Hi and welcome!
Art Classes For Me provides 12 week termly art courses in Christchurch, Bournemouth and online live via zoom. These focus on practical drawing and painting techniques for all levels - from beginners through to advanced. We cover a range of media such as pencil, ink, pastel, watercolour, brusho, acrylic and mixed media. We also offer oil painting and selling art one day workshops. Each term the curriculum is designed around students’ requests for the next terms subjects and media. Places are limited to ensure quality teaching. You can book through this website below or else contact us to pay another way. We would love to hear from you too if you have any questions.
Please click on the links underneath to follow our social media pages and group. You can also sign up and receive a free owl mixed media demo by clicking on the “Sign Up” button below.
Kate Marr, Fine Art BA (Hons), is a professional artist
from Bournemouth, UK and loves nurturing students’
artistic potential whether they are a complete novice or
fairly experienced. She is lively, patient, encouraging
and makes the classes fun.
Find out more: www.katemarr.com
Class Administrator and Assistants
Carol West is our wonderful administrator and has previously been an assistant in classes. She helps with bookings, handouts and materials and particularly
enjoys painting with soft pastels.
Aneta joined Kate’s art classes in 2023, and she is now a dedicated classroom
assistant. She supports Kate in running engaging and inspiring lessons, particularly
for beginners who are just starting their artistic journey. Aneta draws much of her
creative inspiration from nature, which is often reflected in her artwork. She believes
that everyone has the potential to develop their artistic talent, and she’s seen
firsthand how Kate’s guidance helps students build confidence and belief in
themselves. Aneta is always happy to encourage others and contribute to the welcoming,
supportive atmosphere of the classes.
Class Structure: Classes include a number of demonstrations. The beginners receive additional tuition on many foundation techniques such as sighting, perspective, colour theory and composition. We often work all together on one project, with the beginners working from one reference image step by step and the intermediates / advanced students choosing their own reference image. There is also plenty of one-to-one support. Classes are taught by professional artist Kate Marr Fine Art BA (Hons) and assisted by Aneta, Ginny or Jo when needed. Classes are flexible, and we adapt to the needs of every student.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed around media and subject requests from our students, which means it changes every term. We always cover a variety of topics such as seascapes, landscapes, portraits, animals, still life, flowers, abstract, contemporary, art movements, artists and sketching etc. These are completed in a variety of media described above. We have divided the curriculum into beginner, intermediate / advanced levels, and each week students can move into whichever group they prefer for that week’s project. In every project digital handouts, reference images and videos are provided online via a student login on this website. This means that all images, handouts and videos can be accessed online to recap all the lessons, so students can complete both beginner, intermediate / advanced projects if they wish to! Both groups have plenty of fun and learn lots of techniques whilst completing a variety of topics. Whatever level you’ve reached, the training aims to help you progress artistically at your own pace and increase your confidence in a supportive environment. Each student is nurtured and encouraged to develop their skills. After the course students will have created many original artworks they can enjoy forever. You will be amazed at all you have accomplished. To celebrate the end of term we hold an online art exhibition, and you can share a link inviting your friends to view it! (Our current online exhibition can be viewed here.) Students are welcome to rebook for following terms and join our friendly artistic community.
Online classes live via zoom: These classes follow the same format as above. When we need to cover a lesson specifically for beginners or intermediates/advanced, each group separates into different online rooms. We also have a quiet intermediate/advanced room where students not wishing to speak can relax and work quietly.
