6 Studios to Take a Painting Class in London

6 Studios to Take a Painting Class in London

Are you a seasoned artist that wants to brush up on their skills? (See what I did there?) Or, are you a novice that just wants to try their hand at a painting class? If you find yourself in London, you’ve come to the right place!

There are tons of studios available in London, so you might be intimidated by all of the choices. Never fear, I’ve done all of the heavy lifting for you to bring you this list of the 6 best studios to take a painting class.

Whether you live in the capital, or plan on being there for an extended amount of time, taking a painting class there could be a really memorable experience! Keep reading for my 6 favorite studios in London.

1. art CLASS London

Art supplies at art CLASS London – image courtesy of art CLASS London’s Facebook page

First up on my list is art CLASS London. Located in North London, art CLASS offers a variety of classes for adults and children. Choose from a 10 week Drawing and Painting course and a Watercolour group course, if painting is what you’re interested in doing. Just in case you’re looking for something different, they also offer Lino printing workshops! 

Since this article is about painting, I’m going to fill you in a bit more on their options. Their 10 week Drawing and Painting course is open to all levels. You’ll start by learning drawing techniques, and the second part of the program is dedicated to adding other media to your work, including, of course, painting.

The Watercolour group course focuses on, you guessed it, working with watercolour paints. This option is also available for all levels.

The majority of the materials needed will be provided for you (score!), but you may have to pick up a few other things, most importantly your canvases. That being said, you will have the opportunity to purchase a canvas at the studio!

Practical Information

Fee: Fees vary. Please see website below for more information.

Opening hours: Hours vary according to class.

Address: Studio 27, 502 Hornsey Rd, Finsbury Park, London N19 4EF, UK

Tube station: Crouch Hill Station

Website

2. Sunny Art Centre

Sunny Art Centre students on a special art residency in Gaol Feng’s Chao Temple in China – image courtesy of Sunny Art Centre’s Facebook page

Sunny Art Centre is one of the best art studios in London! They offer classes for children, teens and adults. As far as painting courses go, they include a Life Drawing / Portrait Painting course and a Chinese Painting course! I was immediately drawn to this studio when I learned that they offer the unique opportunity to learn Chinese painting.

Sunny Art Centre is also the perfect place to go if you are interested in attending an art school for university. They specialize in helping artists build their portfolios.

Their Life Drawing / Portrait Painting course focuses on the human figure, and how to properly portray the human form. This course also includes life models! If you’re not quite ready to make the jump to painting live models, the school also offers a beginners class.

The Chinese Painting course is a bit different: it’s a one-on-one class between the student and the teacher. Don’t let that intimidate you! The course is also for all levels, including beginners.

Practical Information

Fee: Fees vary. Please see website below for more information.

Opening hours: Hours vary according to class.

Address: 30 Grays Inn Rd, Holborn, London WC1X 8HR, UK

Tube station: Chancery Lane Station

Website

3. London Art Classes

Students at London Art Classes – image courtesy of London Art Classes’ Facebook page

London Art Classes studio is a great option if you’re not quite ready to commit to a 10 week course. Here, you’ll have the option to pay as you go! So no more feeling guilty if you have to miss a class for whatever reason.

Artist and teacher Nick Malone is in charge at London Art Classes, and he is responsible for giving the courses. There are 3 different aspects to his classes.

The 1st, is called “practical studio work,” and is a great way to get your feet wet. It is open to all levels, and thanks to the small class sizes you can be sure you’ll get the attention you need!

The 2nd focuses on the “instruction to the basic techniques of painting and drawing.” This means that every week, you’ll be introduced to various techniques that will help you improve your art.

The 3rd aspect is super interesting: Nick will show you a short slide show or video about contemporary art. He’ll fill you in on the best exhibitions and art galleries in London, so you know exactly where to go to soak up the best art in town.

Practical Information

Fee: Fees vary. Please see website below for more information.

Opening hours: Hours vary according to class.

Address: 165 Childers St, London SE8 5JR, UK

Tube station: New Cross Station

Website

4. Nelson Ferreira Art Courses

https://www.instagram.com/p/-JPXnnDJuW/

Nelson Ferreira is an expert art tutor that offers painting and drawing classes in different locations all over London! This includes the Victoria and Albert Museum, Saatchi Gallery and Linen Hall…to name a few!

You’ll have the option of signing up for 1 of the 2 terms that Nelson offers per year, and each term teaches a new technique. So, if you like the 1st course, why not sign up for a 2nd one?! Nelson guarantees that after a 10 week course with him, you’ll be able to paint a portrait of yourself…that actually looks like you.

Practical Information

Fee: Fees vary. Please see website below for more information.

Opening hours: Hours vary according to class.

Address: Locations vary. Please see website below for more information.

Website

5. The Art Academy of London

Students at The Art Academy London – image courtesy of The Art Academy London’s Facebook page

Don’t be intimidated by the name: the Art Academy of London is indeed a university that you can attend as an art student, but they also offer short courses for those who don’t want to earn a degree.

You’ll find classes here for all levels, and they have a great option for painting. The classes are once a week over a 10 week period. The class sizes are no more than 15, so you’ll definitely get ample attention from the professors. Speaking of professors, all of the art tutors at the Art Academy of London are professional artists!

Their short courses are only for those who are 18 years old and up. But, they do have a program dedicated to young people aged between 12-17 years old, appropriately called the Young Artists programme.

Practical Information

Fee: Fees vary. Please see website below for more information.

Opening hours: Hours vary according to class.

Address: 165A Borough High St, London SE1 1HR, UK

Tube station: London Bridge or Borough Stations

Website

6. London Fine Arts Studios

Students at London Fine Arts Studios – image courtesy of London Fine Arts Studios’ Facebook page

There are a ton of options for you to choose from at the London Fine Arts Studios! They offer full-time and part-time options, and painting courses that focus on things like portraits, still life and landscapes.

The part-time courses focus on many different techniques over a 10 week period. You’ll start with the foundations and then you’ll move onto drawing and painting. You’ll get the full package at the London Fine Arts Studios: their goal is to train artists and to give you the skills you’ll need to break out on your own!

The London Fine Arts Studios also specializes in what they call, “working from life.” They believe that you need to experience your subject in real time in order to properly translate anything into a work of art. This means you can expect to work using live models, and going outside to paint landscapes that you see with your own eyes.

Practical Information

Fee: Fees vary. Please see website below for more information.

Opening hours: Hours vary according to class.

Address: Battersea Business Centre, 99-109 Lavender Hill, Clapham, London SW11 5QL, UK

Tube station: Clapham Junction Station

Website

Conclusion

If your looking for a studio to paint in London, you can see that you have plenty of options! Whether your a beginner just getting started, or an experiences painter that wants to learn some new techniques, there’s something for you in London.

If you want to learn more about cool things do in London, why not going one of our walking tours? You’ll find plenty of different options for to choose from with us, too! Click here to learn more and to make your booking.