Heatherley School of Fine Art

One of the last proper art schools around. Bit quirky but to learn traditional techniques in drawing and painting it must be one of the best. I learnt loads...

The home of portraiture, oil painting, and all things fine art.

I have been coming to the school for years now, starting with part-time courses and currently finishing full time Diploma in Portraiture. Very stimulating and enlightening experience for anyone preparing to be an artist. Not free from artistic challenges and obstacles, as an artist's life should be.

I did a two year diploma in Painting and Printmaking at Heatherleys, was taught by a large number of staff (at least 15) who were all very professional and inspiring. Heatherleys takes pride in teaching drawing skills, but for me even more helpful was hearing from teachers what else is involved in a contemporary artist's life, as they all continue to do art themselves.

When doing a full time course it's important to be self-motivated though, as there is a lot of work involved and three taught days per week translate to at least five days of painting if you want to get the most out of it. Also, it is obviously not possible to share the same artistic vision with each of your teachers but I think at Heatherleys you can develop your own vision and style quite freely.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Heatherley's to anyone either new to art, experienced at it in some way or who have been away from the practice for many years. The tutors are experienced and sympathetic and are wonderful teachers. Heatherley's welcomes everyone, from all walks of life and all ages. The most important thing for me is that it's a vibrant and friendly community of like minded people and fellow artists, and communities as such are hard to find these days. To be cherished.

Heatherleys has been an empowering spring board for my further education and career. Most importantly my passion for art and its endless possibilities is ignited every time I walk into the building.

What a lovely experience to see the students work. My wife really enjoys her art classes at Heatherleys and I enjoy watching the paintings and sculptures in a jovial atmosphere.

Nice