COURSES

I enjoy teaching small groups of enthusiastic students in my studio and at other venues around West Cork including Uillinn:West Cork Arts Centre. I bring many years of experience to the process which I aim to make simultaneously enjoyable, relaxing and challenging. If you would like to be contacted as dates are confirmed, please email me at catherineweld@gmail.com.

MARK MAKING courses consist of a series of individual and group mark-making exercises that enable you to explore and develop your individual language of marks using a wide range of media: pencil, charcoal, ink, collage and paint, at a variety of scales. The emphasis is on process - it is an opportunity to practice letting go of ideas about outcomes or finished work and to enjoy using the materials and being in the moment. At the same time you are practicing skills that can be applied to your work outside of the class, regardless of medium or style.
 
The size of the group (6 - 8 people) ensures mutual support and trust. The short coffee breaks each week are an opportunity for discussion around art themes, sometimes using a short art film as a starting point, and chatting about shared ideas and experiences related to art and life, which is always inspiring and enriching. The aim is that the course overall provides time away from everyday life and concerns, to dedicate to creativity and enjoyment with like-minded people.

DRAWING courses offer a carefully structured approach, providing the framework within which to try out varied and interesting exercises that enhance observation and visual awareness, using a range of different media - pencils, charcoal, ink and paint. Small groups. Refreshments and all materials provided.

MIXED MEDIA courses explore working with a wide range of materials, from traditional drawing tools such as pencil, charcoal and ink, through pastels, paint and simple print, to collaging almost anything you can think of! Directed exercises will provide the framework within which you will develop a personal language of marks and work towards the creation of finished artworks on paper and board. Small groups. Refreshments and all materials provided.

PAINTING courses are suitable for those already working at home, as they focus on developing participants’ practice, encouraging self-reliance and the development of an individual language and style. Sessions are divided between group based mark making exercises and exploration, and the artist’s personal on-going work. Refreshments and some materials are provided, but participants will need their own set of paints, brushes and supports.

I also offer one-to-one sessions in my studio or in your own home or studio. If interested, please contact me at catherineweld@gmail.com for a chat.

TESTIMONIALS

Catherine is a wonderful teacher. I decided to attend the course 'Abstracting from Life' to get back in touch with my own creativity. Being someone who has always struggled with letting go of perfectionism in relation to my own art practice, I found these classes extremely helpful. Although I have a background in fine art and art therapy, Catherine had a unique way in encouraging an exploration of abstraction that was very refreshing. Her gentle and respectful approach to teaching engendered a sense of trust and a willingness to 'let go' when it came to engaging with the activities she set for us and I learned much from her. Dora Bracken

When I attended my first class with Catherine, I had only my life long interest in art, but no previous formal learning whatsoever so it was with apprehension that I started my first course in the spring of 2023. The class, quite predictably, took me out of my comfort zone, especially as there were so many experienced artists in the group. However, my background and context were very well understood and addressed throughout.

Catherine observed each participant’s individual needs and I am sure I was not the only person looking forward to learning even more the following week — despite and probably because of the challenge of having to try something completely new. This balance between challenge and fun worked very well for me, mostly resulting in fun actually, and I registered for another three courses. Even if two courses have the same objectives, Catherine adjusts the teaching modules to the new group so there was always something new for me to learn. Once, when I could not attend, she even sent me the lesson plan and supporting illustrations of the work done.

I enjoyed the courses also because Catherine structures her classes so well and reliably. She made me feel comfortable throughout and the breaks were indeed an enjoyable space for exchanging views and opening up new perspectives. Also it should be mentioned that Catherine’s professionalism shows in her considerable class preparation. For instance, there was always a variety of materials that participants could choose from, and also plenty of them; all the work spaces were set up in advance so that the focus was just on the art work itself. The tutoring, as mentioned above, was adjusted to everybody’s needs, it was always informed and full of encouragement.

It is quite difficult to create a relaxed course atmosphere when the levels of learning vary considerably in the group, and I can say that I, as a beginner, really enjoyed all the classes and found them inspiring— as, I am sure, did all the other participants in their own ways.

Finally, I should like to point out that Catherine’s classes have made a huge difference for me. I have definitely benefitted from each course and, as a result, I feel encouraged to continue my artwork. Perhaps it should be mentioned that I am a retired teacher. With my background I was particularly impressed by the certainty with which Catherine just knew that each participant would finish the day’s class with a piece to enjoy. Only an experienced artist and teacher, I am certain, has this ability to assess her learners and have confidence in their abilities.
Jutta Schaffarczyk

The course was very well structured with a lot of consideration being given to development and building on the previous work done. We were encouraged to explore different means of mark making and take chances, as everything could be overlayed and changed again and again.

Liberating is the word that springs to mind. It was a joy not to have a predestined outcome in mind. To be free of that constraint and at the same time produce something of intrinsic value meant that I was using my intuition, memory and experience and learning that I can depend on these. Patricia Curran

I just spent a really enjoyable day at Catherine Weld's drawing course. She makes a lovely relaxed atmosphere and we worked in her studio surrounded by beautiful artefacts, drawings and paintings. Her approach is very organised, she presented a series of tasks for loosening and looking and got us thinking about the properties of the different materials. The day was fun, challenging and informative. Thank you Catherine. Gana Roberts

I had previously undertaken the introductory one day ‘mark-making’ course with Catherine, and was intrigued to do this longer follow-up module. One, because of being an ‘absolute beginner’ (with studio art), wanting to increase my fluency with the resources (charcoal, ink, pencil, black & white paint, collage, pastels, scissors & glue, etc.); and, two, as it ties in with and enhances my MA studies in ‘Art & Psyche’, and how art-creation may provide opportunity for self-reflection and exploration.

 The small group of four students assembled in Catherine’s bright and airy yet intimate studio… we gelled quickly and were able to give each other both space for our own focus as well as, at intervals, thoughtful response to each other’s work.  Catherine’s instruction follows a creative continuum over the sessions… we are launched into a given method and task, then asked to stand it on its head, or tear it up and recycle it into a new approach. Through all, her teaching facilitates a blend of structure and spontaneity, establishing an environment which ultimately proves wonderfully and profoundly liberating. Mark Boyden

I thoroughly enjoyed each session of the 6 week course- loved the easy going and well paced use of time. Catherine's own skill and understanding of drawing was the foundation from which she enabled the students to create wonderful shapes and images through mark making. There was a variety of both interactive and quiet activities. I was able to achieve effects way beyond previous expectations. I would thoroughly recommend this course. It was loads of fun!! Helen O'Sullivan

Wonderful day in Catherine's studio! The course was so well thought out and unfolded and developed expertly. I felt encouraged and constructively supported to explore and develop my drawing abilities. Great atmosphere, super food, professional, but relaxed tutoring approach - simply marvellous! Christine Brewer

Payments and cancellations: Payment must be received to secure a place and can be made online, by cheque, or cash if you are passing and would like to pop in to the studio. In the event that you cancel, a full refund will be made up to three weeks prior to the start date. After that a full refund will be made if the place can be filled, otherwise I regret that no refund will be possible. In the unlikely event that I need to cancel a course I will offer a refund for all or any sessions remaining.