
Painting is something that encourages you to turn off the logical half of your brain while letting the creative half take over, which is a terrific way to unwind after a demanding day of work we say. Regardless of how long you’ve been living in our amazing capital, taking an art class to learn all about painting could be a truly unforgettable experience. Here’s the Secret London lowdown on some of the best art classes and painting classes in London.
1. Master Peace
With Master Peace, you’ll be able to really explore your creative side. The studio itself is run by a group of 20 artists, and offers a wide variety of different painting classes. As their name implies, it shows very little concern about the final art piece and are more interested in how the creative process may be used as a tool for mindfulness and meditation. Sign us up!
If you are a novice or intermediate level artist, we suggest you try the ‘Coached: Studio Painting Experience’ out of all the worthy classes available. You’ll be coached by one of the many professional artists during this laid-back workshop as you make your own distinctive acrylic painting. What’s not to love, especially with the extra advantage of a complimentary drink and sweet dessert treat! The staff here are also welcoming and will put you well at ease, which made it easy for us to add Master Peace to this roundup of the best painting classes in London.
📍You’ll find MasterPeace at 12 Eccleston Yards, London, SW1W 9NF.
🚇 Nearest station is Victoria.
2. Neon Brush
If you’re interested in checking out the hottest paint-and-sip session in London today, take a look at Neon Brush. It’s got neon paints, UV lights and a musical atmosphere that makes it the after-work art class of choice for friends.
When you arrive you will be welcomed in a darkened room solely lit up by UV lights and given a complimentary drink of your choice. This adult-only workshop allows you to tap into your creative side and rediscover your love of paint and let inspiration take the lead. Don’t worry about the materials; you’ll be given painting brushes, paint and a canvas and be guided by a professional artist who will be your Virgil and accompany you through the painting process. Although they’re there to guide you and even teach you a few techniques, it is all up to you to realise your creative vision.
📍 You’ll find Neon Brush at 85 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3LD.
🚇 Nearest station is South Kensington.
3. London Art Classes
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a ten-week course but you want to know about painting in London, then the London Art Classes studio is a perfect choice. You’ll have the choice to pay as you go here, so there’s no reason to feel bad if you have to miss a class for any reason.
Nick Malone, an artist and teacher, is in charge at London Art Classes and delivers three different categories of courses. The first, also referred to as ‘practical studio work’, is a terrific way to get started. All skill levels are welcome, and the small class sizes guarantee you’ll get the attention you require. The second focuses on ‘teaching the fundamentals of painting and drawing’. This implies that you’ll be introduced to a variety of art-related methods every week.
The third feature is really fascinating: Nick will present a brief slide show or film about modern art. He will inform you about the top exhibitions and galleries in London, so that you will be aware of where to go to experience the best art the city has to offer. All of this makes this place a great choice when choosing the best painting classes in London.
📍You’ll find London Art Classes at 165 Childers Street, London, SE8 5JR.
🚇 Nearest stations are Deptford and New Cross.
4. Painting Class with Artistique Paint Club
Whether you’re just starting out or want to get back to painting, all levels are welcome at Artistique Paint Club. This charming painting class is delivered by an expert tutor who will teach you painting fundamentals and even a few tricks of the trade.
The way it works is, you’ll sit among a group of people and friends (old and new) and reproduce a piece of art, but certainly, give it your own personal twist. If you wish, you can also order a glass of wine as an inspiration boost. While the wine is optional, it is definitely encouraged because it tends to make people less aware of their painting abilities, or lack thereof, and helps to really tap into your creative side. You’ll be given all the painting materials needed, such as a canvas, easel, paintbrushes, palette, paints and an apron. Best of all, at the end of the class, you’ll get to take your masterpiece home with you.
📍You’ll find London Art Classes at The Trafalgar Arms, 148-156 Tooting High St, SW17 0RT.
🚇 Nearest station is Tooting Broadway.
5. Paint Party Social Club
The best way to unfold and spark your creativity is to attend one of Merriment Atelier’s events, which are popular for their renowned ‘Paint’ and ‘Sip in Style’ Workshops. This school insists that despite the variety of classes they provide, all of their individual painting techniques have one main objective: ‘to inspire you to live the life you love‘.
You’re guaranteed to enjoy a fantastic time at their forthcoming event, ‘Paint and Sip Party: Lavender Fields in Tuscany’, which will be organised at the Kings Head in Twickenham and will include a complimentary cocktail as well as a canvas and paints. Come alone or with companions, and spend a great time relaxing, sipping, and perfecting a lovely acrylic painting. What a fantastic way to learn about painting in London we say.
📍You’ll find Merriment Atelier at 5 Langdon Park, London, TW11 9PE.
🚇 Nearest stations are Twickenham and Hampton Wick.
6. Freestyle Painting Lab
At these sessions in South Kensington, everyone is invited to go freestyle using a number of different painting techniques, from splattering to using a slingshot. No need to take perfect aim, Freestyle Painting Lab is about letting go and unleashing your creativity on the canvas in whatever way you see fit.
Once kitted out with the provided protective gear, immerse yourself in an hour and a half of free imagination guided by creative experts.
