A basic introduction to interpreting paintings accompanied by a whistle-stop walkthrough of the major developments in European painting, from Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Impressionism to Abstraction.
Course aim
To provide a brief introduction to the developments in European painting from Gothic through to Cubism with a view to enriching your enjoyment of art
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- No skills or experience needed
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Take part in discussions about the art works and respond appropriately to others.
- Describe 2 events or factors that may have influenced each movement.
- Look at a range of information to help understand and explain the art works.
- Describe how and why artists use line, space, colour, form and texture.
- Describe the process of 'close looking' at a painting.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
What else do I need to know?
- Nothing else is needed
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Become involved with the WEA in a range of voluntary work and other activities including campaigning as a WEA member
- Become involved as a volunteer for a WEA partner or another organisation
Download full course information sheet







