Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or looking to refine established skills, our painting courses in London offer structured learning in a supportive environment. We work with oils, acrylics, and watercolours, covering everything from colour mixing and composition to perspective and brushwork.
Classes run throughout the year at our SW3 studio, conveniently located near Chelsea and South Kensington. Each session lasts two hours, giving you enough time to develop your work while receiving guidance tailored to your current level. Small groups ensure everyone gets individual attention. Our instructors have backgrounds in fine art education and gallery practice, bringing both teaching experience and active studio work to the sessions.
We provide all materials during classes, including canvases, paints, brushes, and palettes. You can also bring your own if you prefer working with specific brands or tools. The curriculum balances technical instruction with creative exploration. You'll study still life arrangements, landscape painting from reference photos, and portraiture basics. We also cover abstract approaches for those interested in non-representational work.
Our courses attract a mix of ages and backgrounds. Some students are preparing portfolios for art school applications, others are returning to painting after years away, and many simply want to develop a regular creative practice. The atmosphere is focused but relaxed. People work at their own pace while benefiting from group critiques and demonstrations.
Beginners start with fundamental exercises in tone, colour, and form before moving on to complete paintings. More experienced students work on self-directed projects with instructor feedback. We offer both drop-in sessions and term-long courses, with discounts available for block bookings. Weekend workshops cover specific topics like plein air techniques or working with limited palettes.
Begin your artistic journey with our comprehensive painting courses at a special rate. This exclusive offer includes access to all beginner and intermediate classes, premium art supplies starter kit, and three one-on-one sessions with experienced instructors. Perfect for those who want to explore watercolour, acrylic, and oil painting techniques in a supportive studio environment.
Complete starter kit with brushes, canvases, and professional-grade paints included at no extra cost
Three private tutoring sessions with qualified instructors to focus on your specific techniques
Flexible scheduling with morning, afternoon, and evening class options throughout the week
Certificate of completion recognised by art institutions across the United Kingdom
Lifetime access to our online resource library with video tutorials and technique guides
Find answers to common questions about our painting courses, materials, schedules, and learning process.
No prior experience is required. Our courses are structured to accommodate complete beginners through to advanced students. We start with fundamental techniques such as brush handling, colour mixing, and basic composition. Each student progresses at their own pace with guidance tailored to their current skill level.
For those with some background, we assess your abilities during the first session and adjust the curriculum accordingly. This ensures you're challenged appropriately and continue developing your skills without repeating material you've already mastered.
For your first three sessions, all materials are provided including canvases, paints, brushes, and palettes. This allows you to try different tools before investing in your own supplies. We use professional-grade acrylics and oils from brands like Winsor & Newton and Daler-Rowney.
After the introductory period, we provide a detailed list of recommended materials with specific product codes and where to purchase them in London. Most students spend between £80-120 on a starter kit that lasts several months. Canvases and specialty papers are available for purchase at our studio at cost price.
Each session runs for 2.5 hours with a maximum of 8 students per class. This ratio ensures individual attention while maintaining a collaborative atmosphere. Classes begin with a 20-minute demonstration of the day's technique, followed by practical work where the instructor circulates to provide one-on-one guidance.
We dedicate the final 20 minutes to group critique, where students can share their work and receive constructive feedback. This peer learning component helps develop your critical eye and exposes you to different approaches and styles. Classes meet once weekly, though intensive weekend workshops are available monthly.
We recommend acrylics for beginners due to their versatility and quick drying time. They're water-soluble, making cleanup straightforward, and mistakes can be painted over within minutes. Acrylics work on various surfaces and don't require solvents or special ventilation.
Once comfortable with colour theory and brush techniques, many students transition to oils, which offer richer pigmentation and longer working time for blending. Watercolours require different skills and are typically introduced after mastering opaque mediums. Our foundation course covers all three mediums over 12 weeks, allowing you to discover your preference through hands-on experience.
Yes, we offer flexible attendance within the same course term. If you need to miss your regular session, you can attend any other class running that week at the same level, subject to space availability. We ask for 24 hours notice when possible so we can reserve your spot.
For extended absences due to illness or travel, we can pause your enrollment for up to 4 weeks per term. Course materials and progress notes are kept on file, and instructors will brief you on missed content when you return. This policy ensures you don't lose momentum while accommodating life's unpredictability.
This varies considerably based on the subject, medium, size, and your working pace. Simple still life studies in acrylics might be completed in one or two sessions, while detailed portraits or landscapes can span 6-8 weeks. We encourage working on multiple pieces simultaneously to maintain engagement while layers dry or when you need fresh perspective.
