This course is a packed week covering a range of ways to paint the human figure in different types of spaces, and is a good introductory course or works as a refresher for those with painting experience. We start by painting the life model in the studio space, focusing on perspective and placing the figure in the room. The next day we look at a technique used by contemporary painters and the old masters, of working from miniature models as a way of working out interesting compositions. Days 4 and 5 are one project – gathering information collected from outside, and then constructing your own compositions in the studio, incorporating 3 figures into the space as a way of suggesting narrative. Oils and Acrylics both welcome.

This is a structured opportunity to gain fundamental drawing and painting skills, whilst blurring the boundary between drawing and painting by using both wet and dry materials together. Throughout the week, students will be using a limited pallet keeping the focus on tonal painting. By looking at still life, interior/exterior and portrait, students explore various ways of seeing, increasing their understanding and confidence to draw and paint. Topics include linear drawing, tonal drawing, composition, sketching outdoors, expressive drawing/painting, study of natural forms and portrait painting. A fun and intensive course that will leave students with the knowledge and inspiration to start their own artworks.

Under Alan’s guidance, students will concentrate on developing the relationship between life drawing and painting whilst considering mark-making, colour and the handling properties of paint. These elements will be fused together over the five day course by firstly making several drawn studies in both dry materials and oil paints, followed by a one day oil painting and finally, a more developed three day painting in oil. The consideration of accuracy of observation and measurement will be looked at in relation to freedom of expression, exploration of materials and engagement with an expressive and individual painterly language. Students will receive regular one-to-one guidance throughout the course. Alan McGowan is a figurative and portrait artist who specialises in working from life. His expressive brushwork and dynamic use of colour in combination with accomplished draughtsmanship have won him many honours including exhibiting at the BP Portrait exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London, the Threadneedle Prize for Figurative Art, the Society of Portrait Sculptors exhibition and The Ruth Borchard self portrait exhibition. In 2014 he was a semi-finalist in the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the year and his work is featured in the international painting annual review INPA5, published in 2016 by Manifest in Cincinatti USA.

An exciting and well structured course for all skill levels wishing to learn how to use paint in a variety of techniques while also stimulating creative expression. The course explores the use of line, colour, tone, composition and the application of paint media while also developing expressive qualities within a composition. Sessions include painting from a life model, working from still life as well as more loosely structured creative painting using simple but effective exercises. Using other artists’ works as a source of inspiration students will explore creative methods of expression. Students then combine all these skills to create a portrait painting and a nude figure painting.

This is a well structured course with an emphasis on learning to understand the construction of the head and its features and using these skills to better create more intense, expressive portraits. Working with oil paints students will develop a series of artworks, from short expressive painting sketches, to longer more detailed pieces. The students will also be encouraged to work intuitively and expressively in tandem with an emphasis on accuracy of observation. The class has the benefit of two experienced models every day, as well as tuition from a talented professional artist, Charlie Schaffer. Students will receive one-to-one guidance throughout the course, and Charlie will be on hand to give regular feedback and constructive advice. He will also be demonstrating and painting alongside the students.

A fun and intensive week of life and portrait painting appropriate to all skill levels. Less experienced students will enjoy an introduction to portraiture and figure painting while more advanced students benefit from a refresher in figure work from an experienced artist which will progress their practice. The emphasis will be on learning practical skills as well as bringing out intuitive ability. The course will cover planning a painting and executing two types of portrait: head and shoulders and a full figure composition.

A well-structured and systematic course for those who have never painted before or want to start from the beginning. Students learn to see colour, shape and tone and relate all these elements together through composition. This course aims to foster self-confidence and enjoyment of painting in a stimulating community environment. There will be work from both still-life and life models. Students will learn how to handle oil paint and understand different ways of approaching painting. Throughout the course students will learn from works of many artists to improve their development. There is plenty of guidance from the tutor and the course is fun and relaxing.

This is a fun course that offers the fantastic opportunity to paint in and around London’s urban landscape. The Art Academy is just a short stroll from the Thames, conveniently situated in the historic Southwark London Bridge area which will feature as the main focus of this course. Working with quick sketches in oil or acrylic, students will practice how to efficiently and accurately capture tone and colour in the outdoors. Creating loose and vigorous paintings, we will look at how to capture a sense of light and atmosphere at different times of day. Looking at the works of other artists we will discuss different ways of composing a painting in an urban setting. Basic painting techniques such as tone, colour and texture will be addressed, as well as creative expression in the application of paint. Painting outside of the studio is always an exciting experience and students of all levels are sure to enjoy painting outdoors.

