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.

ONLINE: The Bigger Picture Post-grad course – Fridays 12 Nov 2021 – 08 July 2022

Join us and have this incredible opportunity to work within a close-knit group of artists for one year; explore individually and as a group and expand your art practice. Continue Reading →

The Painting Year II Wednesdays: 06 Oct 2021 to 29 Jun 2022

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 →

Intuitive Abstract Painting: Exploring Process and Narrative – alternate Sundays 17 Oct 2021 to 03 July 2022

Fortnightly on Sundays 10.30am to 4.30pm six sessions per term, 3 x terms Artist-tutor: Johanna Melvin Prepare yourself for full Continue Reading →

The Painting Year II Tuesdays: 5 Oct 2021 to 28 Jun 2022

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 →

The ESOP Advanced Painting Course 2021-23 F/T studio Mon – Wed Tutor time

We call for sixteen painters, from as diverse a range of backgrounds as possible, and of any age, to apply for the new Advanced Painting Course at ESOP. The course will take place across a two-year cycle. Successful candidates will be provided with a studio space and materials within the ESOP studio located in Wood Green, London. Continue Reading →

Online: THE SPEAKING BODY with Dan Coombs 18-19 Sept 2021

On this two day online class , Dan Coombs will show how to use the figure to communicate emotion and to create an affect in the viewer. We will explore different poses Continue Reading →

ESOP Newman and Moffat Young Artists Scholarship 2021-22

Applications are now open for the above referred to scholarships. All applications must be received by midnight of the 10th September 2021. Continue Reading →

ONLINE: The Super-power of a sketch book with Guy Allott: 29th July to 30th Sept, 2021

The aim of this course is to develop the skills required to produce sketchbooks which are an inspiration, and which contain all the nuts and bolts of experimentation. Continue Reading →

ONLINE: Painting from the Imagination with Dan Coombs – July 19th to Sept 20th, 2021

Messenger by Dan Coombs

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