During the course, you'll complete approximately 12-15 finished works of varying complexity. Some projects are designed as quick studies to practice specific techniques, while others are more ambitious pieces that develop over several weeks. This variety helps build both technical skills and the patience required for more complex compositions.
We organize two student exhibitions annually at our studio space in Chelsea, typically in June and December. These events are open to all current students who have completed at least one full term. Each participant can display 2-3 pieces, and we handle framing guidance, hanging, and promotion through our network.
Additionally, we maintain relationships with several cafes and community spaces across London that feature rotating student artwork. Outstanding work is also showcased on our website gallery with the artist's permission. These exhibitions provide valuable experience in presenting your work and receiving feedback from a broader audience beyond the classroom.
Most students continue with our intermediate programme, which focuses on developing a personal style and tackling more ambitious projects. This level introduces advanced colour theory, composition strategies, and medium-specific techniques like glazing in oils or wet-on-wet watercolour methods.
We also offer specialized workshops throughout the year covering topics such as portrait painting, landscape techniques, abstract composition, and working from life. Long-term students can join our open studio sessions, which provide workspace and guidance without structured lessons, ideal for working on independent projects while maintaining access to instructor feedback.
Yes, private tuition is available for students who prefer one-on-one instruction or have specific goals such as portfolio preparation. These sessions are scheduled by arrangement and can focus on particular techniques, mediums, or projects. The rate is £65 per hour with a minimum booking of 2 hours.
We also accommodate small groups of 2-4 people who want to learn together, perhaps friends or family members. This option offers more personalized attention than regular classes while being more economical than individual lessons. Small group rates start at £45 per person for a 2-hour session, with flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends.
Full refunds are available if you cancel more than 14 days before the course start date. Cancellations made 7-14 days before starting receive a 50% refund or full credit toward a future course. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations made less than 7 days before the start date, though course credit remains valid for 12 months.
If you need to withdraw after the course has begun, we calculate refunds based on remaining sessions minus a £30 administrative fee. In cases of medical emergency or relocation, we work with students individually to find fair solutions. We recommend considering our pause option rather than canceling, as this preserves your place without penalty.
Fafime has been teaching painting in London since 2019, helping students develop their artistic skills through structured courses and individual guidance.
Our studio in Smith Street has become a space where beginners discover their potential and experienced painters refine their technique. We focus on practical skills, working with quality materials, and providing individual feedback during each session. Every student progresses at their own pace, guided by instructors who understand both classical methods and contemporary approaches to painting.
Real experiences from people who joined our painting courses
Brighton
I attended the watercolour landscape course last autumn and it completely changed how I approach painting. The instructor, James, demonstrated techniques for capturing light that I had struggled with for years. Within three sessions, I was creating pieces I'm genuinely proud of. The studio space near Victoria Station is well-equipped with natural light, and the small class size meant I received proper attention. I've since completed two more courses and recommended Fafime to five colleagues from my art club.
Manchester
Good course overall. The acrylic techniques were well explained and I learned proper brush handling. My only note would be that the course ran slightly over schedule - finished at 6:15pm instead of 6pm on two occasions, which made my train connection tight. The materials provided were professional grade though, which I appreciated.
Edinburgh
Brilliant value for £285. The portrait painting course covered everything from proportion measurement to colour mixing for skin tones. I came in as a complete beginner and left with a finished portrait that my family couldn't believe I painted. The instructor's feedback was constructive and specific.
Birmingham
The course met my expectations for learning oil painting basics. Instruction was clear and the studio had decent ventilation. However, I found the pace quite fast for someone with no previous experience - would have benefited from an extra session. The materials list could be more detailed before starting. That said, I did learn the fundamentals and can now practice at home.
Bristol
The abstract art course opened my eyes to composition and colour theory in ways I hadn't considered. I particularly valued how the instructor explained the reasoning behind different approaches rather than just showing techniques. After six weeks, I sold my first piece at a local gallery event.
Leeds
Solid course with experienced instructors. The still life painting sessions taught me proper observation skills and how to build up layers effectively. Would be nice to have more variety in the subjects we painted - we did three fruit bowl arrangements which felt repetitive. Otherwise, no complaints about the teaching quality or facilities.
Cambridge
I'm so happy with this course! The mixed media workshop pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. We experimented with combining acrylics, collage, and ink, which created textures I never knew were possible. The instructor encouraged creative risk-taking while providing technical guidance. I've filled two sketchbooks since finishing the course and have a completely different approach to my art now.
