"Unlock Knowledge: Museums Fuel Your Quest for Learning and Growth!"

You consistently find yourself awestruck by the ability of artists to create timeless masterpieces now proudly displayed within the hallowed halls of the National Gallery of Art and similar. Yet, you do not possess an in-depth understanding of the signature brushstrokes or the precise composition. Rather, your fascination lies in the artwork itself and the captivating narratives that permeate its history.

While acknowledging that perspectives may vary, it has become evident that mobile phones have assumed a peculiar significance, almost resembling a passport You find it incredibly irritating that somebody taking a picture of something that they haven't even bothered to look at takes priority over your experience then and there. "Are they not at all interested what they see?" you wonder.  

It's different for you.

Your passion revolves around unearthing stories, delving into the lives of artists, and unravelling the tapestry of bygone eras. You love learning about the hidden messages and decoding a painting. 

You don't need to consider yourself an artist to enjoy art and its history

To understand art all you need is interest. You don't need to draw yourself. Nor to come from an artistic family.

Books and Youtube videos are fantastic resources to start exploring paintings you like. But maybe you don't want to just sit around for yourself silently watching the next documentary? Having no one to ask to answer your questions.

What if you turn ​​​​​​​your passion for art and its story into a pleasant monthly hobby that you discuss with other likeminded women?

Introducing my new programme, the 'book club' for art:

"Art History Unlocked"

It is much easier to have someone to guide you; and who shows you that with the right context a painting is easier to understand than you think. That it is more about recognising what you know about it already, and building on that.

With the book club for art you'll learn about the story and the context behind each painting. You will see art differently because you'll also learn other people's views on the same piece.

The Book Club for Art is perfect for you if you:

1. Love art: You have a passion for art and enjoy learning about different artists and art movements.  ☑️ 

2. Like to discuss your ideas and are interested in connecting with others who share your love in art. ☑️ 

3. Are keen to learn something new: the Book Club for Art gives you the chance to explore new art work, the stories behind each piece and to find out more about the secret messages.  ☑️ 

4. Find art stimulating. Art keeps the mind active, provides you with new ideas and perspectives, and also challenges you intellectually. ☑️ 

5. Are curious to connect to the past: Studying art history in a group can help you to provide a better connection to the past. What about feeling a sense of connection to those times? ☑️ 

You will be part of a supportive and informative group. You'll also gain confidence for your next gallery visit.

"Jenny has a real gift for opening up art to beginners, giving confidence and The pictures are well chosen, with enough context to bring understanding without overwhelming."

Hello, I'm Jenny Wells

I'm an art historian and teacher of English and visual culture. I have a passion for my subjects and for sharing knowledge in a fun and uplifting way.

With the book club of art you: 

1. 🔍👁️  Improve your observation skills: Participating in a book club can help you develop your critical observation skills. You'll also get background information and different perspectives, which can help you see it in a new light. ☑️ 

2.  💓 🎨 Feel the the emotional connection that you have with art ☑️ 

3. 🎉 💃 Have fun: Discussing ideas about art is a great way to spend an your time with like-minded women ☑️ 

4. 🤝🌍 Are part of a community. You can discuss art with others who share your love of art. ☑️ 

5. ✨📚 keep on learning ☑️ 

Participants are looking at art with new eyes:

"Jenny’s enthusiasm for the subject is infectious. She encourages you to ask questions and challenge yourself to consider art and how it makes you feel, with our judgement. Anecdotes and little snippets of added information really bring the artists and their work to life."

"What a fantastic course. If you want your eyes opened to how art can change your viewpoint on life then do the course. Come with an open or closed mind- the amazing tutor will make art over the centuries accessible to you."

What you get and how it works

How it works: in the first week of the month you vote and the following week the result is announced. Week 3 t 8pm on Thursday I do a full presentation on the art work and artist/sculptor/architect, with plenty of opportunities for questions. This is via Zoom to the private group that you'll be part of. If you miss the presentation, no worries, as I send out a link for the recorded session. There is a private Facebook group and I put up a selection of supporting materials  if you wish to delve further - it is entirely optional.  The following Week 4 is our discussion. Again, this is at 8pm on Thursday and I follow your questions and thoughts, plus I have a few extra works and cross-references to add too. The presentation and discussion are a relaxed hour, as they sometimes spill over slightly when people are very keen. 

From the group: 

I like the way you put the presentation together. Clear explanation, esp. the details in the painting. That you ask questions and wait for responses. Your encouragement throughout.

the structure of the sessions, having other materials to look at and work on in between sessions. Being able to access recorded session to go over what I may have missed, I liked the selections of images and the range in terms of style of painting, era of painting.

I liked that the teaching videos were followed up by discussion. We were a diverse group but all able to contribute to the discussion and ask questions. I have learnt importance of the personal response to art and that all responses are valid.

I enjoyed this. I'd prefer being in a zoom group to being streamed on facebook. I liked the way you were happy to sit with the discomfort I expressed at the beginning of the Thursday session and see where that took us. I'd decided to be brave and speak and not mind being the class idiot, as in other classses I've been the one who asks the stupid question (and finds out afterwards I wasn't the only one wondering. But you never made me feel that what I'd said was too simple, and liked that you referred/ circled back to the things we said later in the session. I liked the addon video about the extra pictures Thank you!

I never thought it was particularly interesting to walk through museums to be overwhelmed by all these different paintings hanging on the walls. When I heard of Jenny's course I thought it would be just like any other art history class. But she proved me wrong. Art history is not just about looking at art pieces. It is about the art of observation to sharpen your perception and the way you look at paintings. Jenny made it easy to understand what was going on when and why each piece was created. It was a fantastic walk through history. Jenny's passion for art was absolutely inspiring.

Jenny is an experienced and stimulating art teacher. If you would like to learn about art, she is the one. If you are just interested because you like museums, but very often you don't know what to think about it, get her art club. Jenny will guide you with fun, and knowledge, and the world of art will be even more fascinating and understandable. Her knowledge will reveal lots of its little secrets to you.

Membership: £20 per monthly subscription (link below)

or £200 per year for single payment.