A3077 - Explore: drawing and painting – develop your practice

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Start Date: 23/09/2026      End Date: 25/11/2026        Start Time: 10:00      End Time: 12:30        Hours per Week: 2.50      No of Weeks: 9
Fees:      £180.00 (tuition)     £316.00 (overseas)     £75.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Hanelle Levine        No of Places: 2
Idea Store Bow

Course Overview

Course Overview
You will further develop your skills in drawing and painting through practise and engagement with a range of different materials such as pencil, pastel and water based paints, using traditional and experimental approaches.
You will work on structured exercises and individual projects including observation and or imagination and deepen your confidence in your own creative style and expression.
You will look at how artists from different cultures and time periods including the present day have represented the world, and use this as inspiration for your own work.
Sessions include short exercises and longer studies exploring line, tone, colour, mark making, and composition. You may work from observation (such as still life, plants) and from observation or imagination, building skills through practice and repetition.
Sketchbooks are used to test ideas, make notes, and reflect on your progress.
Course Level and Requirements
These classes are designed for learners at an intermediate level. To get the most from the course, you should have at least one year’s experience in drawing and painting—either from Idea Store Learning classes or another provider—and be familiar with the basics.
You’ll also need to be willing to practise regularly at home and complete occasional homework.

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* Work with a suggested theme to create a finished drawing and/or painting.
* Work with concepts or elements discussed in class to create own
compositions.
* Work with a range of materials experimenting with different approaches.
* Be conversant with some basic visual arts vocabulary such as line, tone tint.
* Have increased knowledge of different artists or genres or art traditions.
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
This is an Explore-level course, so it’s important that you already have some experience with drawing and painting. This might be from attending beginner or Creative Essentials courses at Idea Store Learning, or similar courses with another provider.
You should be familiar with basic drawing and painting principles, and be willing to keep practising regularly at home. This includes working on projects outside of class time and completing any set homework to help you develop your skills further.
If you’re new to Idea Store Learning, your tutor will carry out a short assessment before the course begins to make sure it’s the right level for you. You’re also very welcome to check your eligibility in advance by contacting the tutor directly at Hanelle.levine@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
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Equipment required

Equipment required
Materials provided but you can bring your own if you prefer. You will need to purchase your own A4 sketchbook. An overall/apron would be helpful.
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How will you know you are making progress?

How will you know you are making progress?
You will have an ‘Individual Learning Plan’ where the course learning outcomes are shown and
where you can set individual learning goals and monitor your own progress against these.
You will need to evaluate your own progress and manage your time.
Your tutor will give ongoing feedback and will keep you informed of your progress.
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At the beginning of the course an initial assessment takes place to identify your level of
experience knowledge or current skills.
The tutor will carry out informal assessments to check your understanding, there is no exam.
You will complete a self-assessment at the beginning, middle and end of the course.
Your tutor will let you know how you are getting on throughout the course to you will help you
work to your full potential.
At the end of the course you will receive written feedback.
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Progress opportunities - your next steps

Progress opportunities - your next steps
You can continue with the Explore level courses during B Term. Please see our website 'Idea Store - Learning' for further information on a range of Visual Arts courses or speak with your tutor. Your tutor will support you in researching these and other courses outside of Idea Store Learning.
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Other info

Other info
We have high expectations regarding attendance and punctuality. We expect 100% attendance for all scheduled sessions and that you do so punctually and are ready to start learning at the start of the class.
We acknowledge the rare occasions when that will not be possible, please inform us before the class by emailing ideastoreadmin@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
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Extra Support

Extra Support
If you have declared a learning difficulty, disability or support need whilst enrolling and you require support/assistance in class or to complete your course, please discuss your needs with your tutor at the first lesson.
If you intend to take an examination and feel you have an additional learning need or special requirements, you must declare them to your tutor within the first 2 weeks of your course. If you are studying in an online group, then you can arrange a one-to-one online discussion with your tutor, after the session, or by email. Where we aim to make reasonable adjustments to support our learners, please note we are unable to provide any type of in class or in person support if your course takes place online.
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