Art classes in Cape Town

Teach me, teach me!

In this day and age many of us are left in somewhat of a creative void. Often, a decision to opt for a new route to work is about as much stimulation the right side of our brain (aka your mind’s art department) will get. So in-between the drudgery of everyday life, it’s important that we unleash our creative side; to dip our brush in some paint, immerse our hands in clay, capture the moment from behind the lens... I’m sure you get the picture. And, well if you don’t get the picture then that’s the problem right there isn’t it?

Below are a handful of places in and around Cape Town offering lessons aimed at teaching us how to get the picture.

Painting:

I’ve always fancied the idea painting something obscure, then receiving offers in the six digit category for my time and effort. Unfortunately, I’m ill equipped for such conquests, hardly able to master the ancient art of stick figure drawing, but alas, imagine my relief when I found out that even those with the creative capacity of a walrus can be whipped into a Picasso-like painter.

Dale Elliot Art
Dale and Janny Elliot have more than two decades of work experience in the holiday and art business. The Elliots have created the highly acclaimed Knysna Painting Holidays from their Leisure Isle studio, and have now relocated to Villiersdorp; a handy one hour drive from Cape Town. The Elliots host three days of interactive tuition in their studios. These classes are aimed at painters from all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, participants work side-by-side each with an individual challenge and goal.
Costs are R880 per person per day (exclusive of vat). This includes all tuition, basic course notes, Dale’s assistance, teas, lunch, and even a pizza-evening, but excludes any accommodation or art materials purchased from our shop. A deposit of R400.00 is payable.
80 Main street | Villiersdorp | Western Cape | +27(0)28 840 2927

Life Art  
These classes hosted by Leonie Brown, a professional artist with years of international experience. A variety of courses are available; learn to paint in 14-weeks, painting portraits in 18-weeks, amazing abstracts in 14-weeks, drawing like the old masters in 18-weeks and the magic of lino print in 8-weeks. Each participant will receive individual attention, and classes are suitable for just about anyone – from absolute beginners to professional artists.
Time: Mondays from 18:00 – 20:30 and Wednesdays from 14:00 – 17:00
Cost: R540 per month gets you two sessions a week
Call 082 4498475 for information on the venues.

Photography:

Why are Frank’s eyes a shade of demon-red? Why does the birthday girl look like a pixelated emoticon from a 1980s Atari videogame? All this despite the fact that your camera, in the right hands, could be used as a satellite too. Well, practice and expert advice from those who are actively involved in professional photography would surely render things picture perfect. Learn the basics and improve your prowess behind the lens with guidance from:

Patrick Heathcock
Keen to improve your photography skills and learn the basics? Patrick Heathcock offers weekend classes of small groups and one-on-one training giving you the low-down on photography 101 such as; camera basics, composition, flash photography, flags and fills and using natural light. Lessons are conducted at the spacious Liquid Lime Studios and are ideal for beginners or intermediate photographers.
Costs: One-on-one lessons are R1200 for the day | group lessons are R600 for Saturday only or R1000 for Saturday and Sunday.
Liquid Lime Studios | 3B Beach Road | Woodstock |082 372 5323

Digital Memories
Offers two photography courses; Introduction to Photography and Photography Essentials, both of which are suited for beginner and intermediate photographers alike.
Costs: Introduction to Photography is a Saturday morning class consisting of three, two to three hour lessons and costs R900. Photography Essentials comprises of six, three hour sessions which take place in the evening and costs R2400. Although the classes are conducted in a professional manner expect a vibrant, relaxed and encouraging atmosphere.
Unit 12 | The Rotherfield Development Trust Building |23 Rotherfield Rd | Plumstead | +27 (0)21 762 9582

Pottery and Sculpture:

Stop pottering about and get the (potters’) wheel rolling. Learn how to make vases, urns, or even a bowl for your pair of lucky socks... Alternatively you might have a penchant for sculpture and an urge get your hands on a bust. I know I do.

Fiddlewood Pottery Studios
Classes are small and intimate giving students ample individual attention as they learn the tricks of the trade. Beginners are more than welcome to come and learn about pottery basics such as; glazing, firing, hand as well as wheelwork.
Time: Morning classes on Thursdays from 10:00 – 12:30 | evening classes are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 19:30 – 22:00 and Wednesdays from 17: 00 – 21: 30.
Costs: R410 per calendar month.
Fiddlewood Pottery Studio 88 | 1st Ave | Harfield Village | Claremont | + 27 (0)21 671 2515

Maxi Haymann Pottery Studios
Maxi is a founding member of Ceramics South Africa is experienced in the craft of pottery and sculpture making. Just how much experience does she have? Unfortunately, she has forbidden me to say just how much lest I give away her age. If I did I may just find myself in one of her studio’s top-of-the-range glazers, and let’s just say my physical constitution would make for a lousy piece of pottery. This well established studio offers lessons on sculpture, handwork for interior and exterior home décor and wheel-work.
Times: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays @ 18:30 – 21:30 in the evening | Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 09:30 – 12:00 in the mornings.
Costs: R400 per month / gets you a session once a week.

Mosaic:

An excellent way to get your creative juices flowing; learn a great craft skill and at the same time make something to beautify your home. These classes are perfect for beginners and are hosted in a fun and encouraging environment. A good idea for birthday parties or kitchen teas.

Bit by Bit Mosaic
Full day workshops that are perfect for beginners – ‘you will be amazed at what you can achieve after just one day,’ says owner Kerry Atherstone. What a fantastic way to spend the day; relax, learn an amazing skill and you get to take home your project.
Costs: R400 per person including lunch.
Observatory | Cape Town |+27 (0)79 042 3908 | kerryatherston@gmail.com

Big Tree Mosaics
Join Michelle McConnell, who started her journey into the art of mosaics after an inspirational trip to Turkey, at her home studio in Durbanville.
Time: Morning classes from 09:30 to 12:30 | Evening classes from 18:00 to 20:00.
Cost: Morning classes R70-R90 | Evening classes R60
42 Primula Crescent | Wellway Park East | Durbanville | +27(0)73 653 2688

Candle making:

Whether your burning the candle at both ends and seek a creative outlet or are a realist when it comes to the reliability of Eskom; candle making is an easy and fun craft to learn.

Candle Makers Deli
This is a one-stop shop for candle and soap making materials, which offer two courses to the public; the Full Monty and a Foundation Class where you will be able to take home the variety of candles you have created – from gel candles to floating ones and a whole bunch more in-between. Please bring a lunch as learning makes you hungry!
Times: The Full Monty runs from 10:00 – 15:00 on Thursdays and Saturdays| Foundation classes are from 10:00 – 13:00 on Thursdays and Fridays.
Costs: Full Monty R400 p/p | Foundation Class 250 p/p
46 Marconi Road | Montague Gardens | Cape Town | +27(0)21 552 4937

By Julian Sendin

More of a buyer than a creative? Check out this selection of restaurants which also sell art.

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