Nicola Slattery is a successful professional artist. Her work has been shown extensively throughout the UK and Europe receiving many positive reviews in local and national publications. Commissions have been accepted from: greeting card publishers, a national pub chain, publicity consultants, theatre groups, various local government and public bodies as well as private individuals. A number of articles by her on technique and method have appeared in various art magazines and she is often invited to give talks and demonstrations to art groups and societies. Her teaching experience is considerable and includes all ages and abilities. Patience and confidence-building are her specialities - however, experienced artists will also discover exciting new techniques and methods of expression.

Each course is suitable for all levels of ability including absolute beginners and more experienced artists. Detailed course handouts and all basic materials are included in the course fee. Any specific equipment required is also provided - however, if you wish to bring any items of your own you are welcome to do so. No dangerous chemicals or acids are used on any of the courses and vegetable-based oils are used as a safe cleaning method whenever necessary.

An excellent introduction to the breadth and range of different printmaking techniques. Discover the unique monoprint, the versatile collagraph, the rich and velvety line of drypoint and the magical colours of offset prints. No acids or dangerous chemicals are used and the course aims to dispel any misconceptions that printmaking is 'cold and technical'. Students will be guided through all the stages of making printing blocks and plates and will then have the opportunity to produce a minimum of four prints using each of these safe and exciting methods.

Making your own paper is surprisingly simple and yet extremely rewarding.  Imagine the satisfaction recycling existing discarded papers and cut offs and transforming them into beautiful hand made paper.  Pigments and dyes can be introduced to create vibrant or subtler variations in colour and a range of materials such as leaves, petals and threads can be added to provide texture and individual interest.  After making a number of sheets of paper you will then be introduced to a simple printlaking technique with which to create an image in print directly onto your freshly made paper.

Working in mixed media is both liberating and inspirational. Here is an opportunity to experiment with a wide range of materials and techniques including for example charcoal, watercolour, collage, drypoint, acrylic, monoprint and pastel in a variety of combinations within several different pieces of work. Discover how to develop your drawing into a strong linear drypoint print overlaid with delicate washes of watercolour. Combine photographs and other objects with colours in collage and layers of acrylic paint or exploit the tonal qualities of a monoprint by adding highlights in pastel.

The term collagraph is derived from the Greek words 'colla' meaning glue and 'graphos' meaning to write or inscribe. Use this direct and versatile technique to transform everyday materials such as cardboard, fabric, paper and other simple items into a printing plate without the need for dangerous acids or chemicals. Having completed your printing plate you will be carefully guided through each of the various stages of the printing process including sealing, inking and the correct use of any etching press. Expect to produce a number of richly textured limited-edition prints.

As a painting medium Acrylic offers maximum flexibility. Mixed with water it paints like watercolour, alternatively use it straight from the tube with knife or brush. Learn how to apply layers of paint in quick succession and experiment by introducing an array of other elements such as paper collage, texture paste, fabric, photographs, feathers, shells and other materials and objects. Although acrylic paint can be applied to almost any surface including paper and canvas, this course focuses mainly on painting directly onto ready-primed boards.

Booking.
It is advisable to telephone to check availability of places and to make a temporary reservation prior to posting your booking form. Temporary reservations are held for two days only and should therefore be immediately followed up with a completed booking form and deposit. You will then be sent confirmation of your booking together with any travel details or other information (normally within two weeks of receipt of your booking form).

Payment of fees.
The non returnable deposit should accompany your completed booking form. Payment of the balance of the course fee should be made no later than four weeks prior to course commencement. Please note no reminder will be sent. Non payment of the balance will be assumed to imply cancellation and the place may be reallocated and the deposit forfeited.

Cancellations.
Please note that all deposits are non refundable and non transferable. Any cancellation must be made in writing to the address above. Refunds of fees paid other than deposits will be made only in respect of cancellations received not less than 28 days prior to course commencement.

Cancellation of courses.
If for any reason it is necessary to cancel any course participants will be notified as soon as possible and a full refund of fees received including deposits will be made. No further liability will be accepted.