About The Essential School Of Painting

The Essential School of Painting (ESOP) is an alternative art school based in Wood Green, London, specialising in painting and drawing classes taught by leading contemporary artists. The ESOP offers exciting, intellectually rigorous courses with the intention of advancing painting. Classes are available for all levels of experience.

Painting People The Figure and Portrait: Thursdays 18 April to 27 Jun 2024

This course aims to explore the elements of portraiture and figure painting and drawing in both systematic and creative ways. Continue Reading →

APPLICATIONS OPEN for The ESOP Advanced Painting Course 2024-26 with full time studio & Mon – Wed Tutor time

This 2 year course starts on 23rd September 2024 to 27th June 2026. The course comes with a studio that is accessible throughout the two year including the summer of 2025. Continue Reading →

ONLINE: Contemporary Fine Art Practice – 19 April to 28 Jun 2024

The Contemporary Fine Art course is aimed at a broad range of artists and levels of experience and seeks to develop a community where practical and theoretical skills can be explored and established with emphases on making, presenting, talking and thinking about art. Continue Reading →

Studio course: The Painting Year II Tuesdays: 16 April to 25 Jun 2024 (10-5pm)

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 →

Approaches to Abstraction with Johanna Melvin: Alternate Sundays 14 April to 23 Jun 2024 (10.30-4.30pm)

Prepare yourself for fully immersive days incorporating experimentation, play, technical guidance and detailed discussion designed to develop your understanding and facility as an abstract painter. Continue Reading →

The Painting Year 1, Materials, Methods and Ideas : Mondays 15 Apr to 1 Jul 2024 (10-5pm)

The Painting Year I is a practical course which aims to fill in all the gaps you never knew you had in your understanding and practice of painting. It is suitable for beginn Continue Reading →