About the School  Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) is one of Dubai’s most respected British curriculum schools, known for its strong academic standards and commitment to a well-rounded education. Creativity plays an important role in the school’s ethos, forming a key part of the student learning experience. To support this, ...

By Sarah Crowther (The Arty Teacher) IntroductionThis lesson effectively builds observational and mark-making skills through a hands on, engaging process that combines photography, coffee staining, and drawing. By working from a personal object, students are naturally motivated, and the structured stages support success while allowing for ...

Pigment powders are colour in its raw form.Before paint was packaged, before brushes standardised mark-making, colour existed loose, ground from minerals, earth and ash. Artists worked directly with it, responding to how it moved, stained and settled.That relationship with colour has never disappeared. Contemporary artists still return to pigment ...

Candle Making - IntroductionCandle making is a timeless craft that combines creativity, science, and hands-on skill. From the traditional use of beeswax tapers to today’s wide variety of scented, coloured, and decorative candles, it offers a practical way to explore both artistic expression and material processes.   At its core, candle ...

Blue has long captured the human imagination. From the vastness of the sky to the depth of the sea, artists have sought ways to bring this elusive colour into their work. Yet for much of history, blue was not only rare but extraordinarily expensive, reserved for the most sacred and significant subjects. The search for stable, brilliant blue ...

Explore the key properties of different papers, thickness and texture to help you choose the right type for every project!DOWNLOAD

  Turquoise is a colour that bridges the earth and the sky, the ancient and the modern, the spiritual and the scientific. Its unique blue-green hue has been revered across cultures for centuries, carrying meanings of protection, renewal and transformation. From sacred jewellery to futuristic design, turquoise has remained a colour of power ...

Our newest concertina sketchbooks have landed and they’re inspired by a format with a long and fascinating creative history. Far from being a modern novelty, the concertina (or leporello) structure has been used for centuries to tell stories, preserve knowledge and support artistic expression in a uniquely fluid way.Designed to expand, ...

  Lino printing is a versatile and rewarding printmaking technique that has been popular since the early 20th century. Originally embraced by artists as an affordable and accessible alternative to woodcuts, it allows you to create bold, textured designs with just a few simple tools.   Whether you’re a beginner or looking to ...

  Discover the timeless art of pottery with this beginner’s guide which will introduce you to essential techniques, tools and tips to help you start your pottery journey with confidence. Whether you’re shaping your first bowl or experimenting with decorative designs, this guide will inspire your creativity and set you on a ...