Liverpool
Professional setup and excellent communication throughout. I booked the landscape painting course for my wife's birthday, and the team accommodated a schedule change when she had a work conflict. The course itself exceeded her expectations - she came home each week excited to show me what she'd learned. Three months later, she's still painting regularly and has transformed our spare room into a studio.
Where artistic expression meets structured learning in the heart of London
Fafime was established in 2016 by a group of practicing artists and educators who recognised the need for accessible, high-quality painting instruction in London. What began as weekend workshops in a converted warehouse in Chelsea has grown into a comprehensive art education centre serving over 300 students annually.
Our studio at 12 Smith Street provides 450 square metres of dedicated learning space, equipped with professional easels, natural north-facing light, and ventilation systems suitable for oil painting. We maintain small class sizes, with a maximum of 12 students per instructor, ensuring each participant receives focused attention during sessions.
The curriculum spans classical techniques including oil painting, watercolour, acrylics, and drawing fundamentals. Our instructors hold degrees from institutions such as the Royal College of Art, Slade School of Fine Art, and Central Saint Martins, bringing 8 to 25 years of teaching experience to each class.
We work with students at all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced painters seeking to refine specific techniques. Our term structure follows the academic calendar, with 10-week courses running in autumn, winter, and spring, plus intensive summer workshops.
Materials are provided during introductory sessions, allowing newcomers to explore different mediums before investing in supplies. For continuing students, we offer guidance on selecting brushes, paints, and canvases suited to their developing style and budget.
Beyond technique, we emphasise observation skills, colour theory, and composition principles that form the foundation of visual art. Regular studio sessions include time for independent work, with instructors available for one-to-one guidance. Many students progress to exhibiting in our annual group show held each June at a gallery in Kensington.
Structured progression from basic techniques to advanced methods through systematic practice and feedback
Studios designed for learning, with adequate space, proper lighting, and materials that facilitate focused work
Ongoing curriculum updates reflecting contemporary practices while maintaining classical foundations
To provide practical painting instruction that builds technical competence and visual literacy. We focus on teaching methods that have proven effective across different learning styles, creating an environment where students can develop their abilities through regular practice and constructive guidance.
Explore techniques, artist stories, and practical advice from our instructors and students
Starting with watercolours can feel overwhelming. This guide covers essential materials, brush handling, and water control. Learn how to create smooth washes, manage pigment intensity, and avoid common mistakes that frustrate newcomers to this medium.
Read article
You don't need dozens of tubes to start with oils. This article explains which 8-10 colours provide the foundation for mixing almost any shade. We discuss warm and cool primaries, earth tones, and why titanium white matters more than you think.
Read article
Portraits become easier when you grasp basic proportions. The eyes sit halfway down the head, not higher. The nose divides the lower half into thirds. This piece breaks down these relationships with clear diagrams and explains how to adjust them for different angles and ages.
Read articleLicensed Business
Data Protection Compliant
SSL/TLS Secured
Quality Guaranteed
Industry Standards Compliant
Professional Team
Explore artworks created by our students during their learning journey. Each piece represents dedication, skill development, and creative expression across various painting techniques.
Discover what makes learning to paint with us an enriching experience. From structured curriculum to supportive community, we provide everything needed for your artistic development.
Our courses cover oil, acrylic, and watercolour techniques across 12-week modules. Each session builds on previous skills, ensuring steady progression from basic colour theory to advanced composition methods suitable for beginners through to intermediate painters.
Learn from practising artists with 15+ years of teaching experience and formal qualifications from recognised art schools. Our tutors exhibit regularly in London galleries and understand both technical fundamentals and contemporary approaches to painting.
Maximum 8 students per session ensures individual attention during each two-hour class. This allows instructors to address specific challenges, demonstrate techniques up close, and provide detailed feedback on your work as it develops throughout the course.
All necessary supplies included in course fee: professional-grade paints, brushes, canvases, and palettes. We use Winsor & Newton and Daler-Rowney products, allowing you to focus on learning without initial investment in equipment or worrying about which materials to purchase.
Choose from morning, afternoon, or evening sessions across weekdays and Saturdays. If you miss a class, make-up sessions are available within the same term. This flexibility accommodates working professionals and those with varying commitments throughout the week.
Studio situated in Chelsea with natural north-facing light, essential for accurate colour work. Easily accessible by tube from Sloane Square or South Kensington stations, with nearby street parking available. The space features high ceilings and dedicated easel stations for each student.
Receive written feedback after completing each module, documenting techniques mastered and areas for continued development. This portfolio of progress helps you understand your artistic journey and provides clear direction for advancing your skills in subsequent courses or independent practice.
