Painting The Contemporary Figure: Thursdays 2 Oct 2025 to 2 July 2026

Thursdays 10 – 5pm
Artist-tutors: Melissa Kime and Archie Franks
All art materials are included on the course with exception of canvas that can be purchased from the school.
Join us for an in-studio course designed to nurture your creativity within a vibrant and dynamic artistic community. 

Under the expert guidance of Melissa and Archie, you will work with a live model and draw on a range of sources (photographs, film stills, drawings, memories, and imagination) to develop experimental approaches that yield unexpected, expressive outcomes, ultimately culminating in a cohesive body of work.

Each week, you’ll engage in group critiques and benefit from one-to-one sessions with your tutors. These sessions focus on your individual needs, helping you master essential techniques such as blending and layering to achieve nuanced skin tones and intricate hair textures, while also encouraging imaginative methods to define your personal artistic style.

If you’re ready to push the boundaries of your practice, we invite you to join our supportive community of artists in our main studio in Wood Green, London

TermDates
Oct Term 20252 October to 10 December
Half term 6 November
January Term 202615 January to 26 March
Half Term 19 February
April Term 202623 April to 2 July
Half Term 28 May 
Exhibition DatesTBC

About the tutors

Questions? Please use the form below
In brief what is your enquiry about?

If Sunday is the first day of the week, what day is the fourth day of the week?

Please answer the question above and tick the box below to verify you are not a robot
Image copyright belong to the artist or school. All rights reserved.

About The Essential School Of Painting

The Essential School of Painting (ESOP) is an alternative art school based in Wood Green, London, specialising in painting and drawing classes taught by leading contemporary artists. The ESOP offers exciting, intellectually rigorous courses with the intention of advancing painting. Classes are available for all levels of experience.