Annual fee £1420 Fee per term £545
Venue: ESOP Main Studio, Wood Green, London, N22
For google map click here | For What3words here
Join our fortnightly painting course dedicated to exploring the many paths that lead artists into abstract practice.
Led by professional artist Johanna Melvin, sessions take place in the school’s spacious main studio, offering a supportive environment that includes one-to-one tutorials, group critiques, and open discussions.
Course description:
This programme delivers comprehensive guidance in essential painting methods, processes, and materials—providing not only a route into abstraction but also sustainable approaches to ongoing practice. Whether you’re new to abstract painting or a seasoned artist aiming to refine your skills and build confidence, the course encourages each participant to pursue personal areas of inquiry and intuitive experimentation.
In addition to practical studio work, Approaches to Abstraction includes presentations and conversations about the context, history, and contemporary debates surrounding abstract art. This thoughtful balance between making and learning deepens your understanding of painting as an expressive medium.
If you’d like to discuss whether this course is a good fit for you, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Practical Details
- All essential art materials are provided in the studio (canvas can be purchased at a discounted rate).
- Spaces are limited to twelve participants, so early registration is encouraged.
Come discover new perspectives on abstraction and expand your creative your development as an artist in a warm and constructive community.
About the tutor…
Johanna Melvin
Course timetable 2025 -2026
| TERM | DATES |
|---|---|
| October term 2025 | 12 October to 21 December |
| January Term 2026 | 18 January to 29 March |
| April Term 2026 | 26 April to 05 July |
| Exhibition | TBA |
Past work by students
Testimonials
The Approaches to Abstraction course really helped me develop a stronger visual language and enabled me to develop the confidence to make decisions with course tutorJohanna Melvin’s guidance. The playful element of working intuitively allowed me to get quite expansive, but as the course progressed I was able to be discerning about how to bring a work to completion. It’s been a wonderful stepping stone for my work and the experience of showing with the other ESOP students in a Summer show was fantastic. The Essential School of Painting is a great discovery and I would really recommend getting on a course there!
– Gina Cross. Curator & artist
Over the last several years, whether on concrete or canvas, with spray can or oil paint, I have pursued a desire to create large expressive imagery and have been constantly looking at the ways and reasons to make ‘art’. In signing up to the Approaches to Abstraction course, led by Johanna Melvin at THESOP, I was given the perfect space and support to do this. I was able to learn new technical skills, explore new and interesting mark making techniques, receive in the moment feedback from tutor and fellow students and examine how intention versus chance play their parts in the work I create. I can’t recommend the ESOP highly enough. The space, the tutors, the guidance is a great combination and a great place for any artist to grow their creativity.
– Stephen Bushe. Creative Director @stephenbushearts
The Approaches to Abstraction course with Johanna Melvin has been nothing short of outstanding for me. I joined the course as I was stuck and didn’t know how to move ahead from where I was in my art journey. Guidance and insights during the course helped me find a new way of thinking and seeing abstraction. I have evolved more in my style, understanding of colour and mark making. What was fascinating for me was how each student on the course produced their own unique work, despite using the same lessons and tools provided. I really enjoyed working with such a lovely group of people and constructive criticism from Jo and my fellow students helped my art to grow. The cherry on the top however were both the group gallery visits and the end of the year showcase. It’s been a pleasure to learn from Johanna at The Essential School of Painting. I would urge anyone who is interested to join the course to explore fresh perspectives towards abstraction.
– Neha Nandedkar. Lighting design and artist
@neha.nandedka
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