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.

Studio course: The Painting Year II Wednesdays: 2nd Oct 2024 to 2nd July 2025 (10-5pm)

The Painting Year II on Wednesdays 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 →

Introduction to Portraiture in Oils 24 October to 12 December 2024 (Thurs 6-9pm)

An engaging and accessible ‘Introduction to Portraiture’ course. This eight week course is perfect for immersing yourself in figurative oil painting. Continue Reading →

(Evenings) Oil Painting for Beginners with Alison Harper: Oct 16 – Dec 11, 2024 Wednesdays 6-9pm

Come and learn step by step approaches to oil painting. Continue Reading →

Painting The Contemporary Figure: Thursdays 03 Oct 2024 to 3 July 2025

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

Advanced Abstraction Year  6 Oct 2024 to 13 July 2025 – 10am to 5pm

Ideal for experienced abstract painters looking to refresh or reboot their painting practice. 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 →

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 →

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 →