Watercolours
This opportunity is for anyone wishing to explore watercolours, from beginner to the more experienced painter. We will be looking at different theories, and practical applications, exploring this versatile medium. We will find our preferred technique and develop our personal style. From portraits to florals, landscapes to botanical, we will delve into subjects working from […]
Get Writing for All
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Perceiving the World
This course will explore the psychology involved in our interpretation and misinterpretation of the world around us. It will cover a range of topics including why we are taken in by visual illusions, why eyewitness testimony can be so unreliable and how we use non-verbal cues to interpret the real meaning behind what people say.
Abstract Painting
Each lesson begins with an approachable practical experiment that is later developed using various materials such as acrylic paints, watercolours, pen and ink and collage. All will be demonstrated to understand how the materials can be used in each session and constant guidance will be given throughout the course. Contemporary artists are introduced and discussed […]
Writing your Memoirs
Have you thought about writing your life story but are concerned that you will not know how? If so, this course is for you. In a supportive atmosphere, you will be offered suggestions designed to give you confidence in writing even if you have never done anything like this before. You may find that this […]
Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
Suitable for all levels, new Settlement tutor, Dr Lisa McNulty, will explore a different topic each week in this introductory philosophy course: 1: What is ‘Philosophy’? 2: How Do We Know Anything? 3: What is Reality? 4: The Problem of Consciousness 5: Personal Identity
Get Writing for All: Morning
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Chinese Brush Painting Techniques
Suitable for Beginners and improvers. The Chinese have developed a very different approach to landscape painting to that adopted by the west. In this module we will look at Chinese Landscape and the way colour is used to represent the different seasons.
Applied Arts
This Art Club focuses on experimentation with a wide range of materials and mixed media. Taught by Chantelle Stephenson, a local artist and established tutor at the Settlement. She will provide inspiring ideas and direction on technique. Each class begins with demonstrations, and you are then encouraged to develop ideas and allow your work to […]
Botanical Art
A five-week course looking at the Botanical World. Using plants, fruits, feathers, finds, and all things Botanical, Jill will give demonstrations and guidance on the techniques used to achieve success with a variety of mediums from pencils, coloured pencils, watercolours, and pen and ink. Jill will give advice on anything that needs to be brought […]
Woven Tapestry
Learn woven tapestry skills at your own pace. A course perfect for learning the basics in tapestry weaving and for further developing skills and woven tapestry knowledge. Choose from a selection of projects aimed at various skill levels from beginner to improver. Lucy will work with you to help you develop your weaving and design […]
Get Writing for All with Adrian Poynton: Evening
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Neighbours and Enemies: War for the Holy Land
This small patch of land, between the Mediterranean Sea and the River Jordan, holy for three world religions, has been fought over for three millennia. This course takes a long view of this conflict. It begins by looking at the creation of the kingdom of Israel and the conflict between Jew and Roman that ended […]
Get Writing for All
These classes are ideal for anyone who enjoys writing or would like to start. No experience is necessary. The emphasis is on having fun and through a combination of reference to published texts, writing and listening, confidence is built in writing fiction and non-fiction. Short, optional homework exercises are set weekly with supportive feedback from […]
Contemporary Basketry Improvers
The short basketry courses are 'contemporary' rather than traditional in style. They introduce a variety of materials and construction techniques for students to explore surface and form. Our loose theme for the Improvers’ course this term will be to work with some bark and other natural materials to make pouch or pocket forms using a […]
The Poets of the Second World War
While the poets of the 1914-18 War are justifiably well known and celebrated, those writers who covered the 1939 conflict are less well known. This five-week course will address that! We will cover poets such as Keith Douglas, Roy Fuller and Charles Causley amongst others and consider if, like Owen’s famous dictum declared, ‘the poetry […]
The Sketchbook
The Sketchbook course is an ideal course for anyone wishing to explore an idea or theme in greater detail. The course will allow you to develop drawings, prints and painting studies in an array of different mediums and techniques all guided by the tutor throughout. You will be given a hardback concertina sketchbook to develop […]
Yoga
This yoga class will serve as an introduction, each week building on what is learned. Sessions will consider the underlying philosophy for up to 15 minutes, continue with an exploration of poses and flow, and end with a relaxation.
Life Drawing
Drawing the human body is a wonderful way for anyone, from beginner to the more experienced, to improve their drawing skills. Using short and long poses, and a variety of media and materials we will explore the visual potential of the human form to create exciting images.
Contemporary Basketry Beginners
This course, suitable for beginners, will introduce working with willow and other natural materials. We will make some simple forms on which to explore a range of basic basketry techniques and material processes.
