibition presents a rare opportunity to view and buy high quality locally-made small sculptures. The group can also arrange for trial sessions for those interested to carve wood or stone at one of their venues.
Some of the sculptors represented will be available to talk about their work on both Saturdays of the exhibition and members of the group will also be stewarding at various times throughout the show.

Featured image: Belinda Hutchings, Eagle Shaman; Stephen Foster, Coral Pool
Stephen Foster photograph courtesy of Simon Bruntnell.

The RBSA Gallery is open on: Tuesday – Saturday. Opening hours are 10.30am – 5.00pm. Plus Sunday (summer months) 11.00am – 4.00pm

Founded in 1879, the Birmingham Art Circle has strong links with the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, and many of its artists are also members of the RBSA.
The Birmingham Art Circle Annual Exhibition showcases a wide range of artworks by established practising artists, working in a range of media. The pieces exhibited include printworks, paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, collage, photography, and textiles.
Visitors will be able to purchase works and meet many of the artists exhibiting as part of the show.

Meet the Artists:  Throughout the exhibition

Featured image: Philip Singleton ARBSA, Resin Cast Shoot 4

The RBSA Gallery is open on: Tuesday – Saturday. Opening hours are 10.30am – 5.00pm. Plus Sunday (summer months) 11.00am – 4.00pm

For the Culture is an exhibition that features work from established and emerging artists that responded to the theme.
For Deborette Clarke and Janet Douglas, the curators behind Greenwood Presents, For the Culture embodies who they are and what they stand for; it is part of their DNA or roots of origin. The exhibition brings Deborette and Janet together and sets them apart. It can be a source of healing or a beacon of light.
Work exhibited includes paintings, photography, digital art, textiles, drawings, and jewellery.
Greenwood Presents look forward to welcoming you to their second exhibition at the RBSA Gallery.

Featured image: Aaron Facey, Donatella

The RBSA Gallery is open on: Tuesday – Saturday. Opening hours are 10.30am – 5.00pm. Plus Sunday (summer months) 11.00am – 4.00pm

For the Culture is an exhibition that features work from established and emerging artists that responded to the theme.
For Deborette Clarke and Janet Douglas, the curators behind Greenwood Presents, For the Culture embodies who they are and what they stand for; it is part of their DNA or roots of origin. The exhibition brings Deborette and Janet together and sets them apart. It can be a source of healing or a beacon of light.
Work exhibited includes paintings, photography, digital art, textiles, drawings, and jewellery.
Greenwood Presents look forward to welcoming you to their second exhibition at the RBSA Gallery.

Featured image: Aaron Facey, Donatella

The RBSA Gallery is open on: Tuesday – Saturday. Opening hours are 10.30am – 5.00pm. Plus Sunday (summer months) 11.00am – 4.00pm

This course takes place every Monday evening for 6 weeks, starting Monday 16th September 2024, from 6pm to 8.30pm.

Learn how to make your own silver ring in our bright and shiny jewellery making workshop in Birmingham. You will learn to make a wide silver ring band incorporating your very own cut-out design. A unique and personalised piece of jewellery for you to wear home at the end of the course or to give away as a gift.

This jewellery making course is suitable for complete beginners, or those who have attended Taster class or experience day. It takes place over six consecutive Monday evenings from 6.00pm-8.30pm. Step by step, you will learn drilling, saw-piercing, filing/buffing, soldering and polishing as you make and finish your ring. The tutor will make a silver ring alongside you to use their piece to demonstrate each step. You will be provided with a printed handout in case you need a little reminder along the way, and to refer back to if you’d like to make another ring! Each class takes you through the next stage of the process of ring-making, so please make sure you can attend all the dates.

You will need to bring your reading glasses, if you wear them, and a notebook and pen.

This Improvers 1 level domed jewellery course takes place every Wednesday evening for 6 weeks, starting Wednesday 18th Sept 2024, from 6pm to 8.30pm.

Learn how to make your own pendant and earring jewellery set in our bright and shiny jewellery making workshop in Birmingham. You will learn to make a domed silver pendant and earrings with your own unique textured pattern in the metal. A wonderful and personalised set of jewellery for you to wear home at the end of the course or to give away as a gift.

This Improver 1 level jewellery making course is suitable for students who have completed our Beginners course. It takes place over six consecutive Wednesday evenings from 6.00pm – 8.30pm. Adding to the skills that you have already learnt as a beginner, on this course you will start by experimenting with metal texturing techniques. Once you’ve chosen your favourite pattern, you will learn doming, sweat-soldering, and how to make a handmade catch to finish off your pendant and earring set. The tutor will make the silver jewellery set alongside you and use their pieces to demonstrate each step. You will be provided with a printed handout in case you need a little reminder along the way, and to refer back to if you’d like to make another set! Each class takes you through the next stage of the process, so please make sure you can attend all the dates.

