Building your portfolio Course, with Carys Wilson
A 8-week course to build and strengthen your portfolio
with a greater sense of confidence and identity
£240 per person
Wednesday Afternoons, 16:30-18:30 starting 4th February 2026
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A 8 week course structured to help you build and strengthen your portfolio whether you are working towards applying for BTECS, A Levels, Foundation Degrees or any other Fine Art course. You will initially explore a range of drawing workshops, leading onto responding to the work of artists, developing your own ideas and working towards more sustained pieces of visual work. Supported by an experienced artist and teacher, you will gain the confidence to put together your portfolio in a logical and interesting way, to recognise and be able to talk clearly about your own working methods and demonstrate a sense of curiosity within your portfolio. Applying for courses is like starting an amazing journey - without always knowing where you are going!
The sessions will run from 4th February- 1st April 2026 (missing the 18th Feb for half term)
Please note this course is for those aged 15+
To register your interest and book a space on the course, please email laura@studiokind.org.uk before the 1st February Spaces will be limited to 12 so that all students get plenty of one-on-one time with Carys.
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Session 1: Exploring drawing methods: Observational drawing workshop. Individual tutorials and discussion with individuals their aims for making applications, which course, where etc.
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Session 2: 2D and 3D experimental drawing workshop, observation and non-observation drawing. Focus on the importance of drawing in its different forms within a portfolio.
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Session 3: Researching and referencing: putting your own work in a context. Reading around your work, the larger picture, responding to other artists / external sources. Responding to work within the StudioKIND gallery space. Individual tutorials.
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Session 4: Experimentation within your portfolio: workshop exploring a range of techniques and media to encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and disrupt your regular working methods.
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Session 5: Developing your ideas through drawing/mixed media into 2D and 3D work in your chosen subject area. Individual tutorials.
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Session 6: Development of ideas working towards a more sustained piece(s) of work. Basic materials provided, specifics to be brought in by participants. Basic painting, drawing, printmaking equipment will be provided.
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Session 7: Practical workshop, mono and lino printing on paper / fabric. Imagery from participant's portfolios.
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Session 8: Presenting your portfolio, selecting work. Talking about/writing about your work with confidence. Being your self, bringing authenticity and integrity to your work. Identifying what you make, how and why. Interview tips. Practice interviews, group critiques of portfolios, getting used to being asked challenging questions in an interview scenario, the importance of celebrating successes and how to overcome rejections.
About Carys:
Carys Wilson is a draughtswoman and painter, based in Penwith, West Cornwall, UK. She received her BA (Hons) Fine Art from Kent Institute of Art and Design and achieved her MA Fine Art with Distinction from Aberystwyth University in 2022. Carys has exhibited her work internationally and attended residencies in England, Wales, Cyprus and Spain. She was a recent recipient of the Cultivator Cornwall Programme, alongside participating in FLAMM in 2023 and initiating the recent 'Walking Women' project at Falmouth Art Gallery.
Carys’ practice stems from a background of disciplined academic drawing and working directly from observation has always remained central to her practice. Running and walking in the wilds of Cornwall/Devon are at the core of Carys’ practice. Carys is exploring her own specifically female experience, by pushing her body physically and emotionally, as her paintings become direct responses to, and memories of, her relationship with her body and the land. Embodiment of landscape (bodyscape) is central to understanding herself and her sense of place, connection and belonging.
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An experienced teacher, Carys has a background in Secondary, Higher and Further Education, working in both state and private sectors. She has facilitated projects in community environments for both children and adults, and her workshops have a strong emphasis on developing confidence, embracing process and getting to know one's materials through drawing, painting and printmaking.