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.

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 →

Painting Techniques: A Practical Guide through Time (20-21 Century Art) 24 April to 3 July 2017

20th to 21st Century Art Tutor Anthony Daley Learn the methods and respond to the multiple developments in painting and Continue Reading →