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.

ESOP Online Open Day Dec 30th 2020 – 9am to 9pm

Book yourself an appointment to speak to one of our tutors about the courses, workshops and mentorship at the Essential School of Painting… courses are available from January for Continue Reading →

The Painting Year II – 30 Sept 2020 – 30 Jun 2021 Wednesdays 10-5pm

(FULLY BOOKED) The Painting Year is a practical course for those looking to advance their practise, developing their skills and content whilst being guided by two celebrated artists Dan Coombs RCA and Melissa Kime. Continue Reading →

Painting Personal Projects: Saturdays 03 Oct 2020 to 03 July 2021 – 10am to 5pm

(FULLY BOOKED) Painting Personal Projects is a programme taught Dan Coombs with the support of Alison Harper. It’s aim is to give students an opportunity to develop their own work whilst receiving guidance and mentoring in a supportive community of artists and is intended to increase confidence, creativity and a sense of direction; helping to provide strategies for establishing and growing a body of work. Continue Reading →

ONLINE: Contemporary Fine Art Practice with Bob Matthews and Liane Lang – Fridays 02 Oct 2020 to 02 July 2021

(FULLY BOOKED) 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 →

ONLINE: Through the Looking Glass: Painting from the imagination with Dan Coombs – 3rd Aug to 5 Oct 2020 Monday Evenings 6-9pm

On this 10 week online course Dan Coombs will demonstrate some of the techniques and devices required to paint from the imagination. Continue Reading →

ONLINE: Through the Looking Glass: Painting from the imagination with Dan Coombs – 18th May to 20th Jul 2020 Monday Evenings 6-9pm

Through the Looking Glass: Painting from the imagination with Dan Coombs – 27th April to 6th June 2020. On this weekly online course, Dan Coombs will demonstrate some of the techniques and devices required to paint from the imagination. Continue Reading →

ONLINE: Intuitive Abstract Painting: Exploring process and narrative with Alexander James Pollard and Johanna Melvin: 3rd May to 28th June 2020

Prepare yourself for full immersive days incorporating experimentation, playfulness, technical guidance and discussion designed to develop you as an abstract painter. The course offers a fortnightly forum in which you will be encouraged to build your practice and understanding of Intuitive Abstract Painting Continue Reading →

ONLINE: Painting People: The Figure and Portrait – Thursdays 23 Apr to 2 July 2020

The course will be taught by Alison Harper and visiting artist Rosemary Beaton and others. The course aims to explore the elements of portraiture and figure painting and drawing in both systematic and creative ways. Continue Reading →

ONLINE: Missing Nothing: A virtual tour of the Spring and Summer exhibitions with Liane Lang – 10 June to 15 July 2020 Wednesday Evenings 6-9pm

Liane Lang by Scott Mead 2012 Image copyright Scott Mead

Missing Nothing is a virtual tour of the Spring and Summer exhibitions now closed to the public with contemporary artist Liane Lang.
Artist Liane Lang will be presenting weekly sessions on modern and contemporary artists and ideas including some of the art and artists you will be missing out on in London and abroad in the next few weeks due to gallery closures. Continue Reading →