Author Archives: Andrew Wamae

About Andrew Wamae

Andrew Wamae is the Director and co-founder of the Essential School of Painting (ESOP). He has a deeply held belief in the power of art to transform lives and society, and a particular interest in exploring new models for art education beyond school; championing the twin ideals of excellence and affordability in a highly pressurised sector when university fees are soaring and student/ tutor contact time is at an all time low. Andrew is particularly keen to ensure that the visual arts continue to be supported and thrive well. A creative, innovative and visionary professional, Andrew, in conjunction with his co-founder Alison Harper, has transformed the Essential School of Painting from humble beginnings to an established institution holding from one-day to year-long courses and workshops for all levels of experience; from beginners to postgraduate and professional artists. He has managed to enlist the support of a long list of celebrated artists from multiple fields in the creative industry to teach or lecture at the school or in their studios.

Exhibition Glasgow Girls ‘Resist Much, Obey Little’ 17 – 27 Nov 2023

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Resist much, obey little is an exhibition of three painters namely Rosemary Beaton, Lesley Burr and Alison Harper. Continue Reading →

Studio course: The Painting Year II Wednesdays: 4 Oct 2023 to 26 June 2024

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The Painting Year II is a practical course for those looking to advance their practice, develop their skills and content whilst being guided by experienced and celebrated painters. Continue Reading →

Studio course – Oil Painting for beginners with Alison Harper: Wednesday Evening 19 Apr to 28 Jun 2023 (6-9pm)

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Come and learn step by step approaches to oil painting. We will cover materials and methods of oil painting including supports and surfaces, brushes and paint mediums… Continue Reading →

(COMPLETED) Online Summer School: Painting from the mind’s eye with Dan Coombs 8-11 Sept 2020 : Tues – Fri 10.30am to 4.30pm

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This is an intensive five day course that will be utilising ideas about painting from the imagination , and will be important to artists who have always wanted to explore the imaginary in painting but have felt unsure how to enter this difficult terrain. Continue Reading →

ONLINE: The Super-power of a sketch book with Guy Allott: 7th May to 16th Jul 2020 – Thursday Evenings 6-9pm

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The aim of this course is to develop the skills required to produce sketchbooks which are an inspiration, and which contain all the nuts and bolts of experimentation. A sketchbook – like life – should reflect the life and times of the artist, including the mishaps and the triumphs. They should be both revealing and indecipherable, ultimately assisting the artist in mastering their creativity. Continue Reading →