Introduction To Art & Design Course

Develop Your Art Skills | Explore Art Styles | Become A Painter

  • Who is this course for?

    This Introduction to Art & Design course is created especially for you if you are completely new to painting and drawing or if you feel a bit unsure about where to start. Whether you’ve always wanted to explore your artistic side or are simply curious to try something new, we provide a supportive and welcoming environment for every aspiring painter.

    No prior experience is necessary—just an open mind and a willingness to explore! Join our beginner-friendly art course and discover the joy of creating, while learning foundational skills that will set you on a fulfilling artistic adventure!

  • When & where is it held?

    Study one day per week, Tuesdays, in our art studio environment from 10 - 4pm.

    Start date for 2025 is Tuesday 4th February.

    There are 10 sessions in total.

    Course Fee - £995

    Materials Pack - £80

    We are based in Sprowston, Norwich, Norfolk NR7 8SQ.

    We have lots of FREE onsite parking and our own Coffee Bar within the studio!

  • What art skills will I learn?

    This course is thoughtfully structured into projects that guide you through key foundational skills: Colour Mixing, Drawing Essentials, Brushwork Techniques, Composition and Planning for a Painting.

    You’ll learn how to blend and match colours, bring life to your sketches, create texture with your brushstrokes and design balanced, engaging compositions.

    By the end of the course, you'll have the skills and confidence to plan and complete a painting from start to finish. To celebrate your progress, we’ll come together for an end-of-course celebration where you’ll showcase your progress and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow budding artists.

  • How will I be taught?

    You’ll be taught through engaging, colourful projects that are both fun and thoughtfully designed to build your confidence and skills.

    Our tutors provide step-by-step guidance and supportive tuition, breaking down each process with live demonstrations to help you master every detail. From learning how to hold a brush to applying paint with purpose, you’ll gain practical skills in a friendly, non-judgemental environment where all questions are welcomed.

    Each project is crafted to support your growth and creativity and by the end of the course, you’ll have a completed collection of work and receive a certificate to celebrate your accomplishments.


We are offering a FREE taster painting session to give you a flavour of The Art Academy and our style of teaching. You will be guided through a step-by-step workshop using acrylics and come away with a vibrant painting you can be proud of. This workshop is for complete beginners as well as improvers so no need to feel worried about your existing skills. You will be able to ask anything you need to know about the course.

The Art Academy has a fantastic track record for helping adult learners discover their creative potential as well as providing an opportunity to make new friends in a supportive atmosphere. Please note this session is intended for new learners only.

10am to 3pm | Tuesday 14th January 2025

All materials provided just bring an apron & some lunch

Refreshments available from our coffee bar

Booking is essential as spaces are limited. We will not be able to accept walk-ins on the day.

Please use the form below to book your space:


If you’re a complete beginner excited to explore painting and creativity with hands-on projects, step-by-step guidance and foundational techniques in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment, then this Introduction to Art & Design course is for you.

£995. Fees need to be paid in full to confirm your place on the course.

£80 (approx) Materials Pack. Includes materials needed to complete all of the course sessions.

How much does this art course cost?

There are no essays, written evaluations or formal exams. You will be given feedback, encouragement and points to take forward relating to each project.

Although this is not an accredited course and does not attract UCAS points, after successful completion of all modules you will be issued with a certificate for The Art Academy - Introduction To Art & Design.

How will I be assessed?

J Westgarth

“Having the most amazing experience at the ART Academy. I can't believe how much I'm enjoying it. I can't wait for each Monday when my new class starts. I absolutely can't get enough. The people are amazing there's a little coffee shop in the corner And another little place where you can buy any materials that you may need. This really has opened up my world and brought a lot of Happiness to my life I'm already planning on doing a years course next year starting in September.”

 FAQs

  • Tuesday 4th February 2025.

  • You will attend one day per week on Tuesdays 10-4pm. If you wish to complete further study at home this is entirely up to you and not compulsory. There are 10 sessions in total.

  • We have designed this course to focus on practical skills and techniques. Whilst we advise learners to take notes and reflect on their work there are no formal written elements.

  • You will be asked to purchase a materials pack which will include the materials needed to complete all of the course sessions. This will be approx £80 (price to be confirmed nearer the start date). We use student friendly, affordable art materials. We also have an art shop in the studio should you wish to purchase extra materials as you go along.

  • Yes completion of each project is required.

  • You can create and store your artwork in a sketchbook or keep your individual pieces separate.

  • No, your artwork will be reviewed by your tutor throughout the course and you will be given feedback about your development and progression.

  • Yes! This course has been designed for those with little to no experience. We welcome people of all ages and encourage nervous newbies to apply.

  • There are no specific qualification entry requirements for this course. We will assess your application on it’s own merits and allocate places accordingly.

  • This course in not accredited by an awarding body and therefore does not attract UCAS points. It has been designed using our knowledge and experience of working with accredited qualifications and is aimed at complete beginners. Most of our learners progress on to our Level 2,3 and 4 Diplomas and many previous students have gone on to attend University courses using the strength of their portfolio created with us.

    Please note that we do not guarantee access to a degree level qualification as this depends on individual university requirements. We would recommend you contact your university of choice to enquire about this.