Public amateur courses

Located in the heart of Toulouse, quai de la Daurade, isdaT offers, in addition to its higher education programmes, public amateur courses and internships open to all. Whether as a beginner or for those wishing to improve their skills, they allow attendees to acquire and develop their art practice in different domains.

Practice, discover, observe, create

At isdaT, public courses are not merely a side offering: they are an integral part of what a public art school can and should be—one that is open to the city, attentive to the diversity of its audiences, and committed to sharing knowledge, artistic practices, and culture. Our classes are led by teachers, artists, and professionals who are recognized for the quality of their work, their high standards, and their passion for teaching. Each of them brings much more than just technique: a way of seeing, understanding, experimenting, and working together in the studio. They all share a passion for their discipline and a desire to share it with others.

Designed for adults, teenagers, and children, isdaT’s public classes offer an opportunity to discover, develop, or deepen one’s artistic practice through engaging and accessible instruction. Participants learn to draw, paint, sculpt, print, photograph, observe, and analyze; they also develop a critical eye, artistic sensitivity, visual literacy, and a personal connection to artworks and forms.

As a public institution of higher education in the arts, we are committed to providing a public service in the arts and culture that is both intellectually rigorous and accessible to as many people as possible. Our goal is simple: to offer high-quality courses, delivered by instructors with genuine artistic and teaching expertise, at the most reasonable cost possible, with an average hourly rate of approximately €6. Explore our full range of offerings; get to know the school in a new way and find the course that’s right for you.

Cours publics adultes, photographie © Franck Alix

Journées Portes Ouvertes de l'isdaT, février 2022 © Franck Alix

Drawing and Painting (Children and Teens)

Learn, Experiment, Create

This course, designed for students of all ages, introduces participants to drawing and painting through a variety of subjects, new techniques, and themes that spark the imagination. Each student gradually develops their own perspective, mastery of their tools, and unique artistic vision.

Instructor: Anthéa Lubat
Participants: children and teens ages 8 to 17
Rate 7 (see price list at the bottom of the page)
Days and times: weekly classes by age group, lasting 1.5 hours
- Monday from 6 PM to 7:30 PM (ages 14–16)
- Tuesday from 6 PM to 7:30 PM (ages 11–13)
- Wednesday from 2 PM to 3:30 PM (ages 8–9)
- Wednesday from 4 PM to 5:30 PM (ages 9–11)
- Wednesday from 6 PM to 7:30 PM (ages 13–15)
- Saturday from 9 AM to 10:30 AM (ages 10–14)
- Saturday from 10:30 AM to 12 PM (ages 15–17)

(Please note: Saturday classes are subject to a minimum of 10 registrations per session—maximum of 16 participants per session)

Journées Portes Ouvertes de l'isdaT, février 2020 © Franck Alix

The Onlookers

Learning to See, Drawing the Living World, Developing a Keen Eye

This course explores drawing through observation, sketchbooks, sketching, and the discovery of various techniques. It encourages students to develop a sensitive approach to drawing, connected to the living world, nature, forms, and experimentation.

Instructor: Quentin Jouret
Participants: adults aged 18 and older
Rate 1 (see the rate chart at the bottom of the page)
Day and time: Weekly 4-hour class
- Monday from 9 AM to 1 PM
- Monday from 2 PM to 6 PM
- Tuesday from 9 AM to 1 PM
- Tuesday from 2 PM to 6 PM

Painting

Exploring color, texture, and brushwork

This course focuses on painting and experimentation with color: contrasts, shades, harmonies, textures, surfaces, and compositions. It helps students develop a personal approach to painting through drawing, sketchbooks, observation, and references to both historical and contemporary art.

Instructor: Martine Gélis (until December 2026; a new instructor is currently being recruited)
Participants: adults aged 18 and older
Rate 1 (see the rate table at the bottom of the page)
Day and time: weekly 4-hour class
- Thursday from 2 PM to 6 PM
- Thursday and Friday from 6 PM to 8 PM
- Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM
- Friday from 2 PM to 6 PM

Cours adultes de Martine Gélis, Journées Portes Ouvertes de l'isdaT, février 2020. Photographie © Franck Alix

Wanderer drawing

Freehand Drawing: From Sketching to Contemporary Forms

This course teaches the fundamentals of drawing—anatomy, portraiture, light and shadow, perspective, and movement—while fostering a free, fluid, and inventive approach to drawing. Sketching in a notebook, on-site sketching, and experimentation play a central role in the course.

Instructor: Raphaël Larre
Participants: adults aged 18 and older
Rate 1 (see the rate table at the bottom of the page)
Day and time: Weekly 4-hour class
- Wednesday from 9 AM to 1 PM
- Wednesday from 2 PM to 6 PM
- Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 PM to 8 PM
- Thursday from 2 PM. to 6 PM

Create an image

Imagine, compose, and experiment to create personal images

This course invites you to create images in the broadest sense by exploring perspective, composition, color, light, and imagination. Drawing, painting, watercolor, collage, photography, and video can all be used to build a unique world.

Instructor: Jérôme Souillot
Participants: adults aged 18 and older
Rate 1 (see price list at the bottom of the page)
Day and time: Weekly 4-hour class
- Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM

(Please note: Class subject to a minimum of 16 registrants – maximum of 32)

Atelier de Jérome Souillot © Maison Salvan, 2021

3D Computer Graphics

Discover 3D, model, experiment, create

This course introduces you to 3D computer graphics using Blender software. It is designed for beginners who want to explore this field and create their first three-dimensional shapes, images, or spaces.

