Art Portfolio Building Class (Pre-GCSE Art Course)

Teens will develop artistic skills and create a professional portfolio in this 12-week art course in Curdridge.



12 x 2 hours Class size 1 to 12 guests       £190 (PayPal Pay in 3 available)

This 12-week course is designed for students who are mature enough to commit to building a sketchbook portfolio and who are either considering GCSE Art or are simply keen young artists ready to take their work further.
Throughout the course, students will follow a theme inspired by current GCSE Art starting points and develop it step by step in their sketchbooks, just as artists do when preparing a portfolio. They will learn how to research ideas, draw from observation, explore colour, experiment with materials, and study artists while gradually developing their own visual style.
Sessions will include techniques such as pencil shading, colour theory, printmaking, mixed media, and composition, with students producing a series of thoughtful sketchbook pages that show their ideas, experimentation, and development. Short home tasks will also be set to help students continue their work between sessions and build momentum in their projects.
By the end of the course, each student will have created a strong body of work and a completed, professional-looking sketchbook portfolio that reflects their theme, creative thinking, and artistic progress.
The studio environment is relaxed and supportive, but students are expected to engage with their work, show focus during sessions, and take pride in the portfolio they are building.
This course is particularly suitable for students thinking about taking GCSE Art or for young artists who want to develop their skills and creative confidence in a structured studio setting.
What you'll get
A complete developed Portfolio
Knowledge required
Begginers are welcome
What to bring
All Materials are provided
Session repeats

This class series runs over 12 consecutive sessions, at the same time every week.

Suitable for

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 12 years old).

Adult accompaniment is not required.


FAQ

What age group is this for?
This course is designed for young artists aged 11–16. Students should have an interest in art and be willing to try different techniques and develop their ideas over time.
Do students need to be “good at art” to join?
Not at all. The course is about developing skills and confidence. Some students may already draw regularly, while others are simply keen to improve. Everyone works at their own level and builds their portfolio step by step.
What will students create during the course?
Students will experiment with a range of techniques and materials while learning about artists and art movements. By the end of the 12 weeks they will have several finished pieces and supporting work that can form the start of a personal art portfolio.
See more FAQs   
Do students need to attend all 12 weeks?
The sessions build on each other, so regular attendance is recommended. If a student misses a week they can still continue, but the course works best when students attend consistently.
What materials are needed?
All materials will be provided in class, but students will need their own materials to use at home.
Is this suitable for home educated students?
Yes. The course is designed to work well for home educated learners and encourages independent thinking, experimentation, and discussion about art.
Who will be teaching the course?
The course is led by Maddie from Creative Studio. I am DBS enhanced checked and experienced in teaching young artists in small, supportive groups where students can develop their skills with confidence.
What will students learn?
Across the 12 weeks we explore a range of art techniques, materials, and artists. Students will experiment with drawing, colour, composition, and different media while learning how artists develop ideas and build their work over time.
Will students develop their own style?
Yes. A big part of the course is helping students discover what they enjoy and how they like to work. They will be encouraged to experiment, make creative decisions, and gradually develop their own artistic voice rather than copying one specific style.
What level of support do students receive?
Students receive clear guidance and comprehensive tuition throughout the course. Each session includes demonstrations, technique practice, and individual feedback to help them improve and grow in confidence.
Do parents need to stay?
Parents are welcome to drop off. The sessions are fully supervised and run in a calm, focused studio environment.
What do you expect from students during the course?
Students are expected to approach the sessions with maturity, respect for others, and a willingness to focus on their work. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with time to chat and share ideas, but we also have quieter periods so everyone can concentrate and develop their artwork.
Location

Curdridge Reading Rooms - Curdridge Reading Room And Recreation Ground, Reading Room Lane, Curdridge, Southampton

Art Portfolio Building Class (Pre-GCSE Art Course) location
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Your teacher

Creative Studio Workshops
Creative Studio Workshops

female Women-owned

I started Creative Studio because art has always been part of my life. When my children were small, our kitchen table was constantly covered in paper, paint and half-finished projects. I began running small workshops locally to see if other families wanted the same kind of creative space. They did, and it grew from there.
The turning point for me was seeing what creativity does to people. I watched quiet children gain confidence. I saw teenagers who struggled in traditional settings thrive when given independence and trust. I realised this was about more than making things. It was about building self-belief.
I love teaching because no two students are the same. I enjoy helping people develop their own ideas rather than copying mine. Process matters more to me than perfection. Creative Studio is inclusive, SEND-friendly and welcoming to home educating families and those who want a different approach. Parents stay, conversations happen, and it feels like a community rather than a drop-off class.
Over the years I have taught hundreds of children and adults through workshops, after-school clubs and home education programmes. I run accredited Arts Award courses as a registered Trinity centre and support young people in building strong portfolios. I also design my own curriculum resources and structured creative programmes.
In 2026, I was honoured to receive a Community Award for both Creative Studio and The Learning Nest. That recognition meant a great deal because it reflected the impact on local families.
At the heart of it, I care about creating spaces where people feel safe to try, develop skills and take themselves seriously as artists.

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2026-07-31 15:00:00
class 1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 production southampton Southampton South East GB southampton