You will need to bring your reading glasses, if you wear them, and a notebook and pen. You must know how to solder silver jewellery as a pre-requisite to attend this course.

This beginners ring-making course takes place every Saturday for 3 weeks, starting Saturday 12th October 2024, from 10am to 4pm.

Learn how to make a silver ring in our bright and shiny jewellery making workshop in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.  A unique and personalised piece of jewellery for you to wear home at the end of the course or to give away as a gift.

The JQ Set’s jewellery making courses are different from most other hobby-level courses. I have designed a series of set projects which teach specific jewellery skills to the level I learnt on my intensive handskills course at university (a 2 year full-time course which unfortunately discontinued back in 2012). Having this apprentice-level training enabled my career change from structural engineering to becoming a bench jeweller and tutor, and to me it feels essential that these skills are offered as part-time jewellery courses in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, the heart of the British jewellery industry.

What is the set project on the beginners course?
You will learn to make a wide silver ring band incorporating your very own cut-out design, along with a flat practice piece in silver too. This project is exactly the same as the one on the evening class format – the Beginners Silver Ring Evening Course.

Learning Calligraphy
Sheila Smith:
An introduction to the art of italic script using an ‘edged’ metal dip pen.
Held at the Pen Museum classes are designed for both beginners and more experienced calligraphers. Learn the key elements of calligraphy and take information away to continue developing your style at home. Some materials will be provided, and calligraphy products can be purchased from the Museum shop.
12 Spaces are available for each session:
Session 1: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Session 2: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
£12 per session.
No requirement to book both sessions.
Museum admission is not included. *
*Voucher available for return visit.
Course suitable for adults only.

On this course you will get hands on with the new fun, quicker way to learn calligraphy using fine point nib.
In the morning, we will get used to the script and practice and in the afternoon, I will show you design layout and all you will need to be happily confident that you can use this new-found skill regularly after leaving the class on all those special things you are creating.
I will also show you the difference different inks , nibs and papers make to your work and introduce you to ‘Coliro’ which is a fabulous new metallic product that makes your work look a million dollars!
Nib holders, nibs, paper, various inks, practice lines and paper/ card to complete cards will all be provided. Additional materials to set you up outside of the class will also be available to purchase from Jane and the Pen Museum shop. The workshop is suitable for beginners and the more experienced calligrapher and is also ideal for lefthanders. If you attended a previous class, we would begin to fine tune the skills learnt already.
See you there – Jane
Lunch is not provided; however, you may bring some lunch if you wish.
Museum admission is not included*
Suitable for Adults Only
*Return visit discount voucher available.

Cut and Fold Workshop with Clare Pentlow ARBSA – Learning about the potential of paper through cutting and folding.
We’ll be looking at geometric folding creating architectural forms and structures, whilst also gaining an insight into how Clare creates her own unique more organic designs. A day of two halves learning about different techniques with paper and how you can create your own paper art.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above
Suitable for all abilities

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

Geometric Folding
Confidence with a scalpel
Paper sculpture through cutting and folding paper.
How to create your own designs

Course outline for Cut and Fold Workshop
Morning Activity

Geometric Folding
Learning some of the basic shapes and language in origami and how to interpret different designs
Enjoy creating your own designs
Origami Artists / Paper Engineers to further explore

Afternoon Activity

Learn how Clare creates her unique paper art
Simple cutting techniques, gaining confidence in using a scalpel
Different ways to sculpt paper and combining cutting and folding

Materials and equipment provided
All materials and equipment provided and included in the fee

You may bring in your own scalpel to use

Methods of assessing outcomes

Completion of an evaluation form

Booking information

To book please visit the What’s On page on the RBSA Gallery website and click ‘workshops’. Alternatively, please call the Gallery on 0121 236 4353 during opening hours Tues-Sat 10.30am – 5pm. Bookings can also be made in person at the Gallery. Payment in full is required at the time of booking to secure a place.
Payments can be made by card online, by card over the phone, and by cash/card at the Gallery.
Places are limited to 10 people. Allocation will take place on a first-come first-served basis.
Please inform the RBSA Gallery when booking of any health conditions or additional needs as some workshops might not be suitable.
A valid student ID must be provided to receive a student discount.

