Summer school
Join us for a five-day immersive Summer School hosted by Assembly Arts in the beautiful historic city of Lancaster. This intensive yet informal week offers a rare opportunity to step away from everyday routines and take a deep dive into your creative practice, guided by respected artists and teachers working at the forefront of their fields.
Designed for those with some previous art experience or anyone considering further study, the course places a strong emphasis on personal creative development. Through thoughtful discussion and practical workshops, you will explore what motivates you as an artist and begin to solidify your unique artistic voice and direction.
Throughout the week you will work across a range of disciplines including abstract painting, portrait drawing, life drawing and darkroom photography. Sessions are led by highly experienced artists and teachers who will support you in developing your ideas while encouraging experimentation, curiosity and confidence in your own creative instincts.
With access to Assembly Arts’ purpose-built studios as well as opportunities to work on location, this summer school offers both structured learning and valuable time for reflection. A programme of informal evening gatherings provides an opportunity for stimulating conversation, exchange of ideas and lasting creative connections between students and tutors.
All lunches, along with teas, coffees and cakes from local artisan suppliers, are included throughout the week. The course begins with a special welcome meal at The Borough on the first evening — a chance to meet fellow participants and start our dynamic creative week together.
Day One
After an initial session outlining the aims of the week and including an opportunity to get to know one another, the main focus of the day will be black and white analogue photography. After an introduction (or refresher) to the operation of a 35mm single lens reflex camera we will then undertake a short walking photo tour of Lancaster's historic city centre guided by Dr Alan Morris. Locations will include include the medieval castle, Lancaster Priory, the Judges Lodgings and quay. You will have the opportunity to take photographs with a 35mm camera that we can supply or you may bring your own. In the evening we will meet for an informal and relaxed meal at The Borough in Lancaster town centre.
Day Two
The second day of the course will be based in the fully equipped darkroom at Assembly Arts where you will process and print the black and white photographs shot during the photo walk on the first day.. Led by Dr Alan Morris you will be fully instructed in all aspects of analogue photography and learn about the creative potential and possibilities of the darkroom including how it might relate to your current and future practice as an artist.
In the evening Sarah Galloway will lead a very relaxed and fun Life Drawing session with a nude model from 7-9pm. Aimed at all abilities, using a range of media the session will be a great opportunity to enhance your observation and drawing skills.
Day Three
Under the expert guidance of artist Lela Harris you will have the opportunity to develop your portrait drawing skills during this supportive mixed media drawing workshop. You will explore a range of different techniques to capture personality and expression, with an opportunity to try out a range of different mediums and surfaces. As well as giving an overview of her practice Lela will also share her portrait drawing tips and tricks on light, composition and narrative storytelling. Guidance will also be provided on selecting good photo references to work from and how to develop your drawings further. By the end of the workshop, participants will have learnt some new techniques and feel more confident and excited about drawing portraits.
In the evening there will be a lecture given by a prominent local artist.
Day Four
After being picked up by coach you will travel to the edges of Morecambe Bay to spend the morning working on location with artist Ingrid Christie. With Ingrid's expert guidance you will undertake observation and drawing prior to returning to the studio at Assembly Arts in the afternoon. Here you will have the opportunity to translate your ideas into paintings, with discussion arounds abstract painting, self development, psychology, and influences taking centre stage.
At the end of the day will be free to enjoy the evening as you wish whilst Sarah Galloway, Alan Morris and Tilly Turner will meet at a city centre pub near Assembly Arts at 7pm if you would like to join them.
Day Five
The final day of the Summer School will begin with an informal crit of the work that you have produced during the week. All the tutors will attend this relaxed morning session providing both summative and formative feedback about your work and practice. After lunch Dr Alan Morris will lead a final seminar with Sarah Galloway reflecting on the weeks activities and your future plans as an artist. Along with your completed work and using your sketchbooks created during the week as a guide, support and advice about your practice will be offered, with particular emphasis placed on your future plans and ambitions as an artist.
After saying goodbye the session will end at 2.30pm allowing those who have travelled from further afield to return home.
Starts Jul 27
1,600 British poundsEarly Bird BookingLoading availability...
Loading availability...





















