Skillsets

An Introduction to Abstraction // A weekend workshop with Artist Nuala Clarke // Saturday June 28th & Sunday June 29th // 10:00 - 16:00

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/skillsets/2204721

We are delighted to welcome back Artist Nuala Clarke to Flux Studios to teach a weekend painting workshop exploring the world of abstraction. If you have ever had a desire to paint abstractly but don't know how to go about it, this class lays the groundwork with practical exercises in a relaxed, and experimental atmosphere.

In this workshop we will take a look at our own preferences, connect to ourselves through the senses and find ways to make non-figurative work infused with personal vision. Abstraction is a means of noting that which has no fixed physical form. Colour, shape, texture and the ineffable can be combined to make an object which expresses that which has no words. Most people have important relationships with colour – we will be taking a deep look at our own preferences.

This course is for all levels, no experience of working abstractly or with water based media is necessary.
Some materials will be provided, though a small materials list will be sent to each participant.

This class is open to all levels.

Course Fee: €270

https://www.fluxdublin.ie/courses/an-introduction-to-abstraction

Your Tutor:

Nuala Clarke is a visual artist and writer. Born in Dublin, she moved to New York City after attending NCAD. She lived and worked as a painter in NY for 20 years. Her work is exhibited in the US and Europe, is held in many private, public and corporate collections. She is represented by & Claremorris Gallery in Co. Mayo. In 2007, Clarke received a fellowship and residency to The Ballinglen Arts Foundation, in Mayo. This area became the locus of her work and she moved there in 2013.

Meanwhile, she began collaborating with Crystal Gandrud. Together they wrote and imaged an artful, irreverent commentary of Atisa’s Lojong Slogans titled Radiating Outwards, Incrementally, A Manual, published in 2024. Clarke has been conducting research into the healing probabilities of abstract art since 2020 prompted by her study of the Irish Natural Philosopher and alchemist Robert Boyle (of Boyles law). She has presented papers at the Robert Boyle Summer School, and was awarded an Irish Arts Council Bursary for experimental research. She was most recently commissioned to honour Robert Boyle with abstract paintings at The John Sterne Library at Trinity Medical School, in Dublin. Her book Irish Moss of a Dead Man’s Skull was published by The Owl Circus in March 2025.

An Introduction to Abstraction - Art Classes Dublin An Introduction to Abstraction

Introduction to Signwriting // A Weekend Workshop with Vanessa Power (Signs of Power) // April 25 + 26 // 10:00 - 17:00

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/skillsets/1991925

Join us in April for an exciting new workshop in the traditional art of signwriting! In this 2 day workshop, experienced sign painter Vanessa Power will teach traditional sign writing lettering styles and techniques giving participants the skills to create their very own hand painted signs.

She starts with teaching block lettering and brush strokes, continually improving brush control, technique and consistency, with participants gaining confidence every step of the way over the two days working towards completing their own sign on a piece of wood to take home.

Course Fee: €295
* Materials Provided

Your Tutor:

Vanessa Power, also known as Signs of Power, is an Irish lettering artist who specialises in custom lettering, word-based murals and hand-painted signs. Her vibrant style acts as a bridge between the traditional craft of sign painting and the arresting aesthetic of the pop art movement. Attracting commissions for Jameson, LinkedIn, Kildare Village, and a myriad of other national and international brands.ww.signsofpower.com

Buy tickets – Introduction to Signwriting // A Weekend Workshop with Vanessa Power (Signs Of Power) – SKILLSETS, Digital Court, Rainsford St Introduction to Signwriting // A Weekend Workshop with Vanessa Power (Signs Of Power) – SKILLSETS, Digital Court, Rainsford St, Sat 25 Apr 2026 - Sun 26 Apr 2026 - Introduction to Signwriting // A Weekend Workshop with Vanessa Power (Signs of Power) // April 25 + 26 // 10:00 - 17:00 Join us in Apr...

The Art of Figure Drawing // A Weekend Workshop with Artist Sahoko Blake // Saturday April 18th & Sunday April 19th // 10:00 - 16:00

BOOK HERE - https://www.tickettailor.com/events/skillsets/2023149

SKILLSETS is delighted to welcome back artist Sahoko Blake for a Figure Drawing Weekend Workshop this April! Over 2 days and working with a live model, students will develop the skills and techniques essential in life drawing.

Each session will start with warm up sketches and gestural short poses. We will look at Skeletal and Head drawing systems, as well as focus on anatomical drawing lessons. Composition and drawing with paint will also be covered under the expert guidance of the artist. This short course is suitable for beginners and also those looking to develop their skills and techniques.