Cancellation Policy

If you, the customer cancels your booked workshop, we are unable to offer you a refund.
Transfers to an alternative workshop may be possible depending on the circumstance and is of the discretion of the RBSA Gallery.
In the event of under-subscription, workshops may be cancelled or re-arranged. We will give you as much notice as possible if this happens and you will be able to transfer to another course or receive a full refund. The RBSA is unable to refund additional expenses, such as travel and accommodation.
If you are booked on a workshop and do not turn up on the day, a refund will not be given.

Continual Professional Development (CPD) and Copyright

We welcome bookings from people attending for Continual Professional Development (CPD). However, our workshops are not designed as CPD. If your employer is paying for the course or you require more details about what you expect from the course, please contact the Gallery in advance before booking.
The workshop content and any information provided (e.g. handouts, guidance notes, etc.) are the intellectual property of the artist delivering the workshop. They should not be used or reproduced without permission from the artist (e.g. copying handouts to use in any classes workshop attendees might deliver themselves afterwards).

Other information

The workshop will take place in the RBSA Gallery, floor 1. The space will be closed to visitors and will only be used by workshop attendees. However, staff and volunteers will need to walk through the space at various points in the day to access the staff office, which is located on the same floor.
Attendees can leave their materials in the workshop space during their breaks but the RBSA will not be responsible for any loss or damages.
Please bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, there are a number of cafés and sandwich shops within walking distance of the Gallery.
Please bring an old shirt or apron to help protect your clothing.
The continuous redevelopment work in the city centre has caused increased traffic, delays, and diversions in and around the City Centre. Therefore, please allow yourself plenty of travel time, plan your route, and check your parking arrangements.
If you are travelling by car, please ensure your car is clean air zone compliant, or charges may occur.

Painting Landscapes in Oils Workshop with Andrew Barrowman ARBSA
Learn new skills in a supportive and enjoyable environment alongside others of a similar ability, with hands-on advice and tips from the tutor.
You will use the ‘alla prima’ technique where the painting is done wet into wet in one session – ‘first time’. The course will cover the use of different materials, techniques, composition and some colour mixing
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above.
Suitable for all abilities

Course Outline for Painting Landscapes in Oils Workshop
Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

Discuss different surfaces to paint onto and their different properties.
Simplified composition.
How to layout your oil painting palette.
Which oil painting mediums to use – and when to use them (or not!).
Different types of oil painting brushes and their uses.
Split primary palette – warm and cool versions of the primary colours.
‘Alla prima’ painting techniques.
Cleaning up at the end of a painting session.

Course Outline
Morning

Introduction to landscape painting in oils.
Brief introduction to oil painting materials and equipment.
Laying out our painting palette and getting ready to begin painting.
Choosing which brushes to begin a painting with.
Colour mixing exercise – helpful for getting distance in your painting.
Looking at our chosen images to paint and working out composition.
Begin our painting – hopefully before lunch. The tutor will demonstrate how to begin the painting in the ‘alla prima’ method.

Afternoon

Continue your painting and the tutor will circulate around the room giving one to one help and advice.
Look at our paintings together (a mini exhibition) and discuss the positives.
Cleaning up and getting ready for transportation home.

Material Required

A landscape image to work from – urban, coastal or rural, bring several if you’re not sure. The tutor uses a tablet to paint from, which enables you to enlarge areas easily.
Apron or old clothing – to protect your clothes and, importantly, several large cotton rags for wiping brushes.
Low odour turps (Zest It or Gamsol are good) and a medium or large sized jam jar with screw lid for transportation – you will need about half of a jam jar for this workshop.
Any oil paint, palette knives, brushes etc that you currently use.

Note: the tutor will bring some palette knives for you to try if you don’t have your own.

Basic paint colours will be provided but please bring any you already have.
A palette for mixing your oil paint – the tutor use glass but primed plywood is good or disposable tear off paper is ok.
2 small to medium sized primed canvases or boards (remember you have to take it home whilst wet – the tutor has a good method for this which he will show you!).
The surface can be white or primed with a ground colour such as burnt sienna or yellow ochre.
Don’t forget you will need to transport your wet painting back with you so bring something that you can carry it in, or put it on if travelling by car. A plastic bag is fine for transporting a wet palette home.

Method of Assessing Outcomes

At the end of the day during the mini exhibition the class will discuss what you have learnt and discovered and how you can apply those techniques in our own work.
There is also a course evaluation to be completed.