Online
Tuesday 2pm - 5pm
Christchurch classes
Wednesday 10am - 1pm
or
Wednesday 2pm - 5pm
Bournemouth classes
Thursday 10am - 1pm
or
Thursday 2pm - 5pm
| Term | Starts | Ends | Half Term | Online Cost | Class Room Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Jan 6th - 8th | Mar 31st - Apr 2nd | Feb 16th - 20th | £275 | £360 |
| Summer 2026 | Apr 21st - 23rd | Jul 14th - 16th | May 25th - 29th | £275 | £360 |
| Course includes Drawing, pastel, watercolour, acrylic, mixed media and online exhibition. |
Once you have booked onto the course a curriculum and materials list will be provided one month before the start of term. You will be assigned your own personal account on the website where you can find videos which recap each lesson for both curriculums, plus documents, images and links to download and print. | ||||
[Please click on the question to reveal the answer]
| July 2026 | ||
| Dates | Mon 27th July | Tue 28th July |
| Time | 10am - 5pm, with one hour lunch break. | 10am - 5pm, with one hour lunch break. |
| Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. Please bring your own lunch - there is a fridge. | ||
| Location | St Andrew’s Church Hall | St Andrew’s Church Hall |
| Cost / Day | £105 | £105 |
| Costs include all materials, references and handouts | Costs include all materials, references and handouts | |
| Topic | Stormy Sky Seascape | Stormy Sky Seascape |
Curriculum
Beginners (some drawing experience would be helpful) - an introduction
to oil painting with simple exercises. Then you will join in with the
intermediate/advanced project.
Intermediate/advanced students will have a few demos and then complete a painting from their choice of reference photos. There will be a handout available which will give step by step guidance, and the teacher will be on hand to support.
Once you have booked on, and prior to the course starting, Kate will be in touch with more information. Some preparation may be required before the course.
Materials, references and handouts: All materials, references and handouts will be provided for those attending. Afterwards, on the website, videos of each project will also be made available.
Teaching: Professional artist Kate Marr will be teaching the workshops and Aneta, Ginny or Jo will be assisting.
Safety: Oil mediums can be toxic. We are going to use the mildest and simplest mediums on the market where you shouldn’t have any problems. We will have ventilation.
| 2026 | |
| Date | Thursday 30th July |
| Time | 2pm - 5pm. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. |
| Location | St Andrew’s Church Hall |
| Cost | £32 |
| Curriculum | Learn how to draw people! All levels welcome. Techniques include drawing nude figures from life, proportions, sketching, poses and angles. There is an additional beginner lesson on figure drawing and portrait guidelines if you would like to join this also. Please bring your own materials - open to all mediums. Tables with table easels and boards for A3 size paper will be provided. Booking in advance is essential as places are limited. |
I joined Kate’s classes as a beginner two
and a half years ago. Kate has taught me so much in that time. As well as
creating paintings in pencils, pastels, watercolour, acrylics and oil,
Kate has encouraged me to create an online profile and sell some of my
pieces. I have also learnt how to help with exhibitions and occasionally
even assist by teaching beginners. I was truly very fortunate to discover
“Art Classes for Me” and meet such an excellent teacher as Kate.
Verstage Studio
Sue Verstage Art
Sue Verstage Art Studio I am a complete beginner, Kate has taken
me right from the start, what brushes to use, the strokes, and making
a colour palette, now I understand the theory I feel a little more
confident, I am so enjoying these lessons.
Kate is an experienced professional
artist and understands what is needed to encourage both experienced
and inexperienced budding artists. She works very hard to provide
comprehensive guides together with demonstrations which are
available to watch after the lesson. I have benefitted from the
online lessons, great during Covid or because of work commitments.
I am looking forward to joining the fabulous location in
Christchurch next term.
Love it! I’m in Kate’s class,
learning new techniques, having fun, in a lovely friendly class,
made new friends too. We have all enjoyed the last term, and I
can see already how my skills with learning new techniques has
been developing each week.
I was having quite a difficult time 3.5 years ago,
life had to change for the better. I needed something for me and that something had
always been art. As it does, life got in the way, and I knew signing up to a class
was the only way I’d commit to having that time. I found Art Classes for Me,
I loved the idea of working with different mediums. I learnt that I can paint with
pastels and watercolour, it took some practice, but with Kate teaching me I got there.
