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Creating Art for Wellbeing
The process of drawing and painting as a creative activity relaxes the mind and brings us into the present moment. Through experimenting with materials, colour and simple techniques, using York Minster as a rich source of visual inspiration, we will make a small series of semi-abstract drawings and paintings in a simple concertina sketchbook form. The drawings will be inspired by patterns, natural forms and motifs found in the tiles, stone work and stained glass windows of York Minster. Learners are encouraged to choose images that interest them and experiment with abstracting and developing these motifs using a range of different materials and techniques.

The sessions will be friendly and informal, giving you as much support and guidance as you need. Demonstrations and guidelines will be given but you will be able to work at your own pace and develop your own areas of interest whilst benefiting from the creative outcomes of the rest of the group. You will learn some simple techniques of drawing, layering watercolours, and mono-printing paint textures.

Alongside practical art creation, each session incorporates basic wellness practices designed to restore a little balance to your daily life, including calming breathing techniques, grounding techniques, practical tips for getting enough good quality sleep, understanding the vital importance of spending time in nature and grabbing that ever illusive digital “detox” when possible!
Prosp User 3
This course is perfect for anyone with an interest in making experimental art and the benefits of mindful practice. It is suitable for all levels of experience. You will be able to work at your own pace and explore your creativity in a supportive environment.

Please note, this course is for new Wellbeing learners only. Due to our funding criteria, learners who have already attended a Wellbeing course run by York Learning are unable to enrol.
Prosp User 4
There is no session on Tuesday 27 October 2026 (half-term holidays).

This course always meets in the studio space at The Old Palace in Dean's Park next to York Minster. Some sessions take place solely in the Old Palace and some are also partly in York Minster.

A link to a map of the Minster and its grounds and buildings is available here. Please scroll down to the Wider Area Map.

Please note that the Minster has no parking available. There are bike racks and a number of buses that stop nearby.

Please ensure that you read and understand the health and safety guidelines on any creative product that you intend to use during the course.
Prosp User 6

In order to support keeping York moving, consider travelling to your course by bus or bike. Click here to check out the bus routes closest to the venue for this course using the iTravel website, or discover York's cycle routes by clicking here.
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Alongside gaining course-specific skills, you will develop and showcase transferable skills that boost your confidence, employability, and ability to engage in further learning or volunteering.
Alongside gaining course-specific skills, you will develop and showcase transferable skills that boost your confidence, employability, and ability to engage in further learning or volunteering.
Employers highly value these transferable skills because they equip employees to excel beyond their basic job roles.
Employers highly value these transferable skills because they equip employees to excel beyond their basic job roles.
Prosp User 8

Learners who live in devolved authorities

Learners who live in devolved authorities
York Learning receives government funding which allows us to offer courses at a lower cost. The guidelines relating to devolution means that we cannot apply this funding to learners who live in devolved areas such as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
York Learning receives government funding which allows us to offer courses at a lower cost. The guidelines relating to devolution means that we cannot apply this funding to learners who live in devolved areas such as the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
If you live outside of this area, we recommend that, before committing to a course with York Learning, you explore options to study the course in your local area.
If you live outside of this area, we recommend that, before committing to a course with York Learning, you explore options to study the course in your local area.
If you would prefer to continue your learning with York Learning please note that the price of the course could be double the advertised cost.
If you would prefer to continue your learning with York Learning please note that the price of the course could be double the advertised cost.
In this case, please contact us on 01904 554277 to complete your enrolment.
In this case, please contact us on 01904 554277 to complete your enrolment.

Learners under the age of 19

Learners under the age of 19
Please note that Adult Education funding is for individuals who are over the age of 19 on the 31st of August prior to the start date of their course.
Please note that Adult Education funding is for individuals who are over the age of 19 on the 31st of August prior to the start date of their course.
This means that there will be an additional cost for learners who are under 19 who wish to access funded courses.
This means that there will be an additional cost for learners who are under 19 who wish to access funded courses.
For safeguarding reasons, we cannot accept learners who are under 18 on courses except by prior arrangement. This does not apply to programmes which are designed for 16-18s.
For safeguarding reasons, we cannot accept learners who are under 18 on courses except by prior arrangement. This does not apply to programmes which are designed for 16-18s.
If you are under the age of 19, please contact us on 01904 554277 before booking.
If you are under the age of 19, please contact us on 01904 554277 before booking.
AT1/SX2
15/09/2026
24/11/2026
15:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
2.00 hrs per wk
10 weeks
Rachael Burnett
0.00
Free