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.