It has also helped my confidence massively! With Kate’s encouragement, I now
run acrylic art workshops! I’ve sold a fair few paintings and I’m
exhibiting for Hampshire open studios this year. I’m so glad I found Art
Classes for Me, and the lovely Kate. Thank you.
Well... what can I say! Brilliant... love it!
Recently inspired to start painting again (been a long time since
school days!). Having a complete ‘ball’ at Kate’s
classes... learning
something new every week. Enjoying it so much, signed up for another
12 weeks. Happy days :) 10/10.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Kate’s
classes which have been exciting, individual and enjoyable. She
has tailored the classes to suit our needs and to work at our own
pace. We can work together or separately and a lot of preparation
has gone into the worksheets and resources. It is great that Kate
gives advice, always has a “can do” attitude and we all
feel valued. Thank you so much - roll on next term.
As usual Kate, your Oil Painting
Workshop was excellently run & you have supplied loads of extremely
useful information, which along with the videos, I’ll absorb in
due course! The workshop was very comprehensive & gave me a real
flavour of how oil paints work in contrast to other painting media.
The technology for us on-liners worked perfectly. Thank you and Carol
for all your hard work in preparation & on the days - the in-house
crowd looked & sounded very happy too!
Art Classes for Me in Bournemouth has been a truly
enriching experience for me. The atmosphere is warm, inclusive, and creatively
inspiring - it is perfect for both beginners and more experienced artists. Our
teacher, Kate Marr, is incredibly supportive, making every session enjoyable and
accessible. Every week is different, with new techniques, materials, and themes
to explore, so it always feels fresh and exciting.
Kate also runs one-day workshops, which I have found great fun and really useful - such as the oil-painting taster session and the life-drawing class. Another great feature is that the lessons are available on video, so if you miss a class or want to refresh your memory later, you can easily catch up at your own pace.
What I didn’t expect, but value the most, is the sense of community. I’ve
formed genuine friendships through these classes, and it’s become a highlight
of my week. It’s more than just an art class - it’s a place to grow,
connect, and express yourself. I couldn’t recommend it more!
Hi Kate, Just to say how much I have
enjoyed the art classes this term and am looking forward to next
term, it looks really exciting. It has been great working with a
tutor who listens to her students and then adapts the course to
include what they enjoy or are needing more help with. So many
courses have a very fixed curriculum which does not vary to match
students interests. You have given us some challenges and then
helped us so much achieve them, I never thought I would be able
to draw anything that looked even vaguely like a person, but I
can after your help. Looking forward to seeing the exhibition
and the classes next term. Thank you.
Hi Kate, I just wanted to say that
I’ve really enjoyed this term. As you know, I haven’t
done any drawing or painting since leaving school (which is quite
sometime ago now!!!) and you’ve helped build my confidence
and ability to be able to do something that is recognisable and
that I’m pleased with. I now look forward to developing
this further. Looking forward to next term.
It was a very enjoyable oil
painting course with clear and detailed handouts. I’ve learnt
some great information to give me more understanding and am
continuing with some seascape painting today.
Hi Kate, Thank you so much for these
classes, I have enjoyed them so much and find your approach to
the subjects so refreshing. I have learnt a great deal. You are
certainly inspiring and always leave me with the tools to complete
a project. I find the video very helpful - thank you. I am glad
for a two week break to finish some of the projects! Once more
thank you for all you are doing. Best wishes.
I have been very pleased with the course
and must congratulate you on putting together a comprehensive course.
I have enjoyed the variety of projects and find the pace about right.
The variety of projects has made me do things I would usually avoid,
which is really good and has improved my skills. The teaching style
has opened my eyes to trying new techniques and not sticking to
accepted methods. Using mixed media has provided me with a more
flexible approach to the projects.
The online class works really well
for me as I need to be at home for the dogs. I love the
‘no pressure’, supportive & encouraging
atmosphere that you’ve created in the group!
