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.

Woodcut Workshop Jan 18 to Mar 1, 2019

Fridays 10.30 to 1.30pm (Half term 22 Feb) Limited to 6 participants – book now to avoid disappointment. Tutor: Guy Continue Reading →

Book Launch & Audience with Sandy Moffat OBE RSA in conversation with Alison Harper

20th APRIL 2018 18:00 to 21:00 Drinks 18:00 -18:30 Entry Fee: Donation (Please feel free to donate any amount, click Continue Reading →

DRAWING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX: A Contemporary Drawing Year – Fridays, 12 Jan 2018 to 6 July 2018

Drawing outside the box is taught by Jessica Voorsanger with Liane Lang, Jessie Brennan & visiting lectures by Margarita Gluzberg, Mary Doyle and Continue Reading →

Weaving the Thread: Painting and the Imagination with Adrian Wiszniewski RSA: 16-18 March 2018

First anachronism of the day by Adrian Wiszniewski RSA 2011

In this 3 day course Adrian Wiszniewski shows us how we can access the resources of our imagination through guided exercises, giving Continue Reading →

Oil Painting for beginners with Guy Allott 12 Jan to 9 Mar 2018

Come and learn step by step approaches to oil painting. We will cover materials and methods of oil painting including supports Continue Reading →

The Bigger Picture with Bob and Roberta Smith: Tuesdays, 26 Sept 2017 – 3 July 2018

This year long course which will run every Tuesday from 26th  Sep 2017 to 3rd July 2018, 10am – 5pm. Annual Fee £2200 or Continue Reading →

Painting People: The Figure and Portrait – Thursdays 28 Sept 2017 to 5 July 2018

1 Place available Two Term Fee £1225 Fee per term £650 Classes run from 10am to 5pm (see below for Continue Reading →

The Image Obsession Question Student Exhibition 2017

Students of the course The Bigger Picture, which is designed and taught by Bob and Roberta Smith RA, hold their End Continue Reading →