All Levels

All attendees must be aged 18 and over.

This course is suitable for all levels. Students can move at their own pace depending on their experience, with as much support from the Tutor as they wish. This means an student from the following experience levels can join this course:

Beginner

Choose a Beginners course if you are looking for a broad introduction to the medium you are studying. Our Beginner courses are suitable for students with no prior experience.

Beginner +

Choose a Beginner + course if you are looking to hone your skills, focus on a specific subject area and build your confidence. These courses are suitable for those with some basic skills in and knowledge of the taught medium.

Intermediate

Our Intermediate courses are suitable for students who have considerable prior knowledge of the taught medium or have completed a Beginners/Beginners + course with the Art Academy.

Advanced

Choose our Advanced courses if you have considerable knowledge in the taught medium. You are expected to be able to work independently and have critical discussions around your work.

You will need to bring your own drawing materials to the class, which you can store at The Art Academy for the duration of the course. If you do not have your own materials, we recommend you order the Pack, below, at the time of booking, which will be available when you arrive for your first class. There is also a mini shop in the Academy that supplies the basics such as pencils, sketchbooks, putty rubbers etc. (card purchases only).

Please also bring an apron or old clothing to wear.

The Drawing Pack contains:
• One set of lead pencils (2B, 4B, 6B)
• One box of medium willow charcoal sticks (25 pieces)
• One ​box ​of willow charcoal extra thick​ individual​ stick
• One stick of chalk
• One box of compressed charcoal sticks (12 pieces)
• Six ​D​erwent pastel pencils, can be used wet or dry
• One putty rubber​ in a box​
• One eraser
• O​n​e auto lock knife (pencil sharpener for Drawing in Museums)

  Please note that pack contents are subject to change at the discretion of the Academy at any time.

  

JAMES OTTO ALLEN

James Otto Allen studied Fine Art at Camberwell College of Arts, Accademia delle Belle Arti, Viterbo, Italy and gained a BA in Fine Art from the University of Wales, Cardiff. He was awarded the Harry Holland Prize for ‘Best Figurative Artist’ on graduating and his work has been shortlisted for the BP Portrait Awards. James exhibits regularly with the ‘Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ and his work has also appeared in the ING Discerning Eye and Painter Stainers Company exhibitions. He studied anatomy and biomechanics, aligning his figurative work with the discipline of scientific study of the human body. James has over 15 years experience teaching art and workshops to students of all levels. In his studio while executing commissions and paintings, he surrounds himself with anatomical plaster casts of skulls, torsos and other anatomical aids for constant reference.

Mermaid Court

165A Borough High Street London SE1 1HR tel: +44 (0) 207407 6969

Nearest Tube/ Rail: London Bridge or Borough (both a 5 minute walk).

Please note that London Bridge has two exits, the most direct route is to follow signs to “Borough High Street”.

We cannot store your bikes at the Academy, however there is on-street bike parking near our Mermaid Court site.

Students are welcome to use our Common Room during break times, where you can prepare hot drinks and/or food.

You are also welcome to make tea or coffee.

Terms and Conditions

• By booking onto one of our courses you agree to our Short Courses Terms and Conditions.
• You will need to have paid in full before the first session of your class. Your place is not guaranteed until we have received full payment. Please book early in order to guarantee your place on the course.

Materials & Equipment

• If you purchased a pack online this will be given to you on the first session of your course upon your arrival. Packs can be booked on our Materials Page or on this page when you book the course
• Please don’t wear your best clothes as there is always a chance you will get messy. If possible bring an apron or overalls.
• All artwork at the Academy MUST be taken home at the end of each session where possible, with the exception of oil paintings and sculpture works.
• We cannot store materials at the Academy, so please take these to and from your sessions.
• Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or is on silent during the class.
• Health and Safety Guidelines will be provided to you a week before the start of your course.

Concessions and Discounts

We offer a number of concessions and discounts, please find more information on what we offer here.

Gift Vouchers

If you would like to purchase a gift voucher to be used on our courses then you can purchase these here.