Instructor: Lény Lecointre
Participants: adults and teens ages 16 and up
Rate 5 (see price list at the bottom of the page)
Day and time: weekly 4-hour class
- Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM

(Please note: class subject to a minimum of 7 registrants – maximum of 15)

Illustration & Comics

Creating images, telling stories through drawing, building a world

This course explores narrative drawing, character design, framing, layout, and color. It is designed for those who want to develop their visual imagination, from sketches to illustrated panels.

Instructor: Zelda Pressigout
Participants: adults and teens ages 16 and up
Rate 2 (see price list at the bottom of the page)
Day and time: weekly 2-hour class
- Saturdays from 9 AM to 11 AM
- Saturdays from 11 AM to 1 PM

(Please note: classes are subject to a minimum of 10 registrations per time slot—maximum of 16 registrants per time slot)

Art History: Key Concepts, Works, Perspectives

See Artworks More Clearly, Understand the History of Art Forms Better

From ancient art to contemporary creation, this course provides the tools to interpret artworks, identify artistic movements, and enrich your visual literacy. A lively and accessible way to approach art history.

Instructor: Anaïs Clara
Participants: adults and teens ages 16 and up
Rate 3 (see price list at the bottom of the page)
Day and time: weekly 3-hour class
- Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM

(Please note: this class will be offered only if at least 15 students register)

Guided tours: Exhibitions, Museums, and Heritage

Experience cultural sites in a new way: guided and in a group

This course offers guided tours of museums, art centers, exhibitions, and heritage sites in Toulouse and the surrounding region. It helps participants develop their artistic perspective and appreciation, as well as a love of discovery, through direct engagement with the artworks and venues.

Instructor: currently being recruited
Participants: adults 18 and older (who can get there on their own)
Rate 4 (see the rate chart at the bottom of the page)
Day and times: weekly 4-hour class
- Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM or from 2 PM to 6 PM depending on the tour schedule

(Please note: class subject to a minimum of 15 registrations)

City Sketchbook: Drawing Outdoors

Sketching from life, observing the city, capturing a landscape

This course invites you to practice drawing outdoors, engaging with architecture, streets, gardens, and urban landscapes. It develops observational skills, composition, and freedom of line through a dynamic, on-the-go approach. In case of rain, we will seek out sheltered locations.

Instructor: Marita Etel
Participants: Adults aged 18 and older
Rate 1 (see price list at the bottom of the page)
Day and time: Weekly 4-hour class
- Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM

(Please note: Class subject to a minimum of 12 registrants – maximum of 22)

Cours adultes. Photographie © Quentin Jouret

Preparation for art and design school entrance exams

Develop your artistic practice, build your portfolio, and prepare for art and design school admissions exams

This course guides applicants through the admissions process, covering visual arts, art history, portfolio development, and interview preparation. A challenging environment designed to help you clarify your artistic vision and build confidence.

Instructor: Nicolas Puyjalon
Participants: adults and teens ages 16 and up
Rate 5 (see price list at the bottom of the page)
Days and times: weekly 4-hour class (3 hours in a group and 1 hour of individual sessions on a rotating basis)
- Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM

(Please note: class subject to a minimum of 12 registrations – maximum of 22 participants)

Modeling & Molding

Exploring Volume Through the Hand, Form, and Material

This course introduces students to modeling and casting techniques through hands-on studio work that focuses on gestures, materials, and the creation of forms. It allows students to explore relief, imprints, reproduction, and sculpture.

Instructor: Lena Bonnet
Participants: Adults and teens ages 16 and up
Rate 6 (see price list at the bottom of the page)
Day and time: Weekly 4-hour class
- Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM

(Please note: Class subject to a minimum of 10 registrations)

Photography: Shooting & Digital Printing

Learning to Take Photographs and Give Them Form

This course introduces the basics of photography, from shooting and editing to digital printing. It is designed for those who wish to develop their visual perspective, master the tools, and build a personal photographic practice.

Instructors: Margot Iniesta (field photography) & Charlotte Pensamiento (digital photography workshop)
Participants: adults and teens ages 16 and up
Fee: 6 (see fee schedule at the bottom of the page)
Days and times: weekly 4-hour class (2 hours in the field photography workshop and 2 hours in the digital photography workshop)
- Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM

(Please note: class subject to a minimum of 16 registrations—maximum of 8 students per group)

Screen printing: image, color, printing

Print your own designs, experiment with color, and create multiple prints

This course offers an introduction to screen printing, from preparing the image to printing on paper. A hands-on workshop that combines technical precision, graphic design, and the joy of creating.

Instructor: Florine Berthier
Participants: adults and teens ages 16 and up
Rate 6 (see the rate chart at the bottom of the page)
Day and time: weekly 4-hour class
- Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM

(Please note: this class will be held only if at least 8 students register)

Atelier sérigraphie, isdaT © Franck Alix

Calendar and registration

Registration is open from June 8 to July 10 and from September 1 to 18, 2026.
Re-registrations will be given priority until June 22.

If a class is full, applicants will be contacted by phone or email and offered alternative time slots based on availability.
For classes subject to sufficient enrollment, complete applications are considered pre-registrations, with responses on September 22 and 23.

➔ Applications are available at the isdaT reception desk or can be downloaded at the bottom of the page starting June 8

Only complete applications will be considered:

registration form with a passport-size photo,
proof of liability insurance,
proof of identity (national ID card or passport for age verification, student ID for ages 25–26, Pôle Emploi certificate, etc.),
a pre-stamped 16 x 23 cm envelope,
parental consent for minors (parental consent form available at the front desk and online),
a check payable to the Trésor Public.

Registration fees must be paid in full and are non-refundable.