The Essential School of Painting

The Essential School of Painting - Painting Personal Projects Course Id done several painting courses in the past and wasnt sure about doing anymore but Im so glad I decided to attend the ESOP Painting Personal Projects course. Its excellent. The course is well-structured with some imaginative and challenging exercises to participate in. Ive 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.
Dec 7th, 2022

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.
Dec 4th, 2022

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.
May 13th, 2022

Such a great art school - the tutors are wonderful, the classes are inspiring, and the studio space is great too. Thanks for this valuable experience!
Sep 24th, 2021

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 others 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!
Jun 15th, 2021