Course Fee: €260
* Materials Provided

About the Artist:
SAHOKO BLAKE is originally from Tokyo, Japan. Where she already had a distinguished career as an underwater camera woman, artist and teacher to her credit prior to moving to Ireland 25 years ago.
Her paintings and drawings of sea creatures and animal skulls comes from a deep contemplation passion for the natural world, and no more so than in her ‘ Bog Bodies’ a collection of paintings and drawings of these remarkable finds in the Irish Bogs. Here she again skillfully portrays with a rich tonality the humanity of these bodies that have lain pressed in the peat for thousands of years.

Sahoko has exhibited extensively in Ireland and abroad, including The National Gallery of Ireland, Gormleys, The Royal Ulster Gallery, RHA Banquet & RHA Annual exhibitions.
Sahoko is a tutor on advanced drawing courses at National Gallery of Ireland since 2007 as well as life drawing classes in Alexandra college, South Dublin ETB Colleges and Royal Hibernian Academy.
https://www.fluxdublin.ie/courses/the-art-of-figure-drawing

The Art of Figure Drawing - Art Classes Dublin The Art of Figure Drawing

Painting & Observation: Portraiture & Figure Painting From Life // A 6 Week Course with Artist Bríd Higgins Ní Chinnéide // Starts Wednesday April 15 // 10:00 - 13:00

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/skillsets/2113584

Skillsets is delighted to welcome back artist Bríd Higgins Ní Chinnéide to teach a new 6 week course focusing on painting from life.

This is an oil painting from life course with a live model present for each class.

Each pose in this course will be for 2 weeks and each pose will have a different focus, for example focusing on the structure of the face, hands, drapery, colour, etc.

The course will include demonstrations and guidance from the artist, as well as an opportunity to paint faces, hands and clothing from life.

The exercises will concentrate on quick responses to anatomical form and colour as well as discussions about the various decisions to be made in creating a strong composition. Bríd will also offer guidance on the use of oil paints and materials.

This course is open to all but will most benefit people with some painting experience to hone their observation and alla prima oil painting skills. We welcome returning students from Brid’s previous courses at the same time.

Class will run from 10:00 until 13:00 every Wednesday morning for 6 weeks.

Course Fee: €280
* Some materials will be provided, though a small materials list will be sent to each participant.

https://www.fluxdublin.ie/courses/painting-observation

Your Tutor:

Bríd Higgins Ní Chinnéide trained at the St Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts in Russia. She was a Sky Portrait Artist of the Year semi-finalist. She is a current recipient of the Dean Arts Studios residency and she exhibits regularly.

www.bridhc.ie

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Painting & Observation: Portraiture & Figure Painting From Life - Art Classes Dublin Painting & Observation: Portraiture & Figure Painting From Life

Portraiture and Figure Drawing from Observation // A 6 Week Course with Artist Marie Le Men // Starts Thursday March 26 // 10:00 - 13:00

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/skillsets/2026373

This course led by artist Marie Le Men is designed for beginners as well as more advanced learners to learn an observational approach to portraiture from a variety of sources, alternating between short poses sessions and long ones. There will be a strong emphasis on construction, i.e. structure of the head and placement of features, neck and shoulders, hands and arms. We will also be experimenting with materials and a toolbox of techniques, to learn to vary line work and render different textures, or select limited palettes. We will work from reference pictures and from life with models.

* Please note we will take a 1 week break on April 9

Outline of the course -

Week 1: Drawing the head and shoulders with graphite and charcoal (exercises from ref pics in Monochrome – 1 hour Speed drawing exercises and 2 hour long drawing

Week 2: Drawing the head and shoulders from life with model in dry or mixed media – Placing key features

Week 3: Drawing arms and hands : Introduction to drawing techniques and line work – 1 hour Speed drawing exercises and 2 hour long head and shoulders exercise – Using charcoal

Week 4: Drawing arms and hands : portrait from life with model – limited palette of 2-4 colours – Tones and values

Week 5: Full body poses: Introduction to drawing techniques and line work– 1 hour Speed drawing exercises

Week 6: Full figure portrait in your medium of choice with model

Course Fee: €295

https://www.fluxdublin.ie/courses/portraiture-and-figure-drawing-from-observation

Portraiture and Figure Drawing from Observation - Art Classes Dublin Portraiture and Figure Drawing from Observation

A brand new Life Drawing Session @ FLUX Studios Dublin 2 // Every Tuesday Evening // 18:30 - 21:00

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tuesday-night-life-drawing-flux-studios-d2-tickets-1981021318090?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join Life Drawing Dublin for an evening of creativity in the heart of Dublin 2. This is an untaught life drawing workshop working with a live model and poses of various lengths throughout the session.

