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.

Drawing Portraits in Pastel with Sandy Moffat OBE RSA: Saturday 18th March 2017 – 10am to 5pm

Portraiture - Working with the model at the Essential School of Painting (2) ©Alison Harper

THIS CLASS IN NOW FULL If you would like to be updated on future classes at the Essential School of Painting Continue Reading →

Evening Class: Drawing Portraits with Allan Ramsay: 23 February to 23 March 2017

Every Thursday 6.00pm to 9.00pm join BP National Portrait Award winner Allan Ramsay on this adventure into drawing from the live model Continue Reading →

Evening Class: Painting & Personal Projects with Anthony Daley 22 Feb – 22 Mar 2017

Wednesday Evenings 6pm to 9pm FEE £150 1 PLACE REMAINING     Every wednesday evening, in class  of 6 participants (allows for Continue Reading →

TheESOP Artists in Studio Series: An Audience with Rebecca Salter RA ~ 11 March 2017

The Essential School of Painting presents a rare opportunity to spend part of the day (10.30-13.30) with Rebecca Salter RA  in Continue Reading →