Tutors: Melissa Kime and Archie Franks
Thurs 10 – 5pm 10 week term fee : £795
The aim of this course it provide creative approaches to working with the figure . Working in studio the course offers a chance to expand your practice and explore innovative approaches to figurative painting.
All art materials are included on the course with exception of canvas that can be purchased from the school.
You will work with different source materials including live models and sources such as photographs, film stills, drawings, memories, and your imagination. The course will encourage you to develop experimental methods that lead to personal and expressive outcomes.
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 to work in a range of techniques, while also encouraging imaginative methods to develop your personal artistic vision”
Course timetable
| January Term 2026 | 15 January to 26 March Half Term 19 February |
| April Term 2026 | 23 April to 2 July Half Term 28 May |
About the tutors
Melissa Kime
Archie Franks
Testimonials – 2024-25
A year of thoughtful compositions…
I loved my year on the Thursday course, so different from other courses. Melissa and Archie, both unique and inspiring artists, explore a different theme each week (artists, topics, scenes), give historical and contemporary context, provide charismatic models and to build ideas around – and set us to take it forward as suited our personal styles. A year of thoughtful compositions, real artistic growth, and great camaraderie within the class.
Definitely five stars!
Karen
Goldschmidt
I was amazed by how much I got from this course...
I was challenged and encouraged in equal measures. It was a privilege to be taught by two painters who are so knowledgeable and create such good work.
Coll
McDonnell
I’ve been inspired by art history, contemporary artists, film and literature…
I have enjoyed and gained so much from this course that I’ve taken it for 2 years running.
Archie and Melissa complement each other perfectly, offering their students freedom of expression, along with expert tuition, and encouraging them to reach their full potential. Within a framework of set projects I’ve been inspired by art history, contemporary artists, film and literature as well as furthering my imaginative expression.
Hilary
Pearson
ESOP is an art school with the biggest heart and soul…
This course led by the empathic, talented and hugely knowledgeable duo of superb art tutors could not have come at a better time for me. It was a difficult personal year for me and even though I could not be present for every session, I was supported incredibly by Melissa, Archie and the whole group. ESOP is an art school with the biggest heart and soul, passion for the arts at its centre. I could not recommend it more highly.
Elaine
Zaple Gulliver
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