There will be a mix of seated places and standing easels provided, as well as paper and basic drawing materials!

Class will run from 18:30 until 21:00

*Please arrive by 18:30 as we cannot guarantee entry after the session has started.

Session Fee: €20 + fees

Price includes taxes, drawing materials, teas & coffee :)

*2 FOR 1 tickets must be used together at the same session

These classes will take place in our D2 Studio building at 4 Chatham Row, D02PA06. The session will be either in our gallery space or classroom space.

FLUX D2 Map Link - https://maps.app.goo.gl/xfvH3uhTZYvsasF2A

https://www.fluxdublin.ie/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tuesday-night-life-drawing-flux-studios-d2-tickets-1981021318090?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tuesday Night Life Drawing @ FLUX Studios D2 Tuesday Night Life Drawing @ FLUX Studios D2

Line / Tone / Perspective: Drawing Fundamentals - A 3 Day Workshop with Artist Alan Clarke // February 6 - 8 // 10:00 - 16:00

* 1 PLACE REMAINING *

fluxdublin.ie/courses/line-tone-perspective-drawing-fundamentals

Drawing is the foundation of all representational art, and mastery of drawing is conditional on the understanding and practice of certain fundamental principles. This intensive three day workshop will give participants an overview of some of these fundamentals, namely linework, tone (value), and perspective. It will provide a framework to develop a mode of drawing that is accurate and stylish, and will enable participants to be more focused and productive with drawing practice that is undertaken in their own time.

Day 1 will involve drawing from objects, while in Day 2 & 3 we will work with a live model.

The workshop will cover:

- selection and best use of materials

- line work and mark making,

- understanding and depicting tone, and using it to your best advantage within drawn compositions

- seeing accurately and clearly

- 1, 2, 3 and 5 point perspective, and atmospheric perspective

- basic composition

- comparative measuring and techniques for drawing accurately

- style

Bio: Alan Clarke is an acclaimed illustrator and sculptor. His work is rooted in traditional skills and is informed by the guiding principles of Art. He is former chairman of the Illustrators Guild of Ireland and is the only Irish member of the Society of Portrait Sculptors. He is drawing tutor on the Illustration BA in NCAD. In recent years he has taught drawing and sculpture workshops in Ireland, Russia, Italy, the UK, Germany and Spain. His illustration work has appeared in books that have been nominated at the Irish Book Awards every year since the inception of the awards, and won on multiple occasions. In 2021 a large collection of his drawings were acquired by the National Library for inclusion in the National Collection alongside the work of Heaney, Yeats etc.

COURSE FEE: €350

*Some materials supplied, though a list will be sent to all participants

Line / Tone / Perspective: Drawing Fundamentals - Art Classes Dublin Line / Tone / Perspective: Drawing Fundamentals

Drawing With Thread // Weekend Workshop with Artist Ciara O'Connor // January 24 & 25 // 10:00 - 16:00

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/skillsets/1883503

Course description:

This two-day workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of Ciara’s ‘Thread Drawing’ techniques: a combination of free motion embroidery, hand stitch and raw-edged appliqué. Through a series of practical demonstrations and as much one on one tutoring as possible, she will walk you through her process and arm you with the knowledge to begin your own stitchery journey.

The workshop will cover:

Free drawing on fabric using your sewing machine
Transferring images from paper to fabric
Suitable fabric selection
Marking making with a sewing machine
Raw-edged applique techniques
Hand-stitching over applique
Creating ‘floating’ drawings

Please read before booking: This course is aimed at those who wish to explore new ways of working. It is not a sewing workshop. Basic sewing machine skills are essential, and you must bring your own/borrowed sewing machine. Any type of machine can be used, but if using one without an option to drop the feed dogs then you must purchase an Embroidery/Darning Feed Dog Cover prior to your workshop. Drawing skills are not essential. Some materials supplied, though a list of materials will be sent to participants prior to the course.

COURSE FEE: €250

Artist Bio:

Ciara is a Kerry based textile artist who specialises in free motion embroidery. Her work is figurative and deals with themes of identity, feminism, trauma and recovery. She is interested in pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques to tell contemporary stories.

Since returning to her practice in 2019 she has been selected for numerous group shows, including Following Threads in Crawford Art Gallery, and RUA and RSA Annuals. She had her first solo show in Garter Lane Arts Centre, 2022, and featured in FAIRE Magazine, Image Magazine, The Irish Examiner and VAN Jan/Feb 2024. This year will see her second solo show in September, a duo in November, with a third solo taking place in 2026.

