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Top 8 Art Classes in Aberdeen That’ll Turn Your Stick Figures Into Masterpieces!
Let me paint you a picture—literally! So, there I was, blissfully unaware of my lack of artistic skills, attempting to draw a “simple” landscape.
Spoiler alert: it ended up looking more like a potato with legs than a tree by the river. That’s when I realised I needed help, and good thing Aberdeen didn’t disappoint.
Aberdeen has got some truly amazing—and totally fun—art classes that can turn your creative disasters into masterpieces. Now, if you’re in the same boat (or just want to have a blast with some paint), you better read on!
Peacock: a workshop for art
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Website: https://peacock.studio/
Address: 21 Castle St.
Contact details: +44 122 463 9539
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost: Free entry, but if you’re an artist and wish to use their arts facilities, here are the prices:
- Full Price: Half Day – £9 / Full Day – £18
- Concession (Students, OAPs, Unemployed) – £6.75 (Half Day), £13.50 (Full Day) (25% discount)
- Occasional – £50
Daily fees – £6 (Half Day), £12 (Full Day)
10 x Half Days Card – £54
- Regular – £150
Daily fees – £2 (Half Day), £4 (Full Day)
10 x Half Days Card – £18
- Frequent – £300
Peacock is a real gem for anyone looking to dive into the world of art. They offer a range of workshops that cater to all skill levels, whether you’re a complete newbie or you’ve already got some experience under your belt.
You can find everything here, from printmaking to ceramics and even some digital art courses. Each class is packed with guidance, and they provide almost all the tools and materials you’ll need.
The instructors at Peacock are incredibly passionate and patient and also encourage you to explore and find your unique style. The sessions usually run for a few hours, and they’re scheduled at various times throughout the week to fit different schedules.
Pro tip:
One thing to keep an eye out for is their special themed workshops, which can be really fun and a bit different from the regular sessions.
If you’re a student, don’t forget to bring your student ID! Peacock offers some pretty sweet discounts for students, making it an even more affordable option.
Northern Arts Club
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Website: https://www.northernartsclub.co.uk/
Address: 8 Bon-Accord Square
Contact details: +44 122 458 6928
Operating hours:
- Monday – 7 PM to 9 PM
Cost:
Drop-In Life Drawing Sessions:
- NAC Members – £5 per session
- Non-members: £5 (One trial session), thereafter £12 per session
Northern Arts Club has a solid mix of classes that cover everything from drawing and painting to more niche ones like sculpture and printmaking. The courses often come in blocks of several weeks, giving you a chance to delve deep into your chosen medium.
The sessions are really hands-on and include all the materials you’ll need, which is super convenient. They also have open studio times, where you can come in and work on your own projects using their space and equipment.
This is great if you’ve got a project you’re passionate about and need a little extra time and space to work on it. You may also look out for their guest artist workshops, which are periodically scheduled and give you the opportunity to learn from visiting artists.
Pro tip:
Try to sign up early for classes, as they tend to fill up quickly, especially the guest artist workshops. Also, don’t forget to join their mailing list for updates on new classes and exclusive events.
The Anatomy Rooms
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Website: https://allinideas.org/
Address: Marischal College, Shoe Ln.
Contact details: +44 122 497 0608
Operating hours:
- N/A
Cost: ££
The Anatomy Rooms offer a mix of short courses, evening classes, and even some weekend workshops, helping fit your schedule. Their classes range from the traditional like painting and drawing to more experimental forms like mixed media and installations.
Tools and materials are generally provided, but it’s always good to double-check the course details beforehand.
They also offer some drop-in sessions if you’re looking for something more flexible. Additionally, they often host exhibitions and open studios, showcasing the work of both students and instructors, which is an awesome way to get inspired.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to bring a notebook! The Anatomy Rooms often host talks and lectures alongside their classes, and there’s always something interesting to jot down that could inspire your next project.
Gray’s School of Art, Robert Gordon University
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Website: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/academic-schools/gray-s-school-of-art
Address: Garthdee Rd.
Contact details: +44 122 426 2000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM
Cost: £££ (prices are available upon enrolling)
Gray’s School of Art offers a variety of short courses and evening classes that cater to different levels of expertise. From foundational courses in drawing and painting to specialised ones in digital media and photography, there’s a lot to choose from.
The sessions are thorough and well-structured, often spanning several weeks, which gives you ample time to develop and refine your skills. All the necessary tools and materials are provided, making it convenient for you to just show up and start creating.
