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.

Student Gallery: “Ways into Narrative Painting” with Henry Kondracki May 2014

Student Testimonial: “Ways into Narrative Painting” with Henry Kondracki May 2014

The weekend of May the 17th and 18th was one filled with quiet excitement. Narrative painting can be both daunting Continue Reading →

Student Gallery: “Ways into Portraiture” with Alexander (Sandy) Moffat OBE RSA April 2014

“Ways Into Portraiture” with Alexander (Sandy) Moffat OBE RSA

We’ve just had a fantastic and inspiring weekend with Sandy delving deeply into approaches to painting portraits. From the onset Continue Reading →