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.

Skip to courses

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鈥檚 changed over a period of time, as well as the impact it鈥檚 had on society. 

You鈥檒l 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鈥檒l be taught by a talented tutor who is an expert in their field. 

The support you鈥檒l 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鈥檚 our learning experience that sets us apart too, with an encouraging environment that ensures you attend each session with the excitement to learn.   

Please enter your postcode

In order for us to give you accurate results for your courses, please click on the Search options and enter your postcode and the mile radius for your search.

Refine search

How you'll learn

Your location

Please enter your postcode or town for your search in the boxes below.

We have defaulted the search to ten miles, but you can change this number in the box as you wish.

Got it!

Sort by start date

Choose to sort the course start date in ascending order (furthest away dates first) or descending (most recent dates first)

Got it!

Results per page

Days

Other Filters

Part of day
Level of study
Availability
Search for the branch name/location, without adding branch e.g. Barnet

Art Appreciation: Art of Christmas - Christmas images and how artists interpret the Christmas story

The Christmas story has probably inspired more art than any other subject. From medieval icons of the Virgin and Child to the Renaissance paintings of the shepherds and the wise men; and from stained glass windows to Christmas cards, the story has been at the forefront of western art. This study day will examine the historicity of the gospel stories and how they have been interpreted by artists through the centuries. A wide range of art will be shown and there will be space for discussion and for learners to offer their own suggestions and experiences.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/12/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St Lawrence Parish Rooms (Winchester)
Colebrook Street
Winchester
SO23 9LH
Tutor:
David Brindley
Course code:
Q00016856
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢23.10

Art Appreciation: Local Artists Part 4

This 5 week course delves into the works of five local artists, featuring Robert J. Clitherow, Peter Coker, Henry Collins, Hugh Verschoyle Cronyn and Charles Debenham. 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
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 13/12/2024 -
Fri 24/01/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Castle Methodist Church (Colchester)
Maidenburgh Street
Colchester
CO1 1TT
Tutor:
Abbie Cairns
Course code:
Q00017690
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢33.60

Art Appreciation: Japonisme: Japanese influence in Monet, Van Gogh鈥檚 and other modern painter鈥檚 art

Explore the captivating influence of Japanese prints on modern art in the second half of the 19th century in this 3-hour session. We鈥檒l dive into how Japanese aesthetics reshaped European art in the late 19th century, inspiring artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Whistler. Through ukiyo-e prints, minimalism, and asymmetry, Japan鈥檚 artistic elements transformed Western approaches to composition, colour, and subject matter. The session will include an illustrated lecture and a couple of group discussions, to deepen your understanding of what Japonisme was, and the ways it impacted movements such as Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Art Nouveau. Perfect for art enthusiasts eager to trace the roots of cross-cultural exchanges that forever changed the trajectory of modern art. This course is funded by Greater London Combined Authority.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/12/2024 -
Mon 16/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00019825
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢11.10

Art Appreciation: How to Interpret Paintings

Have you ever wondered what a painting means, and how to figure out what it is about? This session will give you some keys to develop your understanding and appreciation of paintings. We will mainly focus on interpretative 台湾swag: how do we identify the type of subject matter? How do we recognise and decipher symbols? Where can we find clues? And, can we rely on our subjective interpretation? This is quite literally an 鈥渆ye-opener鈥, and should make your next visits to art galleries even more enjoyable!
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/12/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00019748
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢11.10

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Add to basket

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
拢15

Art Appreciation: Winter in Art

Join us for an engaging lecture on the portrayal of winter in art, exploring how artists have captured the season鈥檚 stark beauty, quietude, and introspection across centuries. From medieval illuminations and Bruegel鈥檚 lively 16th-century village scenes to Monet鈥檚 serene snowscapes, winter has many inspired painters. In their works they evoke the season鈥檚 unique mood and atmosphere. This session will examine iconic winter-themed works, delving into how artists convey the season's chilly textures and muted colours, but also its reflective qualities.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 18/12/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00019896
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢7.40

Art Appreciation: Art and Faith

Are you fascinated by art and how it developed, and would like to know more? Humans have always expressed their spirituality through art, from the earliest cave drawings to contemporary installations in cathedrals. This course concentrates on how European art has depicted the Christian faith, but also looks at the art of Islam and the Indian art of Buddhism and Hinduism. Beginning with cave art around the world, we look at some of the earliest artistic expressions of humanity鈥檚 search for the beyond. Buddhist and Hindu art from the centuries before Christ is discussed, as is art from the earliest roots of Islam from the seventh century onwards.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 06/01/2025 -
Mon 10/02/2025
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
David Brindley
Course code:
Q00009346
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to 拢55.50

Art Appreciation: Vincent van Gogh 鈥 A short career of enormous significance

In this course, we will focus on an extraordinary artist, well-loved from today鈥檚 public: Vincent van Gogh. You will learn about his Dutch origins, his interests and friendships while in Paris, the dreams he nurtured in Arles, and, his last months in Auvers-sur-Oise. As we study the main phases in his life, we will study key examples of his paintings and drawings to better understand his artistic identity. What was the purpose of painting for him? Why did he paint with bright colours and thick brushstrokes? We will seek to understand van Gogh鈥檚 art not simply in light of his own mindset, but also in light of the wider cultural context he was part of.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 28/01/2025
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00019205
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢29.60

Art Appreciation: British Modern Art: from the Newlyn School (1880s) to the Second World War

In this course, we will focus on a century of artistic creation in Britain. From the artists in Cornwall to the war artists during the Second World War, we will study a varied mix of artists and art movements. We will proceed chronologically, but will keep in mind several transversal themes, especially that of the dialogue with artistic centres abroad, especially Paris. Doing so, we will wonder whether modern British art followed a similar path as elsewhere or if some singular traits can be identified.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 09/01/2025 -
Thu 27/03/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Ripley Arts Centre (Bromley)
24 Sundridge Avenue
Bromley
BR1 2PX
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00019786
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢100.00

Art Appreciation: Victorian Art - Town and Country

The Victorian years saw unprecedented industrialisation which changed the face of Britain but also attitudes. Industrial developments were perceived as both positive and negative, but the countryside was viewed as a tradition, community and continuity. Yet images of the country, as well as the town, reveal the complexity of a society adapting to the modern world. Depiction of idyllic country scenes and grimy urban life reveal deep tension in Victorian society. This course will reveal that complexity and the contradictions which characterised the years 1837 to 1901 by examining paintings, engravings, photographs cartoons and the literature of the period.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 10/01/2025 -
Fri 21/03/2025
Times:
2:30pm - 4:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Grimsby Central Hall & Arts Community Ce
Duncombe Street
Grimsby
DN32 7EG
Tutor:
Tim Stimson
Course code:
Q00017917
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢84.00

Art Appreciation: British Modern Art: from the Newlyn School to the Festival of Britain

In this course, we will focus on a century of artistic creation in Britain. From the artists in Cornwall to the war artists during the Second World War, we will study a varied mix of artists and art movements. We will proceed chronologically, but will keep in mind several transversal themes, especially that of the dialogue with artistic centres abroad, such as Paris and New York. Doing so, we will wonder whether modern British art followed a similar path as elsewhere or if some singular traits can be identified.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 10/01/2025 -
Fri 04/04/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00019200
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to 拢88.80