The Essential School of Painting - London Art School

I have had a very positive experience at the Essential School of Painting, having completed two courses there, and seen my work develop enormously over the last 2 years. The tutors are practising artists and very committed to student learning, classes are small so there is plenty of individual teaching as well as group discussion, and the School has a very welcoming relaxed atmosphere. The teaching has really improved my technical competency in painting methods and materials, as well as a very positive impact on my confidence and creativity. It has been a very good experience as a student to be part of a community of artists on these courses, sharing ideas and experiences. I thoroughly recommend the Essential School of Painting to anyone who is looking for painting courses that are serious about helping students develop their ideas, technical skills and their creativity.
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My daughter attended the foundation course this last year, passed with flying colors and has been accepted at Chelsea College for BA in Fine Arts on basis of completing and passing this course.
Fantastic school, top quality teaching from some renowned artists and the staff are so helpful and encouraging. Nice human, uninstitutional feel about the school where the individual is cared about and catered for.
Would recommend this school to anyone serious about taking their art to another level.

Having had a break from my artistic practice, gaining a scholarship for ESOP gave me the opportunity to return to my practice with the benefit of a classroom setting. Having the help from the amazing tutors and the support that comes from being in a group of other art students allowed me to push my work in new directions. And set one day a week aside to experiments again and learn about new artists and techniques. At the time I wouldn't have been able to afford to take this course without the scholarship so am grateful of the opportunity it gave me. Much of the work I made within the course made it's way to my Masters portfolio and has led to me gaining a place at Glasgow School of Art for this September. As an early stage artist having the support that the course gave me has really helped me to take my practice seriously again and be hopeful of building a career for myself within the arts.

I highly recommend the Essential School of Painting. The quality of teaching both online and in-person is excellent and tutors are generous with their time and knowledge. The atmosphere is welcoming, inclusive and inspiring. Visiting tutors/artist talks are of a very high standard. The ESOP does not teach a particular style, but tackles the subject of painting equally from a practical and intellectual standpoint, most importantly rooting itself in contemporary discourse.

The Essential School of Painting - Painting Personal Projects Course

I’d done several painting courses in the past and wasn’t sure about doing anymore but I’m so glad I decided to attend the ESOP Painting Personal Projects course. It’s excellent.

The course is well-structured with some imaginative and challenging exercises to participate in. I’ve learnt a great deal about techniques, colour, composition and how to generate ideas for paintings. Since completing the first term, I feel more confident about my work.

The tutors are extremely knowledgeable, very supportive and encouraging. I find Saturdays at the ESOP studios a wonderful, friendly, creative space in which to paint and improve my knowledge and skills.

The Painting Personal Projects course is perfect for anybody who wants to improve their painting and is looking for a friendly and supportive environment in which to do it.

The Essential School of Painting has an exceptional ethos. I feel very lucky to have found a place that encourages one's own painting style by teachers who have a huge back drop of knowledge to be inspired by. Do not hesitate! Nice students too, many repeat customers (which I found reassuring going into my 2nd year there). Thank you to the warm and wonderful directors, Alison and Andrew for galvanising us all during lock down. (If you are looking for an online class, they have that nailed too!)

My experience at the ESOP has been really good. Our teacher, Dan Coombs, is truly invested in my work and growth as a painter. The teaching is always constructive and relevant with a contained sense of my learning process. The class group is kind and supportive when reflecting about each other’s work, which broadened my thinking and experience of art. Also the administration is friendly, efficient and committed. Studying at the ESOP has been a very positive experience and I wholeheartedly recommend the ESOP to anyone who wants to study there!

A positive experience in every way. Our tutor Archie Franks never failed to inspire with his encouragement and enthusiasm. By pushing us on to explore different approaches he helped me re-engage with what matters in my painting practice.