This is a well structured course with an emphasis on learning to understand the construction of the head and its features and using these skills to better create more intense, expressive portraits. Working with oil paints students will develop a series of artworks, from short expressive painting sketches, to longer more detailed pieces. The students will also be encouraged to work intuitively and expressively in tandem with an emphasis on accuracy of observation. The class has the benefit of two experienced models every day, as well as tuition from a talented professional artist,  Kinga Markus. Students will receive one-to-one guidance throughout the course, and Kinga will be on hand to give regular feedback and constructive advice. He will also be demonstrating and painting alongside the students.

This is a structured opportunity to gain fundamental drawing and painting skills, whilst blurring the boundary between drawing and painting by using both wet and dry materials together. Throughout the week, students will be using a limited pallet keeping the focus on tonal painting. By looking at still life, interior/exterior and portrait, students explore various ways of seeing, increasing their understanding and confidence to draw and paint. Topics include linear drawing, tonal drawing, composition, sketching outdoors, expressive drawing/painting, study of natural forms and portrait painting. A fun and intensive course that will leave students with the knowledge and inspiration to start their own artworks.

This five day portrait course will offer an opportunity for intensive study under the tuition of Tim Benson. The course will allow students the freedom to work from two models, both a male and female. Starting with loose charcoal sketches we will produce at least four oil sketches on the second day and at least one more 'finished' painting of either of the models by the final day. Under Tim’s guidance, students will concentrate on tonal painting allowing the emphasis to be on the form. During the course of the painting there will be an in-depth look at how to mix up colours. The tutor will also be working alongside the students demonstrating a 'wet in wet' techniqu e. This exciting course is an intensive five days that offers a high level of tutor contact time. Educated at Glasgow School of Art and Byam Shaw School of Art from 1998-2001, contemporary artist Tim Benson has received recognition with his election as Vice President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters. As a practised figurative artist Tim not only creates a distinguishable likeness of a subject but moreover evokes the sitter’s character and mood. He is never satisfied with simple representation, rather concentrating on bringing to his work an emotive and often visceral quality.

Under Andy’s guidance, students will concentrate on developing the relationship between life drawing and painting whilst considering mark-making, colour and the handling properties of paint. These elements will be fused together over the five day course by firstly making several drawn studies in both dry materials and oil paints, followed by a one day oil painting and finally, a more developed three day painting in oil. The consideration of accuracy of observation and measurement will be looked at in relation to freedom of expression, exploration of materials and engagement with an expressive and individual painterly language. Students will receive regular one-to-one guidance throughout the course. A self taught artist, Andy James has been painting for over 25 years, capturing incredible likeness and energy of his subjects, through his sumptuous, rigorous & painterly approach. Based in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Andrew James is a highly sought after artist. He has worked on many prestigious commissions of well known public figures. Winner of the Carroll Foundation Award, the Changing Faces Award and of BBC’s Star Portraits. Andrew served as the Vice President of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters from 2008 to 2014.

Understanding the structure of the human figure and the way it is situated within a space is an essential practice for anyone keen to develop their drawing and observational skills. Each week you will have a different theme to explore, working from the model with guidance from our highly experienced tutor. With an encouraging focus exploring your own approach to drawing, you will work through a series of exercises using a wide range of materials including charcoal and graphite. This course teaches skills and expressive drawing in a unique way to bring your drawing on most effectively and is suitable for more advanced drawers as well as beginners.

A wonderful opportunity for people with all levels of experience to explore the skills of drawing and life drawing. Throughout the course you will work to a variety of themes to learn fundamental drawing skills, including composition, tonal drawing, measurement and movement. Once mastered students are encouraged to develop a creative approach interjected with urban sketching, exploration of different lines, contrasts, compositions, materials and techniques. This is a structured informative, yet fun and stimulating, course that teaches essential drawing skills whilst encouraging a creative approach.

A wonderful opportunity for people with all levels of experience to explore the skills of outdoor sketching and urban drawing. Over the five days, students will draw on location at various sites near the Art Academy. Students will tackle the architecture of the Southbank, explore busy Borough Market, sketch the serene view across to St Paul's and much more. Each class will begin with a brief introduction to the day’s subject, showing examples of the work of artists who have depicted similar scenes to the ones which the students will experience. Each day the tutor will introduce a new material or drawing technique for the students to explore over the day, in their sketchbooks or on larger sheets of paper.