Booking information

To book please visit the What’s On page on the RBSA Gallery website and click ‘workshops’. Alternatively, please call the Gallery on 0121 236 4353 during opening hours Tues-Sat 10.30am – 5pm. Bookings can also be made in person at the Gallery. Payment in full is required at the time of booking to secure a place.
Payments can be made by card online, by card over the phone, and by cash/card at the Gallery.
Places are limited to 10 people per workshop unless stated otherwise. Allocation will take place on a first-come first-served basis.
Please inform the RBSA Gallery when booking of any health conditions or additional needs as some workshops might not be suitable.
A valid student ID must be provided to receive a student discount.

Cancellation Policy

If you, the customer cancels your booked workshop, we are unable to offer you a refund.
Transfers to an alternative workshop may be possible depending on the circumstance and is of the discretion of the RBSA Gallery.
In the event of under-subscription, workshops may be cancelled or re-arranged. We will give you as much notice as possible if this happens and you will be able to transfer to another course or receive a full refund. The RBSA is unable to refund additional expenses, such as travel and accommodation.
If you are booked on a workshop and do not turn up on the day, a refund will not be given.

Continual Professional Development (CPD) and Copyright

We welcome bookings from people attending for Continual Professional Development (CPD). However, our workshops are not designed as CPD. If your employer is paying for the course or you require more details about what you expect from the course, please contact the Gallery in advance before booking.
The workshop content and any information provided (e.g. handouts, guidance notes, etc.) are the intellectual property of the artist delivering the workshop. They should not be used or reproduced without permission from the artist (e.g. copying handouts to use in any classes workshop attendees might deliver themselves afterwards).

Other information

The workshop will take place in the RBSA Gallery, floor 1. The space will be closed to visitors and will only be used by workshop attendees. However, staff and volunteers will need to walk through the space at various points in the day to access the staff office, which is located on the same floor.
Attendees can leave their materials in the workshop space during their breaks but the RBSA will not be responsible for any loss or damages.
Please bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, there are a number of cafés and sandwich shops within walking distance of the Gallery.
Please bring an old shirt or apron to help protect your clothing.
The continuous redevelopment work in the city center has caused increased traffic, delays, and diversions in and around the City Centre. Therefore, please allow yourself plenty of travel time, plan your route, and check your parking arrangements.
If you are travelling by car, please ensure your car is clean air zone compliant, or charges may occur.

Introduction to Linoprinting Workshop with Eric Gaskell RBSA.
Eric is a professional printmaker and in this workshop he will help guide you through the steps; from drawing, (what images work for print?), cutting, (which areas do you need to leave?), proofing to the final print. Making careful cuts in a piece of Lino, inking the remaining surface and pressing onto a piece of paper is a traditional method of printmaking. The first thing you need is an idea. You can draw from life, memory, photographs or your imagination. The drawing helps to show how the linocut “might” end up. When complete you’ll transfer the drawing onto the block. Printing in this process is a slow deliberate act, you’ll take your time and consider each cut.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above.
Ideal for beginners but suitable for all abilities.

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

To create an original black and white print from a drawing
Learn how to create a design for print
Learn how to cut the design into a block of lino using specialist tools and equipment
How to print proofs
Learn how to print the final work

Course outline for Introduction to Linoprinting Workshop
Morning activity

Eric will introduce the workshop and the process and stages to be worked through, providing examples.
The group will draw out a design and receive guidance on how to make sure its suitable for print
The design will then be transferred to the block, Eric will demonstrate how to do this.
Once the drawing is on the block you can begin to cut. Eric will demonstrate how to do this and providing health and safety guidance.

Afternoon activity

The block will be proofed a number of times to check on progress. At this stage, designs can be tweaked by cutting away more from the surface of the block.
Once happy with the final proof, each group member can print a small edition of their final version. Eric will provide information on the different ways to press a block onto paper to transfer the design, (e.g using a roller, spoon, your hand, a press).
Eric will discuss the pieces created so the group can identify how to develop their print work beyond the workshop.

Materials and equipment provided
These will be provided for use during the workshop and are included in the fee. While all this equipment is provided, you may wish to bring your own as well.

Paper
Carbon paper
Relief ink, rollers, trays, lino and lino cutters
Palette knifes
Roller press
Compass
Rulers
Pencils

Methods of assessing outcomes

Evaluation and discussion of individual students work during the session with the tutor
Completion of the evaluation form.

Booking information

To book please visit the What’s On page on the RBSA Gallery website and click ‘workshops’. Alternatively, please call the Gallery on 0121 236 4353 during opening hours Tues-Sat 10.30am – 5pm. Bookings can also be made in person at the Gallery. Payment in full is required at the time of booking to secure a place.
Payments can be made by card online, by card over the phone, and by cash/card at the Gallery.
Places are limited to 10 people per workshop unless stated otherwise. Allocation will take place on a first-come first-served basis.
Please inform the RBSA Gallery when booking of any health conditions or additional needs as some workshops might not be suitable.
A valid student ID must be provided to receive a student discount.