📍You’ll find Freestyle Painting Lab at 85 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3LD.
🚇 Nearest stations are Queensberry Place and South Kensington Station
7. London Fine Arts Studios
The London Fine Arts Studios have a tonne of possibilities for you to pick from. They’ve got both full-time and part-time alternatives available, as well as painting programmes that concentrate on subjects like portraits, still life, and landscapes.
Over an extensive 10-week period, the part-time courses and art classes concentrate on a wide range of techniques. Starting with the fundamentals will prepare you for drawing and painting. At the London Fine Arts Studios, you’ll get the whole package: their mission is to educate artists and equip you with the knowledge you’ll need to succeed on your own.
📍You’ll find London Fine Arts Studios at Battersea Business Centre, 99-109 Lavender Hill, Clapham, London, SW11 5QL.
🚇 Nearest station is Clapham Junction.
8. Paint and Sip at The London Art Bar
You’ll receive expert step-by-step instruction during this enjoyable and innovative painting workshop while you indulge your creative side. Grab some wine and a paintbrush, then you can really let loose at this fun and interesting event.
Everyone must begin somewhere. This course for learning about painting in London is ideal for those who have never used a paintbrush before and are interested in learning all the proper strokes and methods. The ‘Paint and Sip’ session will help you find a new hobby, explore your creativity, and feed your creative hunger – sign us up!
📍You’ll find Paint and Sip at The London Art Bar at 300 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7JH.
🚇 Nearest station is Holborn and Chancery Lane.
9. The Art Academy of London
Don’t be put off by the name; while the Art Academy of London is a university you may enrol in as an art student, they also offer short courses for people who don’t want to pursue an actual degree. They offer courses for all skill levels in painting. Over a 10-week period, there will be just the one lesson per week.
There are no more than 15 students in each class, so you can be assured that you’ll get the best tutoring possible. Speaking of professors, all of the Art Academy of London’s art instructors are professional artists! Please note that only individuals who are 18 years of age or older may enroll in their short courses. However, they do have courses for young minds aged between 12-17 years old.
📍You’ll find The Art Academy of London at 165A Borough High Street, London, SE1 1HR.
🚇 Nearest station is Borough.
10. Sunny Art Centre
One of London’s top art studios is Sunny Art Centre. They provide courses for kids, teenagers, and adults alike, and in terms of painting classes, they offer ‘Chinese Painting’ and ‘Life Drawing’ or ‘Portrait Painting’ courses! When we noticed that this studio offers the rare chance to study Chinese painting in particular, we were immediately drawn to it. Unlike other courses, this particular course is taught one-on-one but don’t be intimidated by that! All skill levels, including novices, are welcome on the course.
It’s also the ideal location to visit if you’re thinking about enrolling in an art school for university. They are experts in assisting artists in developing their portfolios, and will help you every step of the way to improve your skills.
📍You’ll find Sunny Art Centre at 30 Grays Inn Road, Holborn, London, WC1X 8HR.
🚇 Nearest station is Chancery Lane.
11. Slade School of Fine Art
The Slade School of Fine Art, which is one of the top art schools in the UK, has created students like Paula Rego, Stanley Spencer, and Jenny Saville, who have all gone on to have successful careers as professional artists. There are different eight-week courses in painting and other forms of art taught by Ar Slade.
You can be sure that you will be receiving the best training possible because all courses are taught by professional artists, many of whom attended Slade themselves. It should be mentioned that these classes are more suited to intermediate and expert level artists who want to improve their abilities and techniques with the help of a pro, rather than complete beginners.
📍You’ll find Slade School of Fine Art at University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT.
🚇 Nearest station is Euston Square.
12. The Clothed Model with Richmond Art School
Getting to paint a clothed person provides for a completely different range of colour-mixing and expressiveness, and drop-in painting sessions at Richmond Art School in Richmond will aid in deepening your comprehension of this under-appreciated art form.
In the Renaissance period, drapery was frequently used to convey a figure’s form. With the assistance of Alice Neel, an artist, you’ll study the clothed person and will paint the head, hands, and cloth with equally divided attention.
📍You’ll find Richmond Art School at Richmond Adult Community College, Parkshot, Richmond, TW9 2RE.
🚇 Nearest station is Richmond.
13. Central Saint Martins
If you’re a complete beginner, you might choose to enroll in Central Saint Martins’ ‘Beginners’ Painting course’. This course will teach you how to accurately and confidently work with acrylics and oil paint. Chiaroscuro, human body proportion, painting composition, Mark-making techniques, and colour theory are all among the subjects discussed.
If you can’t take the 1-week art course held from Monday to Friday, you can take the oil painting course for five weeks instead, which is held on Saturdays.
📍You’ll find Central Saint Martins at Granary Building, 1 Granary Square, London, N1C 4AA.
🚇 Nearest station is King’s Cross.
As you can see here, you’ll have multiple choices when you’re looking for art classes for painting in London. There is something for everyone, regardless of your experience, whether you are a newbie or you’ve already got your feet wet. So get ready to paint and have a full-on art attack!