Oil Painting
The afternoon Thursday oil painting group is a lively, approachable and unique class. Students are encouraged to build and respond to their own natural strengths and focus on building their own unique style within the painting process. Each student shall shape a diverse narrative from their own sources of inspiration, from their own sketches, photography […]
Woven Tapestry
Learn woven tapestry skills at your own pace. A course perfect for learning the basics in tapestry weaving and for further developing skills and woven tapestry knowledge. Choose from a selection of projects aimed at various skill levels from beginner to improver. Lucy will work with you to help you develop your weaving and design […]
Chinese Intermediate
This course is for those who have a good basic knowledge of spoken Mandarin and Chinese characters. We will be following a textbook and lots of videos for conversation and vocabulary building. We will also be having fun practicing more Chinese characters (excellent for mindfulness), reading simple Chinese books and news headlines, and following the […]
Greek Myth – The Labyrinth of Myth
Greek Myth – The Labyrinth of Myth Gods • Out of Chaos • The Titans • The Olympians • Nymphs Heroes? • The pursuit of kleos (eternal glory) • Jason and the Argonauts • Heracles • Achilles and Hector • Aeneas and Dido
Printmaking: Playing with Print
Let’s get printing! During this short course we will experiment with different types of printing techniques, gelli plate printing, silk screen, collograph, tetrapak, and lino using a variety of inks and paints. This will be a very informal relaxed course where we can share ideas and find inspiration for our printing projects.
Chinese Beginners Plus
This course is for those who have a basic understanding of Mandarin Chinese, including Pinyin. We’ll be extending your vocabulary, learning from everyday conversations, having fun practicing Chinese characters (good for mindfulness), reading simple Chinese books, and finding out about Chinese culture and customs. By the end of the course, you should be able to […]
Art Jam! Mixed Media Sketchbook Club
Dive into the vibrant world of sketchbook play, where creativity knows no bounds! This exhilarating practice not only sparks your imagination but also unleashes your artistic potential. With each stroke, you’ll boost your skills in line work and color application while exploring fresh concepts and themes without the pressure of perfection. It’s a therapeutic escape […]
Abstract Drawing
Learn how to free your mind, and not simply draw what you see, but draw what you feel. We will be exploring shape, line, pattern as well as colour, and developing your skills to create different marks and experimenting with materials. No experience necessary, just a willingness to let go and go with the flow! […]
Exploring Interior Design
Exploring Interior Design will develop your ability to visualise in three dimensions and help make your ideas an exciting reality! Key skills, such as measuring, making scale plans, using the colour wheel, compiling mood boards, and working within budgets, will be focused upon, and revisited over time as appropriate, along with other relevant topics. Learners […]
Making Books from Waste Materials
In this five week course, we will explore making a range of different styles of books. This will include pamphlet and concertina style books, petal fold folios and a book of pockets using a sewn binding. We will use waste materials such as newspaper, cardboard, packaging paper and scraps of wool/string. One book style will […]
Portraiture
Portrait painting is becoming increasingly fashionable in the art world. There are many painting styles that can render a stunning portrait. New Settlement tutor Komathy is introducing this portraiture course to teach how to sketch and paint portraits. Komathy will provide guidance as you start your own painting. She will teach quick painting methods, how […]
Still Life Drawing Club: The Power of the Pencil
Jan 25th - The Power of the Pencil: from 2b pencils to 6b Graphite sticks. Vanessa has been running a Still Life Drawing Club for the last three years in Newark on Trent and brings this monthly club to the Settlement. The club focuses on bringing out each person’s individual style by everyone working from […]
Art Jam! Mixed Media Sketchbook Club
Dive into the vibrant world of sketchbook play, where creativity knows no bounds! This exhilarating practice not only sparks your imagination but also unleashes your artistic potential. With each stroke, you’ll boost your skills in line work and color application while exploring fresh concepts and themes without the pressure of perfection. It’s a therapeutic escape […]
George Gershwin
On Saturday 22nd February 2025, we are pleased to welcome back Derek Blyth and Rachel Thomas who, this time, are treating us to a lecture and recital on the life and music of George Gershwin. Gershwin was one of the most significant and popular American composers of all time. He wrote primarily for the Broadway […]
Still Life Drawing Club: Indian Ink and Coloured Pencils
March 1st - Indian Ink and Coloured Pencils: drawing textures of stones, flint and pebbles Vanessa has been running a Still Life Drawing Club for the last three years in Newark on Trent and brings this monthly club to the Settlement. The club focuses on bringing out each person’s individual style by everyone working from […]
Abstract Drawing
Learn how to free your mind, and not simply draw what you see, but draw what you feel. We will be exploring shape, line, pattern as well as colour, and developing your skills to create different marks and experimenting with materials. No experience necessary, just a willingness to let go and go with the flow!
