Where will this course lead?

Develop your creativity and skills with nature in mind and explore a range of applications when compiling your own Journal. Help formulate your own thoughts, find your own interests and experiment with artistic techniques

What will I study?

Develop your inquisitiveness to produce a personal journal based on nature. Learn to create and use different techniques to gain a variety of effects. Discover a variety of media to use in your journal - such as pencil, charcoal, soft pastels/chalks, oil pastels, watercolour and acrylic paints, and experiment with hand printing styles.

Reconnect with poetry or short stories to influence your experimentation. In addition, we may look at blended learning (online learning), and may make the most of online artists with their work and demonstrations.

Week 1: Please bring your A3 sketchbook journal and a range of pencils, rubber, sharpener and a variety of pens on the first week.

We can also visit the College library for books to provide inspiration. The topic of your journal will be individual to you and your tutor will be there to support your journey.

How will this course be delivered?

The terms are usually 10 week duration, dependable upon start date of each term. Places are bookable via the Enrolment Team in advance. Each session is 2 hours per week.

This course will be delivered at Woodlands Campus and Stratford Upon Avon Campus

You will need your own A3 sketchbook/journal, coloured paper, wallpaper scraps, range of pencils, charcoal, watercolour/acrylic paints, paint brushes, non-breakable water jar, palette, apron, chalks/soft pastels, oil pastels, textile materials, cardboard, glue (eg PVA or Modge Podge), glue applicator, tape, upcycle various textured plastics and cardboard, wool, needle, found objects (eg leaves, petals, thin bark, etc that can be attached in your journal). It's also a great idea to have some wipes at hand!

Bring books that have influenced and inspired you, short stories, poems, illustrations that you have seen, cards/posters, photos - things that make you feel happy and inspire you on your new journey of journaling with Nature.

What qualifications will I get?

This is a leisure and personal development course.

How will I be assessed?

Ongoing tutor assessment with time for self-reflection. No exams

How do I get a place on the course?

Please contact our student services desk by dialling 0121 678 7000, option 2 for Enrolment. If you are unable to reach student services, please send an e-mail to Community@solihull.ac.uk or click enrol now and complete the short form.

What are the entry requirements?

You must be aged 19+.

A willingness to learn new skills, experiment with different media and enjoy being creative to take part in your own journey.

What else do I need to know?

This course will run subject to a minimum class size.

What can I do after this course?

This course should give participants the confidence to engage with other courses at the college and with local nature-based and environmental activities.

Upon completion of the term you will need to enrol on this course for the next two terms. There is also a Creative Art for All course at Woodlands. Beginners Oil Painting class at the College on Bloosomfield Campus which you may also enrol for. Consider progressing towards a higher level art qualification at the College or consider how your new skills might lead into employment or self-employment opportunities.

Whilst registered as a Solihull College Student: you have the benefit of access to the Library, and the Careers Department who are able to give you information, advice and guidance on setting up your own business, and an opportunity to attend an optional 'start your own business' online workshop.