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.

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

You’ll 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’ll be taught by a talented tutor who is an expert in their field. 

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

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Art Appreciation: Albrecht Durer - Painter, Engraver and Intellectual of the Renaissance

This one-off session is an introduction to one of the greatest artistic minds of the Renaissance period, Albrecht Durer (1471 - 1528). Our experienced tutor will take you on a journey through the life and art of this brilliant German painter and printmaker. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss this emblematic figure of the Renaissance in Northern Europe. This session is suitable for beginners who want to discover Durer's work for the first time and more experienced art-lovers who would like the opportunity to discover Durer's lesser-known works in the company of an expert and like-minded people.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 06/12/2023 -
Wed 06/12/2023
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00011969
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
Waiting list (Join waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Art Appreciation: The Louvre - A History of the World's Most Visited Museum

From its beginning as a medieval castle to the addition of the glass pyramid in the 1980s, the Louvre is an iconic building and art collection. This art history will discuss the key moments of the Louvre's history and understand why it is the most visited museum in the world. This course is ideal for both art lovers and those interested in historical architecture. Come along and join the class as you learn something new, all from the comfort of your own home.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 09/12/2023 -
Sat 09/12/2023
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00009778
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Fee range
Free to £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’s 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 08/01/2024 -
Mon 12/02/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Tutor:
David Brindley
Course code:
Q00009346
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £55.50

Art Appreciation: Flemish Art in the Fifteenth Century

This course is a detailed exploration of the artists who flourished in the Low Countries during fifteenth century, a tie of great artistic flourishing for this part of the world. Two important case studies will be the van Eyck family, Jan (1390 - 1441) and his brothers Hubert (1385 - 1426) and Lambert, and their sister Margareta, and the Netherlandish painter Rogier van der Weyden (1399 - 1464). Other artists considered include Petrus Christus, Hans Memling, Hugo van der Groes and Hieroymus Bosch. As well as learning more about the well-known artists of this time, come and join us to make discoveries of lesser-known artists and their masterpieces. No previous knowledge of art appreciation or the history of the Low Countries is necessary. Everyone is invited to join this fascinating course!

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 08/01/2024 -
Mon 18/03/2024
Times:
10:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Hatfield Road Methodist Church (St. Alba
133b Hatfield Road
St. Albans
AL1 4JX
Tutor:
Madeline Edmead
Course code:
Q00012262
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

Art Appreciation: The High Renaissance - Meet the Rivals

As this is a very short course and it is a very big part of art history, I am suggesting we look at the seminal Renaissance painters: Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian. We will be discussing the history and meanings of their paintings, as well as their patrons, local history and the social context in which they were created. The first three came from the artistic cauldron that was fifteenth/sixteenth century Florence. As a complete stylistic contrast, the other great artist came from Venice, renowned for its glamour, its riches and its very special light.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 06/02/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Tutor:
Kate Phillips
Course code:
Q00012181
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

History: Nature in Art

Throughout the years, nature has had different places and meanings in art: from mere background to an independent genre. In this short course, we will study some examples from early 17th century Dutch landscape, to contemporary works dealing with climate change. This will include works of art as diverse as Chinese hand-scroll paintings, the paintings of flowers, Romantic landscape paintings, the Impressionist works of art, and political installations and performances. We will reflect on the way works of art reflect the way our perception of the natural environment has changed throughout the years.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 06/02/2024
Times:
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
St John's United Reform Church Orpington
Lynwood Grove
Orpington
BR6 0BG
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00012270
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
1 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Art Appreciation: The Story of Scottish Art

This course explores fascinating and often beautiful Scottish artworks and the artists who made them. We set these artists and artworks in their social and historical circumstances, circumstances which were so different from those in England. Examples of artists discussed include Allan Ramsay in the eighteenth century, Henry Raeburn in the early-nineteenth century, David Wilkie, the Glasgow Boys, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Scottish Colourists and multi-talented designers including Phoebe Traquair and the Macdonald Sisters. No previous experience of art or the history of Scotland is necessary- all students are very welcome.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 19/03/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Christchurch United Reform Church (Chelm
164 New London Road
Chelmsford
CM2 0AW
Tutor:
Rosanna Eckersley
Course code:
Q00012237
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Art Appreciation: 17th Century Dutch Art

This course is a detailed exploration of the artists who flourished in the Netherlands during the first half of the seventeenth century, which became known as the Golden Age of Dutch Art. Two important case studies will be the painter and printmaker Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606 - 1669) and the portrait artist Frans Hals the elder (1582 - 1666). Other artists considered include Johannes Vermeer, Jan Steen, Nicolaes Maes and Judith Leyster. As well as learning more about the well-known artists of this time, come and join us to make discoveries of lesser-known artists and their masterpieces. No previous knowledge of art appreciation or Dutch history is necessary. everyone is invited to join this fascinating course!

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 19/03/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Friends Meeting House (Berkhamsted)
289 High Street
Berkhamsted
HP4 1AJ
Tutor:
Madeline Edmead
Course code:
Q00012284
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Art Appreciation: American Art 1800-1914

We will consider a range of works of art from North America, linking them to their social, political and historical contexts, and investigating their role in recording and shaping contemporary debates.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 06/02/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
St Paul's Church Hall (Chichester)
Churchside
Chichester
PO19 6FT
Tutor:
Prasannajit De Silva
Course code:
Q00009793
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Art Appreciation: Colour in Art

This course aims to provide you with an appreciation of the role of colour in the history of art. It is suitable for both those who are new to the history of art, and for those who may have previously attended art history courses.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 27/02/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Bedhampton Community Centre (Havant)
21 Bedhampton Road
Bedhampton
Havant
PO9 3ES
Tutor:
Michaela Cranmer
Course code:
Q00009644
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60