Cancellation Policy

If you, the customer cancels your booked workshop, we are unable to offer you a refund.
Transfers to an alternative workshop may be possible depending on the circumstance and is of the discretion of the RBSA Gallery.
In the event of under-subscription, workshops may be cancelled or re-arranged. We will give you as much notice as possible if this happens and you will be able to transfer to another course or receive a full refund. The RBSA is unable to refund additional expenses, such as travel and accommodation.
If you are booked on a workshop and do not turn up on the day, a refund will not be given.

Continual Professional Development (CPD) and Copyright

We welcome bookings from people attending for Continual Professional Development (CPD). However, our workshops are not designed as CPD. If your employer is paying for the course or you require more details about what you expect from the course, please contact the Gallery in advance before booking.
The workshop content and any information provided (e.g. handouts, guidance notes, etc.) are the intellectual property of the artist delivering the workshop. They should not be used or reproduced without permission from the artist (e.g. copying handouts to use in any classes workshop attendees might deliver themselves afterwards).

Other information

The workshop will take place in the RBSA Gallery, floor 1. The space will be closed to visitors and will only be used by workshop attendees. However, staff and volunteers will need to walk through the space at various points in the day to access the staff office, which is located on the same floor.
Attendees can leave their materials in the workshop space during their breaks but the RBSA will not be responsible for any loss or damages.
Please bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, there are a number of cafés and sandwich shops within walking distance of the Gallery.
Please bring an old shirt or apron to help protect your clothing.
The continuous redevelopment work in the city center has caused increased traffic, delays, and diversions in and around the City Centre. Therefore, please allow yourself plenty of travel time, plan your route, and check your parking arrangements.
If you are travelling by car, please ensure your car is clean air zone compliant, or charges may occur.

CMY Screenprinting on Paper Workshop with Karoline Rerrie.
Using just three process colours, cyan, magenta and yellow, we will be creating multi coloured prints on paper by screen printing overlapping layers of transparent ink. This is a fun way to learn about the process of screen printing with hand cut stencils and also explore working with layers to make colourful prints on paper. We will go through the whole process of creating screen prints; each participant will draw a simple design, use a scalpel to carefully hand cut a stencil of their design and then use their stencil, a silk screen, a squeegee and water based ink to print onto paper. There will be time for participants to cut a second stencil and add another layer to their prints. They will create a small series of bright coloured screen prints on A4 paper which they can take home at the end of the workshop.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above.
Suitable for all abilities.

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

Materials and equipment suitable for screen printing on paper
Drawing shapes and creating a simple design suitable for hand cut stencils
Using a scalpel to hand cut stencils of your design
Screen printing on A4 paper using hand cut stencils
Working with CMY (cyan, magenta and yellow) colours
Using water based ink, a squeegee and a silk screen to print on paper
Registering two layers of colour
Screen printing a series of approximately six prints on paper
Cleaning and looking after screen print equipment

Course outline for CMY Screenprinting
Morning activity

Introduction including health and safety
Demonstration of how to set up to screen print and how to screen print a CMY coloured design using hand cut stencils
Demonstration of how to clean up equipment
Outline of how to create a design and hand cut a stencil
Participants will draw shapes and create their own simple designs for hand cut stencils
They will hand cut their first stencil using a scalpel
Some of the group will set up to screen print and print their first layer of colour on A4 paper (others will go for lunch)
When finished they will clean screen printing equipment

Afternoon activity

The rest of the group will set up and screen print their first colour on A4 paper
When finished they will clean screen printing equipment
Participants will hand cut their second stencil using a scalpel
They will set up to screen print, register their second layer of colour and add it to their prints
Participants will screen print a series of about six prints on A4 paper
Once finished they will clean screen printing equipment
Prints will dry, participants will clean up, pack away and then take their prints home at the end of the workshop

Materials and equipment REQUIRED BY WORKSHOP STUDENTS

Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting ink on
Basic drawing materials including a HB pencil, rubber, pencil sharpener, scissors, an apron
A folder or bag to take prints home in
Drawings of simple shapes or motifs you would like to work with. If you would like to prepare a design in advance it should be no bigger than A4. Bold designs and block shapes work best for screen printing

Please note: this is a hands-on workshop. There will be some drawing and participants will be using equipment such as scalpels and squeegees. Some of the workshop will be seated but participants will also be standing to screen print.
Materials and equipment provided
These will be provided for use during the workshop and are included in the fee. While all this equipment is provided, you may wish to bring your own as well.

