Art Courses Birmingham
WHERE
Birmingham
What it’s like
Adults-only art courses in Birmingham city centre covering drawing, painting and life drawing over a full term.
This is a grown-ups-only affair, run from a Grade II listed building just off Victoria Square at the Birmingham and Midland Institute. There's no age limit stated beyond that, so it's really about which course suits where you're starting from: Drawing and Painting Techniques for anyone who wants to try a bit of everything (pencil, charcoal, pastel, acrylic, ink, mixed media), Introduction to Oil Painting if you want to commit to one medium, or Life Drawing if you fancy working from the model straight away.
These aren't drop-in sessions. Drawing and Painting Techniques and Life Drawing both run for 12 weeks, Oil Painting for 11. Each class starts with a demonstration and a warm-up, then you're left to get on with it at your own pace with feedback along the way. There's no set break, you just make yourself a hot drink whenever you fancy one and carry on, which is a small thing but a nice one.
Materials are included if you're in the building itself, which takes the sting out of turning up empty-handed, though you'll want your own A3 pad for the techniques course and an old rag for oils. Fancy doing it from home instead? The online Zoom version comes with a 20% discount, though you're sourcing your own materials for that one. One-to-one tuition is on offer too if a group class isn't your thing.
Parking is metered on Margaret Street and Cornwall Street right by the building, with the multi-storeys at Snow Hill and Ludgate Hill as backups if those are full. Miss a session and you can try to swap into a Wednesday or Saturday slot if there's room, but nothing carries over into the next term.
Need to know
- Parking
- Metered parking on Margaret Street and Cornwall Street
- Food
- Hot drinks available during classes
- This is an adults-only course, run over a full term rather than single sessions.
- Bring an A3 pad for the techniques course and an old rag for oils, everything else is provided in the building.
- Online Zoom classes get a 20% discount but you source your own materials.
- One-to-one tuition is available if group classes aren't for you.
- Many students rebook for another semester once they finish.
Plan your visit
Do I need any experience to sign up?
No, courses are built for adults starting from scratch as well as those with some background. Teaching is step by step with individual guidance during the session.
Are materials provided?
For classes held at the BMI building materials are included. Online Zoom classes ask you to bring your own materials, and you get a 20% discount for that.
How long do the courses run?
Life Drawing and Drawing and Painting Techniques both run for 12 weeks, and the Oil Painting course runs for 11 weeks.
What if I have to miss a class?
Get in touch beforehand and you can try to swap into a Wednesday or Saturday session if one has space. Missed sessions don't carry over into a new term.
Is there parking nearby?
Metered parking on Margaret Street and Cornwall Street right by the building. Snow Hill, Ludgate Hill, Great Charles Street and Lower Lionel Street car parks are all nearby alternatives.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
Contact them at least a week before the course starts for a refund. Once you have attended a class, that spot has been used and no refund applies.
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