About The Essential School Of Painting

The Essential School of Painting (ESOP) is an independent art school in London, built on our belief that painting is a living discipline, progressed through sustained practice. We are a place where painters teach painters, carrying a painter from first steps, through year-long courses, to our postgraduate two-year Advanced Painting Course. For over twenty years, painters of the first rank, Academicians and artists of international standing, have taught, exhibited and spoken in our studios. We openly welcome all to join our community. That welcome is encapsulated in our motto, Animus ad Creandum, the courage to create.

Courses available in 2025-2026

We offer a range of in-studio and online courses, including yearlong programmes taught once a week and ESOP’s renowned two-year Advanced Painting Course (2025–27), which provides each student with a dedicated full-time studio. Continue Reading →

Studio course: The Painting Year II Tuesdays: 14 Jan to 1st July 2025 (10-5pm)

ONE PLACE REMAINING: The Painting Year 2 art class offers a practical course tailored for individuals aiming to enhance their skills and content under the guidance of experienced painters. Continue Reading →

Approaches to Abstraction with Johanna Melvin: (Alternate Sundays) 19 Jan to 06 July 2025 (10.30-4.30pm)

Join the fortnightly painting course focused on abstract art led by Johanna Melvin. The course covers key painting techniques and encourages both new and experienced artists. Continue Reading →

Painting Personal Projects with artists Guy Allott, Joana Galego and Alison Harper: Saturdays 18 Jan to 5 July 2025 (10-5pm)

The Painting Personal Projects programme provides artists with the opportunity to develop their work in a supportive and nurturing environment. Guided by experienced artists, participants will benefit from personal tutorials, engaging group discussions, and a collaborative atmosphere… Continue Reading →

ONLINE: Advanced Painting Personal Projects with Adrian Wiszniewski RSA and Rosanna Dean – Mondays 13 Jan to 7 July 2025

This online course is designed to foster your creative growth within a supportive community. Continue Reading →

(Thurs online course) Painting The Contemporary Figure with Tim Patrick: 16 Jan to 3 Jul 2025 (10-5pm)

This October join us online for this course focused on enhancing portraiture and figurative painting skills under artist Tim Patrick’s guidance, amid a supportive community. Continue Reading →

Online: Developing Your Art Practice – 17 Jan to 4 Jul 2025: Fortnightly on Friday (10.00-17.00hrs)

Tutors: Bob Matthews and Annie Cattrell FRSS RSA Two-term Fee £930 One term fee 485 This class is full. If Continue Reading →

The Painting Year 1, Materials, Methods and Ideas : Fridays 17 Jan to 4 Jul 2025 (10-5pm)

Painting Year 1 course (PY1)is on Materials, Methods and Ideas is a practical course which aims to fill in all the gaps you never knew you had in your understanding and practice of painting. The course is suitable for beginners level ( Continue Reading →