ART HOUSE
Cheddar
ART SCHOOL
A Sketchbook Year
Step into a year of gentle exploration, where blank pages become playgrounds for technique, curiosity, and quiet discovery. This course invites you to slow down, observe closely, and grow your skills through daily rhythm of sketching. With guidance and inspiration, you'll learn how to use your sketchbook as both a training ground and a trusted companion, one mark at a time. Whether you're just beginning or returning to your craft, A Sketchbook Year offers a space to build confidence, refine technique, and rediscover the joy of drawing. Come join us, your sketchbook is waiting.
Hello
I'm Katrina Atkinson Multidisciplinary Artist & Teacher. I facilitate weekly classes for both adults and children as well as some exciting workshops. I look forward to working with you! :)
Testimonial
Jane
My only regret I have in joining Katrina's class is that I waited so long. Katrina was immediately welcoming and reassuring. Over the year, I have learnt to have a go at everything. As a class, we have been introduced to such a variety of artists and techniques, that my love for art has exploded. I have so much more to learn, but I love the whole process. The other students are so encouraging. There's no competition, just other women, truly and gladly supporting each other. I am so excited for the new year beginning in September. I have regular disasters, and my ideas rarely translate the way I would like, but that's okay. I'm learning and loving it. Oh, and the coffee is great too!
What's On
Children's Classes
COURSE CONTENT
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE
If you're ready to deepen your artistic practice and challenge yourself creatively, A Sketchbook Year is the perfect place to start. Designed especially for beginner to intermediate students, this course helps you build a personal sketchbook full of ideas, explorations, and techniques, a valuable foundation for further art education or continued study at Art House Art School. You'll be a part of a supportive, inspiring group where shared encouragement and feedback fuel growth. Regular sketchbook work is an essential part of the journey, helping you develop both discipline and confidence as your creative voice evolves.
WHATS INCLUDED
Term 1
Block 1: Foundations & Exploration - The Elements of Art
Goal: Build technical confidence and explore formal elements using mixed media.
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Week 1: Line - Expressive drawing using graphite & ink; contour, gesture, rhythm. (Schiele, Emin)
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Week 2: Shape - Collage using organic/geometric shapes; explore positive/negative space. (Matisse, Walker)
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Weeks 3-4: Form & Space - Paper-mache sculptures; illusion of depth; contrast realism vs abstraction. (Michelangelo, Hicks)
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Week 5: Texture - Tactile surfaces with mixed media; sgraffito, layering. (Rauschenberg, Barlow)
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Week 6: Value & Colour - Use tone & expressive colour to convey mood; develop a final composition. (Fauvism, Hockney)
Block 2: Conceptual Mixed Media - Deeper Exploration
Goal: Investigate formal elements through thematic, emotional, and interdisciplinary work.
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Week 1: Line & Movement - Performance-based drawing with charcoal/wire/sound. (Kentridge, Riley)
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Week 2: Shape & Identity - Fragmented self-portraits with collage and symbolism. (Crosby, Hoch)
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Weeks 3: Form & Space - Emotional sculptural installations in boxes. (Whiteread, Do Ho Suh)
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Week 4: Texture & memory - Surface as storytelling; personal textiles and imagery. (Anatsui, Sacedo)
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Week 5: Value & Colour - Emotional abstraction; visual diary using colour. (Rothko, Odutola)
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Week 6: Integration - Create a personal archive using artist book/zine format. (Calle, Shrigley)
Term 2
Block 1: Sketchbook Skills - Research, Context & Reflection
Goal: Understand components of an effective sketchbook.
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Week 1: Mind Mapping - Brainstorm ides visual; reflect and annotate.
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Week 2: Mood Boards - Create visual themes (physical/digital) using collage.
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Week 3: Artist Research Pages - Analyse classical artists in groups; develop individual pages.
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Week 4: Presentations - Share artist research; ink drawing session.