Buy tickets – Drawing With Thread // Weekend Workshop with Artist Ciara O'Connor Drawing With Thread // Weekend Workshop with Artist Ciara O'Connor, Sat 24 Jan 2026 - Sun 25 Jan 2026 - Drawing With Thread // Weekend Workshop with Artist Ciara O'Connor // January 24 & 25 // 10:00 - 16:00 Course description:  This two-day workshop will introduce participants to the fundamenta...

Line / Tone / Perspective: Drawing Fundamentals - A 3 Day Workshop with Artist Alan Clarke // November 28 - 30 // 10:00 - 16:00

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/skillsets/1883451

Drawing is the foundation of all representational art, and mastery of drawing is conditional on the understanding and practice of certain fundamental principles. This intensive three day workshop will give participants an overview of some of these fundamentals, namely linework, tone (value), and perspective. It will provide a framework to develop a mode of drawing that is accurate and stylish, and will enable participants to be more focused and productive with drawing practice that is undertaken in their own time.

Day 1 will involve drawing from objects, while in Day 2 & 3 we will work with a live model.

The workshop will cover:

- selection and best use of materials
- line work and mark making,
- understanding and depicting tone, and using it to your best advantage within drawn compositions
- seeing accurately and clearly
- 1, 2, 3 and 5 point perspective, and atmospheric perspective
- basic composition
- comparative measuring and techniques for drawing accurately
- style

Bio: Alan Clarke is an acclaimed illustrator and sculptor. His work is rooted in traditional skills and is informed by the guiding principles of Art. He is former chairman of the Illustrators Guild of Ireland and is the only Irish member of the Society of Portrait Sculptors. He is drawing tutor on the Illustration BA in NCAD. In recent years he has taught drawing and sculpture workshops in Ireland, Russia, Italy, the UK, Germany and Spain. His illustration work has appeared in books that have been nominated at the Irish Book Awards every year since the inception of the awards, and won on multiple occasions. In 2021 a large collection of his drawings were acquired by the National Library for inclusion in the Naional Collection alongside the work of Heaney, Yeats etc.

https://www.fluxdublin.ie/courses/line-tone-perspective-drawing-fundamentals

Buy tickets – Line / Tone / Perspective: Drawing Fundamentals - A 3 Day Workshop with Artist Alan Clarke – SKILLSETS, Digital Court, Rainsford St Line / Tone / Perspective: Drawing Fundamentals - A 3 Day Workshop with Artist Alan Clarke – SKILLSETS, Digital Court, Rainsford St, Fri 28 Nov 2025 - Sun 30 Nov 2025 - Line / Tone / Perspective: Drawing Fundamentals - A 3 Day Workshop with Artist Alan Clarke // November 28 - 30 // 10:00 - 16:00...

Painting & Observation: Portraiture & Figure Painting From Life // A 6 Week Course with Artist Bríd Higgins Ní Chinnéide // Starts Weds November 5th // 10:00 - 13:00

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/skillsets/1903160

SKILLSETS is delighted to welcome back artist Bríd Higgins Ní Chinnéide to teach a new 6 week course focusing on portraiture & figure painting from life. Students will learn the principal skills of painting from life - how to look, how to mix colours, how to observe anatomical features and how to compose a painting using a live model. Class will run from 10:00 until 13:00 every Wednesday morning for 6 weeks.

Students are given freedom to pursue their painting in a relaxed environment, with feedback and suggestions available at all times. The class includes regular demonstrations of techniques for painting and colour mixing. Observation is an important element of the course. Students will learn to effectively direct their attention to the model and their surroundings, and Bríd will present examples of portraiture & figure painting from contemporary and historical artists to show different possible approaches to painting.

This course is intended for people with some experience at using oil paints who want to develop their skills.

Class will run from 10:00 until 13:00 every Wednesday morning for 6 weeks.

Course Fee: €290
* Some materials will be provided, though a small materials list will be sent to each participant.

Your Tutor:

Bríd Higgins Ní Chinnéide trained at the St Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts in Russia. She was a Sky Portrait Artist of the Year semi-finalist. She is a current recipient of the Dean Arts Studios residency and she exhibits regularly.

www.bridhc.ie

https://www.fluxdublin.ie/courses/painting-observation

Painting & Observation: Portraiture & Figure Painting From Life - Art Classes Dublin Painting & Observation: Portraiture & Figure Painting From Life