My decision to join the ESOP Advanced Painting Course felt like one of my bravest decisions of my adult life . After dropping out of art school as a teenager, I had secretly longed to return to a formal art education once the time was right. Truth is … the time is never right and I just needed to prioritise what I wanted from my life for a change , which was to paint . I initially explored traditional art schools and had attended a summer school which galvanised my decision to commit to further education. The only problem was where? all I was hearing from fellow students was a negative under current on teacher/mentor input from the traditional art schools and at the cost that was involved I was put off . I’m a full time working mum, I initially joined ESOP’S yearlong Saturday course as I was convinced I couldn’t possibly juggle a balanced home life, an artistic practice and work. So I eased myself into ESOP with this this course . I quickly felt that one day a week wasn’t enough! The growth and confidence I gained in my artistic practice from this year-long course convinced me that this was the type of environment I needed to pursue. The careful input from tutors, the regular lectures and group critiques; the stuff of “ real” art schools of the past . I applied and the advanced painting course has been an amazing experience so far. Not only are the weekly lectures, critiques , one to one mentoring and gallery visits inspiring , the environment is perfect . We have our own bright studios, working alongside fellow artists and it feels like I’ve found my tribe . I’m finding a new energy and motivation to succeed in painting that I hadn’t felt before . It’s something I wished I’d done years ago … so watch this space!! I feel what we have on the advanced painting course are such a lovely bunch of very friendly and talented artists with the right opportunity to really develop and grow.
Caroline Lovett
“I’ve been a student at The ESOP for 7 months on the Advanced Painting Course. I have met amazing artists, especially our tutors, who have guided us through our work with enormous dedication and time. There have been talks with visiting artists every second week. We have visited painters working in their studios and exhibiting. A wonderful community, good vibes, and great studio spaces. It has impacted my work and me as a person.”
Petra Williams
I’m really enjoying the Advanced painting course so much, I feel alive and excited to be part of an amazing group, with lots of tutored time, mostly 3 days a week, which is incredible. There is always someone around to turn to for help, whether it’s stretching a canvas or to help you unblock your mind if you have a mental block
L.H.
The advance painting course has proved to be one of the best decisions I have made! Not only do you have total access to your studio space throughout the two years, the individual tutorials have helped considerably, seeing a group of artists that tutor , inspire and guide you on a regular basis has definitely been beneficial. Also having guests Artists talking about there work and process- going to exhibitions – has been so inspiring. This is a rare opportunity to be a part of a group of artists advancing on a creative journey collectively.
Gail Corrie