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Week 5: Artist Emulation - Investigate and imitate artist styes.
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Week 6: Art History Timeline - Illustrate and document major movements.
Block 2: Personal Identity - Concept to Final Piece
Goal: Explore identity through visual language and artist influence.
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Week 1: Identify Mind Mapping - Brainstorm personal themes.
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Week 2: Identity Mood Boards - Explore personal visuals (e.g. family, heritage).
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Week 3: Artist Research - Study artists who explore identity. (Kahlo, Saville, Dumas...)
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Week 4: Present & Reflect - Share research; journal & emulate styles.
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Week 5: Planning Final Work - Develop concepts through media tests and thumbnails.
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Week 6: Final Piece - Produce a symbolic, expressive work about identity.
Term 3
Block 1 & 2: Independent Project - Your Theme, Your Voice
Goal: Develop an original, sustained body of work from concept to exhibition.
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Weeks 1-4: Exploration & Inspiration
- Choose a personal theme; mind map & mood board.
- Research 3+ relevant artists; make connections.
- Spontaneous drawing and media experiments
- Write a proposal or statement of intent
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Weeks 5-7: Development
- Experiment boldly; try various media.
- Record all processes and reflections.
- Begin final planning; thumbnails, palette & timeline.
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Weeks 8-12: Final Piece & Presentation
- Create a final artwork with focus and refinement.
- Design a mini gallery in a shoebox.
- Participate in a group critique and exhibition.
- Complete a final evaluation and updated artist statement.
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Expert guidance from artist and teacher Katrina Atkinson
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A termly brief and supportive handouts to guide your progress
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Access to a wide range of materials, including; pencils, coloured pencils, pastels, charcoal, watercolours, acrylics, collage materials
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Printing facilities
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A curated selection of art books, magazines, and reference materials
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Use of still life objects and other resources to inspire your work
FIELD TRIPS & SOCIALS
As part of the course, we take inspiring group visits to local art galleries and museums. Past trips have included Hauser & Wirth, Arnolfini, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Victoria Art Gallery, and The Holburne Museum. (We often car share to make travel easier.)
Beyond the studio, A Sketchbook Year offers a friendly and connected community. We regularly enjoy shared lunches at the end of term, held in the classroom, study, or garden, and occasionally meet for meals out or festive drinks, especially around Christmas.
DATES
Adult Classes Schedule 2025/26
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 13:00 PM
Each term consists of 6-week blocks, unless otherwise noted.
Term 1
Block 1: 6 weeks
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September: 10, 17, 24
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October: 1, 8, 15
Half Term Break (No Class):
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October 22, 29
Block 2: 6 weeks
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November: 5, 12, 19, 26
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December: 3, 10
Christmas Break (No Class):
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December 17, 24, 31
All-School Christmas Party:
Thursday 18 December 2025
10:00 AM - 13:00 PM
Term 2
Block 1: 6 weeks
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January: 7, 14, 21, 28
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February: 4, 11
Half Term Break (No Class):
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February: 18
Block 2: 6 weeks
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February: 25
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March: 4, 11, 18, 25
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April: 1
Easter Break (No Class):
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April: 8, 15
Term 3
Block 1: 5 weeks
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April: 22, 29
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May: 6, 13, 20
Half Term Break (No Class):
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May: 27
Block 2: 7 weeks
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June: 3, 10, 17, 24
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July: 1, 8, 15
Summer Break (No Class)
PRICES
Class Pricing Structure
All classes are priced at £20 per session
You can choose to pay in the following blocks:
Full Term Booking (12 weeks)
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Price: £20 x 12 weeks = £240
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Best value for consistent attendance over full term.
Half Term Booking (6 weeks)
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Price: £20 x 6 weeks = £120
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Ideal for those looking for flexibility with shorter commitment.
Mini Block Booking (4 weeks)
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Price: £20 x 4 weeks = £80
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Great for newcomers or those with limited availability.