You have set the scene for a
wonderful, inspiring class. The relaxed atmosphere is warm,
friendly and welcoming. It is great that we can drift in
early, chat and look at other people’s work over a
cup of coffee and get ready for class. Thanks too for not
throwing us out on the stroke of one o’clock. Your
instructions are good and clear. The information before
the class is much appreciated as it is good to have an
expectation as to what to expect and what to bring. The
watercolour projects were fantastic and really showed what
one can do with watercolours and how versatile this medium
is. I am so impressed with the poppy, sunsets and dog! I
have learnt so much. Your teaching style suits me very
well and is exactly what I need to improve. I like the
clear structure with a different objective each time but
also the freedom to paint with one’s own ideas. You
are also very encouraging. The venue provides lovely light
airy space and the fact that there is parking is very good.
Thank you for providing the refreshments. That does add to
the relaxed atmosphere and painting is such thirsty work!
The images and lesson notes are very good and your videos
are great. They expand the lesson content and are really
helpful. Thank you for providing this resource. I really
love these lessons and have signed up again which shows
they must be good! Thank you so much for all your hard
work and giving us the opportunity to learn art skills
in such an enjoyable way.
Kate is an inspired &
inspiring art teacher. Her class projects are very varied,
interesting, often exciting & always great fun. There are very
often new techniques or elements to learn about, & she finds
ways to convey them in understandable steps to us all, from
beginners to advanced artists, whether demonstrating to
everyone or individually. One of the advantages of online
classes is that you can listen in to (&/or watch) the help
& advice given to others without having to stop your own work.
I love that we’re emailed in advance the topic for the
week with suggested media, materials, method & references, but
Kate is quite happy for us to use whatever we have available &
will help us adapt if necessary.
Her class demos are broken down into steps, are always very clear,
& she’s never afraid to make mistakes, which is great for
us as she demonstrates how they can be overcome or corrected. She
provides the framework & freedom for us to develop in our own way,
while giving us the tools to do so. The video demo of the week’s
project Kate posts on the class website is invaluable to me, as I
rarely complete a painting during the 3 hours, & it’s an
excellent aide-memoire. She also posts other short videos with tips
& techniques, when she thinks it would be useful.
The online classes on Zoom suit me as I like to have my own equipment
available to me, the freedom to stop & start when I want, (to make
a cup of tea perhaps!), to watch the progress of others as Kate does
the rounds, & of course to enjoy the company of my fellow class-mates.
The technology works well, from the demos & the “rooms”
where she can teach different groups if necessary, to the split screen
highlighting when she is helping individuals.
Kate is very encouraging, supportive, cheerful, & endlessly patient;
she never seems phased by any questions we may have, & will always try
to find appropriate answers.
Summer 2026 Exhibition
Where:
The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park
When: 23rd July - 3rd August 2026
Time: Daily between 10am and 4:30pm
The Gallery Upstairs is situated above the tearooms.
We meet in a lovely spacious hall with natural light and free car parking. The venue is very active and well cared for.
There are bus services to the Kinson Library bus stop which is 5 minutes walk away. Everything is wheelchair accessible. There is a kitchen area, and tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.
The Rowing club lounge has plenty of natural light and beautiful views of the River Stour from inside and the adjoining balcony. It is well located near the centre of Christchurch and has limited free car parking.
The venue is very close to the bus stop at the junction of Wick Lane and St Margaret’s Avenue if you prefer to arrive by public transport. There is an electric stair lift to get to the classroom - please let us know if you need to use this before coming to class. You can use the kitchen facilities and tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.
If you enjoy painting at home or cannot get to our in person classes, why not consider joining our friendly art group online! Each week you can join us easily via a website link and meet others who love creating and learning together. We offer beginner and intermediate/advanced tuition on here are well.
Please contact Kate with any questions you
may have, she would love to hear from you!
Kate usually responds
within a few days. Please call if urgent.
Email: info@artclassesforme.com Call: 07905 033 025