Cutting mats
Disposable gloves and aprons
A4 paper for drawing and printing
Scalpels
Screen printing equipment
Cyan, magenta and yellow water based screen printing inks

Methods of assessing outcomes

Group discussion and tutor feedback
Completion of the evaluation form

Booking information

To book please visit the What’s On page on the RBSA Gallery website and click ‘workshops’.

Pet Portraits Workshop with Janette Summerfield RBSA
If you’ve ever wanted to draw the family pet but are not sure how or where to begin then come along to a fun day that is full of tips, tricks, and techniques. This one-day course will equip you with the confidence to draw a striking portrait of your furry or feathered friend using coloured pencil.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above
Suitable for all abilities

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

How to draw accurately and in proportion
How to gain a likeness of your pet and portray their physical appearance and unique personality and character.
How to use different marks to depict fur, feather, eyes, beak, and snout realistically.

Course outline for Pet Portraits Workshop

Through a series of studies we shall explore how different mark making can be used to portray the characteristics of their pet, e.g. the fur, feather, beak, snout, and eyes.
We’ll look at composition and proportion to achieve an accurate drawing of our pet
We’ll consider and identify the colour range used to depict fur, feathers, snout, beak and eyes

Materials and equipment required by workshop students

An A4 photograph of your pet, or smartphone/tablet. If possible, please bring multiple photographs to choose from.
A good range of coloured pencils or pastel pencils to cover the variety of tone within your pet’s fur/feathers.

The gallery will provide some but we also recommend you use your own if possible.
The tutor recommends the following brands should you need to buy any: Caran D’Arche, Derwent, Faber Castell, Lyra, Stabilo, Staedtler

A variety of paper to work on and experiment with.

The gallery will provide some but we also recommend you use your own if possible.
The tutor recommends the following papers should you need to buy any: Daler Rowney Murano coloured paper, Stathmore Series 400 Drawing paper, Hot pressed watercolour paper, Canson Mi-Teintes Touch Pastel paper, Clairefontaine Pastelmat Pastel Paper, Canford Assorted Coloured Paper in a pad, Cass Art A4 Kids Coloured Paper
The tutor likes to use a coloured support/ground to brighten up the coloured pencil. She recommends choosing a colour that will complement the anima’s colouring and personality.

Craft knife and sandpaper block, or good quality pencil sharpener

Materials and equipment provided
These materials will be provided and are included in the cost of the workshop, though you may wish to bring your own equipment.

A range of drawing materials including pencils (coloured and uncoloured)
A range of papers including cartridge paper, watercolour paper, and grey sugar paper
Craft knife
Putty rubbers
Pencil Sharpeners
Tracing Paper

Methods of assessing outcomes

Discussion throughout the session between tutor and students
Demonstrations to reinforce new techniques learnt
Completion of an evaluation form

Booking information

To book please visit the What’s On page on the RBSA Gallery website and click ‘workshops’.

Floral and Botanical Embroidery Workshop with Imogen Morris GRBSA.
Using the hand embroidery method, learn how to stitch floral and botanical designs. Learn a simple stitch – backstitch – and imagine that you are drawing or painting with thread.
With backstitch as your base stitch, learn how to create colourful floral and botanical patterns with thread.
Your embroidery piece will be stitched into calico fabric and sit in a 7-inch hoop. You will learn how to stitch your calico together, so you are able to display the hoop in your home once your embroidery piece is complete.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above.
Suitable for all abilities.

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

Stitching – backstitch and running stitch, threading needles, starting off and finishing sewing (different knots)
Learn backstitch, and from this learn different types of patterns / designs that can be created using only backstitch.
Learn about colour combinations – which colours work well together.
(By learning one simple stitch, it will allow participants to be creative in other ways)

Course outline for Floral and Botanical Embroidery
Morning activity

Participants select and draw out their design
Learn about colour combinations (keeping colours to a minimum, which colours work well together – teach the general rule of one bold colour used very little throughout, and then 2-3 medium to subtle colours)
Teach backstitch
Teach starting off stitch (tying first knot)
Teach finishing off stitch (tying last knot)
Participants will work on their embroidery piece at their own pace with myself on standby to help

Afternoon activity

Participants will continue to work on their embroidery piece at their own pace with tutor on standby to help
Teach how to use running stitch to gather calico together at back of hoop so that once finished participants can hang their embroidery piece in their home
It is unlikely participants will finish stitching, as it is a long process. Tutor will provide materials to take away, and email out learning sheets on how to stitch calico fabric together in their own time.

