Appreciate art through learning

Our Art History courses will give you a deeper understanding of what you're looking at. When it comes to art, everyone's has their own opinion on which artist is better than the other, and what their most famous work signifies.

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Through exploring the world of art history, you'll be learning about why pieces are made in the first place and what the pieces mean. You will also examine how that’s changed over a period of time, as well as the impact it’s had on society. 

You’ll be taught about many of the aspects from the art creation process, such as the materials used in artworks, and how different kinds of artists contribute differently in expressing their ideas through freehand drawing or digital media. 

Whether you're a seasoned art appreciator or a newbie, there's something here for everyone. From exploring art painted by Salvador Dali or learning all about the history of Nordic Art from the Viking era, we have a selection of online and in-person art history courses from different decades to choose from.  

Attend an Art History course near you  

Whether you choose to learn from the comfort of your own home, or opt for a space in your local community, you’ll be taught by a talented tutor who is an expert in their field. 

The support you’ll receive on our Art History courses

Your tutor will encourage you to develop an understanding of Art History that goes beyond what's on the surface, motivating you to truly immerse yourself in the subject. It’s our learning experience that sets us apart too, with an encouraging environment that ensures you attend each session with the excitement to learn.   

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Art Appreciation: Local Artists Colchester Part 2

This 5-week course delves into the works of five local artists, featuring Cedric Morris, Aline Gowen, Roderic Barrett, Richard Beford, and Mildred Blakiston. Each week explores key art concepts including, colour and composition through samples of their work. You will engage in group discussions, take notes, and recall information. By the end of the course, you will be able to notice significant local artists, describe their artistic methods, spot similarities and differences among local artists, deconstruct essential components of artworks, and select a preferred piece based on personal opinion.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 17/05/2024 -
Fri 21/06/2024
Times:
10:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Castle Methodist Church (Colchester)
Maidenburgh Street
Colchester
CO1 1TT
Tutor:
Abbie Cairns
Course code:
Q00015386
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

History: Spirit of the North – Nordic Romantic Art

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the Nordic art movement of National Romanticism. The course will give a contextual historical background to the art and look at the art and artists of 19th century Scandinavia. In Northern Europe landscape painting has a powerful hold on our visual culture and especially in Scandinavia, where far northerly folk have found a kinship with nature to be indispensable. Nordic art is a little known treasure trove of stunning images of the Northern landscape and the country people. We will look in particular depth at the artistic developments in Norway.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 20/05/2024 -
Mon 22/07/2024
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Tim Stimson
Course code:
Q00014355
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £74.00

Art Appreciation: British Landscape Artists' Views of India

We will discuss, within a broader historical context, the various ways in which British colonial artists depicted the architecture and landscape of India through painting, prints and photographs.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 24/05/2024 -
Fri 24/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St Lawrence Parish Rooms (Winchester)
Colebrook Street
Winchester
SO23 9LH
Tutor:
Prasannajit De Silva
Course code:
Q00009392
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £35.00

History: Women in the Shadows

“Women in the Shadows" explores the resilience and creativity of women writers, artists, and musicians in 19th-century Europe, highlighting their remarkable ability to overcome societal barriers and leave a lasting impact on culture and society. Despite facing numerous obstacles, these women defied expectations and carved out spaces for themselves in male-dominated fields, challenging norms and stereotypes along the way. Through their groundbreaking work and pioneering spirit, they not only asserted their presence but also contributed significantly to the artistic and intellectual landscape of their time. This course explores and sheds light on their often-overlooked contributions and celebrates their enduring legacy.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 01/06/2024 -
Sat 01/06/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (King's Lynn)
38 Bridge Street
King's Lynn
PE30 5AB
Tutor:
David Price
Course code:
Q00014879
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Membership

Art Appreciation: Nature in Art- From landscape painting to ecological art

Throughout the years, nature has had different places and meanings in art: from mere background to an independent genre. In this short course, we will study concrete examples from early 17th century Dutch landscape, to contemporary works of art dealing with climate change. This will include works of art as diverse as Chinese hand-scroll paintings, the paintings of flowers, Romantic landscape paintings, the Impressionist works of art, and political installations and performances. We will reflect on the way works of art reflect the way our perception of the natural environment has changed throughout the centuries.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 03/06/2024 -
Mon 01/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00014221
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Art Appreciation: Art in Churches

The Church has historically been a major patron of the arts, and all major artists have works in church buildings around Europe. From Saxon wall paintings and lavish medieval alter pieces, to contemporary installations in Cathedrals, this course looks at the variety of art commissioned by the Church, from the Sistine Chapel ceiling to Victorian church textiles. We discuss where good examples can be seen in this country, including stained glass and sculpture. The way in which art in Churches has reflected the major art history developments is at the core of this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 03/06/2024 -
Mon 08/07/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
David Brindley
Course code:
Q00009352
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £55.50

Art Appreciation: The Art of Diplomacy- Behind the doors of the Government Art Collection

Go behind the scenes of the Government Art Collection, a less well-known national art collection, with Chantal Condron, a former curator at the Collection. Discover the fascinating origins of its history, and the people and events that have shaped its past. Explore how and why artworks are acquired or commissioned and discover some of the locations where they have been displayed. We explore works across a range of media from paintings to film, by artists from the 16th to the 21st centuries, including Marcus Gheerhaerts the Younger, Thomas Phillips, Bridget Riley, Michael Armitage and recent Turner Prize winner, Jesse Darling.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 07/06/2024 -
Fri 05/07/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Blue Beetle Room (London)
Hendon Lane
Finchley
London
N3 1TR
Tutor:
Chantal Condron
Course code:
Q00014223
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Art Appreciation: Myths and Renowned Stories in Art, Literature and Music (part 4)

The course will explore the enriching links between stories, art and music, from ancient to modern times. Each week examples from a different epoch will be examined. Frequently, stories and art pieces are linked with pieces of music and the course will offer many opportunities to enjoy these music pieces.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 11/06/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
Colin Lomas
Course code:
Q00012066
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £69.00

Art Appreciation: John Singer Sargent: At Once Modern and Classic

As Tate Britain puts on a show about Sargent and fashion, it is the perfect occasion to discover the life and career of this extraordinary painter. His art situates him in a paradoxical position, modern by some features, and classical based on some others. American, he lived in Italy, in France and mainly in England, where he became a sought-after portrait painter. But there is much more to Sargent than his portraits of wealthy patrons. We will also discover some of his impressionist paintings and his watercolours. In portraits as in landscapes, he always comes across as a brilliant painter.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 11/06/2024 -
Tue 11/06/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00015528
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Art Appreciation: Lost Stars of the Renaissance - Art History

This is a very short workshop of two sessions of two hours. In this time, we will discuss in detail works from lesser-known painters of the Renaissance era. Since the High Renaissance is much better known, we will look at artists from the fifteenth century.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 12/06/2024 -
Wed 19/06/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Phillips
Course code:
Q00015123
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £14.80