One cool feature at Gray’s is their extensive facilities. You get access to some top-notch equipment and studio space, which can really take your work to the next level.
Pro tip:
Networking is key! Take the time to chat with your instructors and peers—connections made here can open up opportunities for collaborations and even exhibitions in the future.
Also, don’t miss their end-of-course showcases, where you can proudly display your work.
Aberdeen Arts Centre
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Website: http://www.aberdeenartscentre.com/
Address: 33 King St.
Contact details: +44 122 463 5208
Operating hours:
- Saturday – 12:30 PM to 2 PM
Cost:
- £80 for 5 sessions
Aberdeen Arts Centre got this awesome array of classes, from painting to drama to music, designed for people of all ages. The sessions vary in length, typically running from one-off workshops to six-week courses, so you can really dive in as much.
What’s great is that they usually provide all the tools and materials you’ll need. Another cool thing that they do is drama and theatre classes.
They even have specialised classes for kids and teens, which is a fantastic way to get them involved. Plus, their painting and drawing classes cover a range of techniques and styles, so whether you’re into abstract or still-life, there’s something for you.
Pro tip:
You better keep an eye out for their seasonal exhibitions and showcases, too; it’s a fantastic way to see everyone’s hard work come to life.
You may also opt to sign up for their newsletter or follow them on social media. They often announce last-minute openings for classes, which can be a great way to snag a spot if you’re on a waitlist.
Aberdeen Ceramics Studio
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Website: http://www.aberdeenceramicsstudio.com/
Address: Unit 2C, Deemouth Business Centre, S Esplanade E.
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Tuesday and Thursday – 6 PM to 8:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost:
- Part-Time Membership – £60 monthly
- Full-Time Membership – £120 monthly
- Unlimited Membership – £150 monthly
If you’ve ever wanted to get your hands dirty and try your hand at pottery, Aberdeen Ceramics Studio is the place to be. Their classes cover everything from wheel throwing to slab building, and they’re suitable for all skill levels.
Sessions usually last about two to three hours, and they offer both single-session workshops and longer courses. They have experienced instructors who walk you through each step, which is super helpful if you’re a newbie.
Plus, they’ll teach you techniques like glazing and firing, so you’ll get to see your pieces through from start to finish. On top of that, they often host special themed workshops, like crafting seasonal decorations, gifts, and pottery inspired by popular culture.
Pro tip:
Make sure you wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy. Pottery can get a bit muggy, and you’ll be more comfortable if you don’t have to worry about your outfit.
Deemouth Artist Studios
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Website: http://www.deemouthartiststudios.co.uk/
Address: S Esplanade E.
Contact details: +44 122 487 4219
Operating hours:
- N/A
Cost: £££ (prices are available upon enrolling)
Deemouth Artist Studios is an open studio space that’s home to various artists who offer workshops and classes in different mediums. They’ve got classes in everything from painting to sculpture to mixed media, so you can explore different creative avenues.
The sessions vary greatly in length, from short workshops to full-day courses, and all the materials you’ll need are provided. Now, the open studio environment means you can see other artists at work, which can be incredibly inspiring.
Sometimes, they’ll even let you collaborate on projects, which is a fantastic way to learn different techniques and styles. Plus, they often have drop-in sessions where you can come and work on your projects, which is perfect if you just need a space to create.
Pro tip:
Keep an eye out for their guest artist workshops, too. These are usually one-off sessions with artists from outside the studio, offering a fresh perspective and new techniques.
If you’re planning to join a workshop, try to arrive a bit early. It gives you some time to get settled and maybe chat with the artists about their work.
The Bee Crafty Studio
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Website: https://the-bee-crafty-studio.square.site/
Address: Alderburn, Arthrath, Ellon
Contact details: +44 791 285 5815
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost: £££ (prices are available upon enrolling)
The Bee Crafty Studio offers an impressive range of classes, focusing mainly on crafts like needle felting, knitting, and even some basic carpentry. The sessions are usually a few hours long and can be booked individually or as part of a series.
They provide all the essential tools and materials, which is great if you’re just dipping your toes into the crafting world. The instructors here will teach you how to use recycled or natural materials, which adds an extra layer of creativity to the projects.
What’s more, they have a cosy little shop where you can purchase some of the materials you’ve worked with during the class, as well as kits to take home. Plus, with their open studio days, you can use their space and tools for your own projects.
Pro tip:
Try to sign up for their loyalty program if you think you’ll be a regular. You can save a bit on classes and get early access to special events and new workshops.