Materials and equipment provided
These will be provided for use during the workshop and are included in the fee. While all this equipment is provided, you may wish to bring your own as well.

Large eye needles
Small eye needles
Frixon erasable pens
Stencils
Threads
Calico
Embroidery threads
Iron

Methods of assessing outcomes

Group discussion and tutor feedback
Completion of the evaluation form

Booking information

To book please visit the What’s On page on the RBSA Gallery website and click ‘workshops’.

Lino Printing Cards and Gift Tags Workshop with Jacqui Dodds ARBSA.
In this one-day print workshop at the RBSA Gallery, participants will learn to print their own cards and gift tags using Lino Printing.  Using your own design or image we will transfer your design onto lino. Then learning about the tools to use and safe cutting techniques, you will carve your design into lino/vinyl.  You can then ink up your lino block and use a small printing press to create your cards and tags.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above.
Suitable for adults of all ages and abilities including beginners, people looking to refresh their skills and those with some printmaking experience.

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

Create a lino block of your own design/image suitable for Lino Printing
Learn about materials and equipment used for Lino printing onto paper/card
Learn to Lino print onto paper/card using water washable inks
The correct materials and equipment used for Lino Printing onto paper/card
Where to buy materials and equipment used for Lino printing onto paper/card
Produce unique lino prints of your own design or image onto card

Course outline for Introduction to Linoprinting Workshop
Morning activity

Brief outline of the day including health and safety information.
Quick introduction to Lino printing onto paper with a wide range of examples of completed work.
Demonstration of how to trace/draw images and designs ready for cutting your lino block.
How to cut your lino block for gift tags 5cm x 10cm using the correct tools and equipment.
Choosing ink colours suitable for your design.
Participants will be ready to print their lino blocks onto card for gift tags using water-based inks.
They will be shown the correct amount of ink to prepare and use for printing lino blocks onto card for gift tags using a small press

Afternoon activity

Participants will cut a lino block 12cm x 12cm for printing onto card
Participants will be ready to print their lino blocks onto card using water-based textile inks.
Participants will create their unique lino prints onto card.
Discussion with tutor to decide further printing with different colours etc.
How to clean and maintain equipment will be covered.
Short feedback session at end of session to assess and discover what has been learnt and enjoyed.

Materials and equipment REQUIRED BY WORKSHOP STUDENTS

Please bring along a variety of your own drawings, designs, or photos of your own to work from – designs to fit approximately 5cm x 10cm for your gift tags and 12cm x 12 cm for your cards. You can bring designs that are slightly bigger but will need to be able to reduce this to fit the block. It is better to bring a choice of your own designs/photos to work from.
Apron or suitable shirt/overall to protect clothing. If you have any lino cutting tools please bring them along, but if not that’s fine as tutor will provide them.
Basic drawing materials including a HB pencil
Cutting mat if you have one

Methods of assessing outcomes

Discussion of workshop with Workshop Tutor and fellow workshop students and completion of evaluation form.
Photographing the work in progress and finished prints.

Booking information

To book please visit the What’s On page on the RBSA Gallery website and click ‘workshops’.

Small Handmade Books Workshop with Elena Thomas RBSA.
Using a variety of papers and fabric participants will make small books to use as scrap books, photo albums, note books or sketch books. Participants will be shown cutting and folding methods to make the books and will explore various mark making techniques to colour the paper they use. Participants will develop their own designs to make unique books.
Participants will respond to a range of inspirational materials including pre-drawn and pre-painted papers, fabric and books already made and in use by the artist.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above.
Ideal for beginners but suitable for all abilities.

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

To create small books to use as sketch books, photo albums, scrap books or note books
To use a range of materials including paper, fabric, and prepared surfaces, and use cutting and folding techniques.
To create a series of unique books ideal for personal use or gifts

Course outline for Introduction to Linoprinting Workshop
Morning activity

Elena will introduce the aims and content of the workshop
The group will examine examples made by the artist
Elena will demonstrate the basic technique for making the folded books.
Participants will colour paper to use to make their books using various methods
Participants will make their first basic book

Afternoon activity

Elena will show more elaborate techniques in order to include end-papers, and covers using contrasting paper or fabrics.
Participants will use the method shown, using the papers they made in the morning.
The rest of the afternoon will be spent with the participants designing and making their own books for a unique and personal library.
Participants will end the session by sharing their experiences, and looking at the work of others in the group.

Materials and equipment REQUIRED BY WORKSHOP STUDENTS

Participants are invited to bring in any decorative papers and fabrics they might wish to use, but there will be plenty provided.
Suitable clothing for “messy” work, or an apron. We will be using some paint and glue.

