The 14-week journey
From never-held-a-pencil to your own exhibition
Not picked up a pencil since school? You're exactly who this course is designed for. Over fourteen relaxed weeks you'll go from complete beginner to exhibiting your own work — with a glass of wine in hand and your family looking on.
Module 1
Weeks 1–3 · Drawing
We begin with the foundations upon which everything else on our course is built. Using a variety of pencils, charcoal and crayon, you will explore mark-making, shading, tone, perspective plus face and body proportions. This is the most technical part of the course but it is taught with patience and support along the way. Most students are amazed at their progress in just three weeks.
Module 2
Weeks 4–5 · Oil Pastels
Dipping into colour - this is a playful module enabling you to explore colour blending and understanding colour contrasts which can make such a difference to a piece of work. Oil pastels are a forgiving medium - a lovely way to loosen up and start thinking like an artist.
Module 3
Weeks 6–8 · Watercolour
Learning a little more about the basics of colour theory and the colour wheel, our beginners watercolour class is a gentle, step-by-step introduction to this medium which has many varied techiques to explore. Over the 3 weeks of watercolours, you will do very different topics to get the best overall experience.
Module 4
Weeks 9–12 · Acrylics
Four weeks to be bold. Acrylics are where most students create the piece they're proudest of — and the one that ends up on the wall. Advancing more on colour mixing and using new and different techniques students are able to learn about impasto, mark making and so much more in this fun painting module.
Mounting
Week 13 · Exhibition
As we head towards the end our our course, we will show you how to frame some of your favourite pieces of artwork by using simple ready cut coloured mounts. Each unique piece deserves a mount that will display it to its very best and by using either contrasting or coordinating colours your art will shine! Students will also have the opportunity to finish off any last minute additions to their work.
The Exhibition
Week 14 · Exhibition
This is the moment our students have been working towards – From taking those first (sometimes nervous) steps, all the way through to presenting their artwork, beautifully framed and ready to be admired. A wonderfully enjoyable social evening which showcases just how much has been achieved in the previous 13 weeks; an opportunity for students to really embrace their own achievements and the achievements of others. Friends, family and the wider public are all welcome to drop in to spend time at this exciting and well-loved event.
The practical bits
- ✓ Designed for complete beginners — no experience needed
- ✓ Small classes with plenty of one-to-one help from talented tutors
- ✓ A relaxed, friendly and supportive class (with music!)
- ✓ Most materials are included in the course fee
Next course
Autumn 2026
14-week course for £399
“But I can’t draw…”
You’re exactly who this is for. A few common worries:
I have no experience - is this ok?
Absolutely – Our course is designed to teach the basics – in fact most of our students say they have not done any art since their schooldays.
What happens if I miss a class?
Each week is a different topic and as such has a weekly handout. If for any reason you are unable to make a class (life happens), we will always ensure you have the relevant handout which will instruct you on how to do the piece at home. You are then welcome to bring it into the next class for our tutor to evaluate and give tips.
Are materials included?
The majority of materials are included in the price of the course however, initially you will need some items to get started. These can either purchased as a starter pack from us or you are welcome to bring along your own items. You will be informed ahead of time about what is needed for each class.
Will I be expected to do any 'homework'?
No – we never set homework. However, many of our students either take home and work on the piece they started in class or start a new one and bring in in to show the following week. If you choose to do this, the tutor will always be happy to give feedback.
How many people are in a class?
Our class sizes range from around 14 – 18 people per session. We aim to keep the numbers fairly low which allows the tutor to give some individual time to each person.
Is there any parking at the venue?
Our classes take place in an easy-to-access ground floor location in a modern building. Paid parking is available nearby, along with Richmond buses, trains and underground a short walk away.