Students completing full courses can display finished pieces in our annual group exhibition held at a local gallery. This provides experience with presentation, framing, and showing work publicly, while connecting with London's broader art community and receiving feedback from visitors.
Join an active group of fellow painters through our online forum and monthly social painting sessions. Share work-in-progress, discuss techniques, and arrange informal meetups for sketching trips to museums or outdoor locations around London, fostering lasting connections beyond structured classes.
Borrow from our collection of over 200 art books, technique manuals, and exhibition catalogues. Resources cover historical movements, contemporary artists, and step-by-step guides for specific subjects. Digital access to video demonstrations and supplementary materials supports learning between weekly sessions.
Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or refining your technique, we offer structured courses across multiple disciplines. Each program is designed to build skills progressively, from understanding materials to developing your personal artistic voice.
Learn the essential techniques of oil painting, from preparing canvases to mixing colours and layering. This course covers brush handling, composition basics, and understanding light and shadow. Students work with still life subjects to develop observational skills. We provide guidance on choosing quality materials and maintaining your tools. By the end, you'll complete several finished pieces and understand the medium's unique properties. Suitable for complete beginners with no prior experience required.
Explore the fluid nature of watercolours through hands-on practice with washes, glazing, and wet-on-wet methods. This course teaches control and spontaneity in equal measure, working with landscapes and botanical subjects. You'll learn paper selection, pigment properties, and how to plan compositions that work with the medium's transparency. We cover common challenges like blooms and hard edges, turning them into creative opportunities. Students develop their own colour palette and learn proper brush care throughout the program.
Master the versatile acrylic medium through structured exercises that demonstrate its range from thin washes to thick impasto. This workshop focuses on colour theory, texture creation, and fast-paced painting methods. Students experiment with different surfaces and learn to mix mediums for varied effects. We cover both realistic and abstract approaches, allowing you to find your preferred style. The quick-drying nature of acrylics means you'll produce multiple works during the course, building confidence and technical skill rapidly.
Develop the specific skills needed to capture human features and expressions through systematic study of facial anatomy and proportions. This course uses both photographs and live models, teaching you to see and render skin tones, bone structure, and character. We work primarily in oils, though techniques translate to other media. Students learn to establish a strong underpainting before building up layers and detail. The program includes exercises in capturing different ages, lighting conditions, and emotional states through brushwork and colour choices.
Learn to interpret and paint natural scenes through a combination of outdoor sketching and studio work. This course teaches atmospheric perspective, colour temperature shifts, and compositional strategies for capturing depth and space. We work from locations around London, weather permitting, with studio sessions for developing larger pieces. Students learn to work quickly on location and translate sketches into finished paintings. The program covers different seasons and lighting conditions, helping you understand how environment affects colour and mood in landscape work.
Explore non-representational painting through exercises that emphasise composition, colour relationships, and mark-making. This workshop encourages experimentation with tools, techniques, and approaches beyond traditional brushwork. Students work on developing a visual language that communicates through form and colour rather than recognisable subjects. We study works by established abstract painters to understand different approaches and philosophies. The course provides freedom to explore personal expression while learning principles that make abstract compositions effective and intentional rather than random.
Study the detailed observation and accurate rendering of plant specimens through traditional botanical illustration methods. This specialised course combines scientific accuracy with artistic sensitivity, teaching you to capture form, texture, and colour of flowers, leaves, and stems. We work primarily in watercolour, the historical medium of botanical art, focusing on precise brushwork and colour mixing. Students learn composition for single specimens and arrangements, understanding both the artistic and documentary aspects of this discipline. The course includes visits to botanical collections for inspiration and reference.
Refine your existing skills through focused study of advanced methods including glazing, scumbling, impasto, and mixed media approaches. This masterclass is designed for painters with solid foundational skills who want to expand their technical repertoire. We examine works by master painters to understand their methods, then apply similar techniques to your own projects. The course allows individual direction based on your interests and goals, with personalised guidance on developing a cohesive body of work. Students should have completed at least one foundation course or equivalent experience.
Have questions about our painting courses? Whether you're considering enrolling, need details about materials, or want to discuss your artistic goals, we're here to help. Reach out through the form below or use our contact details to speak with us directly.
Fafime
12 Smith Street
London, SW3 4EE
United Kingdom
The information provided on this website is offered as is and represents our understanding to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. While we strive to maintain accurate and current content, details regarding painting courses, schedules, pricing, and techniques may be updated or modified without prior notice. We recommend verifying specific course details directly with our team before enrollment. Fafime limits liability concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information presented. For professional advice tailored to your artistic goals, please consult with our instructors.