Materials and equipment provided
These will be provided for use during the workshop and are included in the fee. While all this equipment is provided, you may wish to bring your own as well.

Prepared papers, fabric scraps and assorted haberdashery, glues and tape, tracing paper, letter stamps
Scissors, knives, rulers and cutting boards
Pencils, basic drawing equipment

Methods of assessing outcomes

Discussion of workshop and experiences with tutor and fellow participants
Completion of the evaluation form.

Booking information

To book please visit the What’s On page on the RBSA Gallery website and click ‘workshops’.

Life Drawing Studio Workshop with Paul Bartlett RBSA
Spend the day drawing from a professional life model with guidance from an expert tutor.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above.
Suitable for those with some prior drawing experience

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

Produce Life Drawings working from a model
Learn dry drawing media life drawing techniques for line and tone

Course outline for Life Drawing Studio Workshop
Morning activity

Combined introduction and overview of options for the day via the tutor’s own art work.
Basics about measurement, proportion, etc.
Warm up with some short poses from the life model with an emphasis on line.
Set up a long pose that will be maintained (with breaks) for the rest of the day.
Introduction to tone methods on white paper using willow charcoal or charcoal pencil combinations, with supervision from the tutor.

Afternoon activity

Introduction of option for drawing with black and white on mid-tone grey paper using combinations of pastel pencil, charcoal pencil, willow charcoal, chalks etc.
Depending on working pace, resolve long study started in the morning, or produce a new study as described about with supervision from the tutor

Materials and equipment required by participant

A folder to take your work home in
A selection of drawing materials including graphite pencils, willow charcoal, charcoal pencils, white chalk or similar, plastic and putty erasers

Materials and equipment provided
These will be provided for use during the workshop and are included in the fee.

A2 sheets of cartridge paper
Grey paper for pastels
A selection of drawing materials

Methods of assessing outcomes

Discussion of workshop with Workshop Tutor and fellow workshop students and completion of evaluation form.

Booking information

To book please visit the What’s On page on the RBSA Gallery website and click ‘workshops’.

Introduction to Painting Portraits in Oils Workshop with Martyn Harris ARBSA
This workshop will provide you with the basic tools and techniques necessary to painting portraits with traditional oil paints, with a focus on mixing flesh tones.
Age group and abilities to be taught

18 years and above.
Ideal for beginners and improvers.

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

Preparing surface, composition, drawing out, colour mixing, blocking in to refining the portrait

Course outline for Introduction to Painting Portraits in Oils Workshop
Morning activity

Preparation and drawing out: you begin by deciding the format and size of the portrait. Working on a 300 x 250 prepared board, you will begin to lay the undercoats and grid out the canvas, before drawing out your portrait

Afternoon activity

Blocking in: The underpainting is the foundation of a painting. The tutor will cover how to lay out your pallet to maximise efficiency and easiness
First Pass: Start refining areas in more detail and mixing flesh tones
Final Pass Finishing: the tutor will guide you on the finishing process, and provide recommendations for future workings and varnishing

Materials and equipment required by workshop students
Some of these can be borrowed from the gallery, but we recommend that you bring your own equipment to use as well.

A range of paintbrushes (flats, filberts and rounds)
Oil paints – the tutor recommends the Windsor & Newton Artists Oil range. His palette includes Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Sap Green, Cobalt Blue, Paynes Grey, Cadmium Red and Alizarin Crimson.
Mediums (Distilled Turpentine and Windsor & Newton Refined Linseed Oil)

Materials and equipment provided
These will be provided for use during the workshop and are included in the fee.

Prepared Panels
Some oil paints
Some paintbrushes
White spirits for cleaning

Methods of assessing outcomes

Group discussion and tutor feedback
Completion of the evaluation form

Interested in learning more about this workshop? Visit our blog to read some student feedback!

Booking information

To book please visit the What’s On page on the RBSA Gallery website and click ‘workshops’.

Learning Calligraphy

Sheila Smith:
Uncial Script – an early historical script still in use today, the session will look at the lettering as well as introducing the use of an ‘edged’ metal dip pen.
Held at the Pen Museum classes are designed for both beginners and more experienced calligraphers. Learn the key elements of calligraphy and take information away to continue developing your style at home. Some materials will be provided, and calligraphy products can be purchased from the Museum shop.
12 Spaces are available for each session:
Session 1: 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Session 2: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
£12 per session.
No requirement to book both sessions.
Museum admission is not included. *
*Voucher available for return visit.
Course suitable for adults only.