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Classical oil painting technique study at Sunny Art Centre, Covent Garden

London's Top Rated

Welcome to Sunny Art Centre

Discover Classical Art Training at Its Best

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Art Classes in London, Drawing & Painting Courses at Sunny Art Centre

Sunny Art Centre offers professional art classes in London for adults, children, and portfolio students. Located in Covent Garden, our art courses include drawing, watercolour, acrylic and oil painting, taught by experienced artists in a supportive atelier-style studio environment.

Long-Established Fine Art Academy in Central London

Structured, long-term training in drawing and painting for adults, aspiring art students, and creative professionals.

Atelier-Style Art Instruction

Classical teaching grounded in observation, tonal studies, colour theory, and traditional drawing and painting techniques.

Small Class Sizes, Individual Guidance

Limited groups ensure every student receives thoughtful one-to-one feedback and personalised instruction during each session.

Dedicated Central London Art Studio

Study in our Covent Garden art studio, a calm and purpose-built environment designed specifically for serious art practice.

Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Virgin_and_Child_with_Ss_Anne_and_John_the_Baptist at sunny art centre (1) copy

Organisations We’ve Worked With

Sunny Art Centre has worked with leading organisations, universities and cultural institutions in London and internationally.

  • The National Gallery
  • Royal Academy of Arts
  • Southbank Centre
  • Somerset House
  • The Museum of East Asian Art
  • National Art Museum of China
  • China Central Academy of Fine Arts
  • University of Birmingham
  • BBC Worldwide
  • ITV
  • Harrods
  • Selfridges & Co
  • HSBC
  • Freshfields
  • Giorgio Armani
  • Givenchy
  • L’Oréal Paris
  • Viktor & Rolf
  • Westfield London

Drawing & Painting Courses at London Sunny Art Centre

Our programmes follow a clear academic progression, allowing students to develop from foundational drawing skills to advanced painting and specialist Old Master studies. Each pathway is designed to support long-term artistic growth rather than isolated, short-term results.

_Jan van Huysum, Hollyhocks and Other Flowers in a Vase

ART MASTER COURSES

Master Classical Drawing and Painting Techniques with Expert Art Tutors

An Academic, Atelier-Based Approach

Sunny Art Centre follows a structured, atelier-inspired model of teaching. Rather than offering disconnected "drop-in" workshops, our courses are designed as a coherent training path that builds real, lasting skill.

Observation First

Students are trained to see with precision. Cast studies, still life arrangements, and portrait work encourage a disciplined approach to proportion, gesture, and tonal structure.

Sound Craftsmanship

We emphasise materials, craftsmanship, and traditional processes—how to prepare and handle supports, build layers of paint, and maintain a professional studio practice.

Individual Guidance

Within each class, tutors adjust their tuition to each student's level, correcting drawings directly, demonstrating techniques, and setting personalised exercises.

Dialogue with Art History

Our teaching is grounded in the traditions of European painting and drawing, while remaining open to contemporary practice. The Old Masters are a living resource.

ART & DESIGN PORTFOLIO PREPARATION

architecture and interier design course london -2

Prepare a competitive portfolio for art and design university applications with our Art Portfolio Preparation course in London. Guided by professional artists, students develop technical skills, creative thinking, and a cohesive body of work for admission to leading art schools.

Kids & Teens Art Classes in London

Our Kids & Teens programmes introduce young artists (ages 7–17) to the fundamentals of drawing and painting in a calm, structured environment.

Under the guidance of professional tutors, students learn:

  • How to observe shape, proportion, and light
  • How to work confidently with pencil, charcoal, and paint
  • How to build a coherent body of work over time

We offer:

  • Weekly Sunday classes
  • Half-term and holiday courses
  • Portfolio support for GCSE, A-level, and art school entry

HALF TERM ART COURSE

Classes are deliberately small, allowing us to nurture each student's confidence, creativity, and technical fluency.

LIFE DRAWING & PAINTING CLASS IN LONDON

life drawing class london sunny art centre

Develop your observational skills through professional life drawing classes in London at Sunny Art Centre. Working from a live model, students explore proportion, gesture, anatomy, light and tonal structure in a focused studio environment.

Our classes welcome beginners, intermediate and advanced artists, with tutors providing individual guidance to help each student improve their drawing skills.

Located in Covent Garden, central London, our studio offers a calm and supportive setting for studying the human figure.

TIMETABLE

Every Tuesday 6:30–8:30 pm

Life Drawing & Painting Class

How Our Art Courses Work

Our structured programme makes Sunny Art Centre one of the most established places to study drawing and painting classes in London.

Lesson Structure

  • 2-hour sessions
  • Carefully structured exercises for each level
  • Clear progression from fundamental drawing to advanced painting projects

Levels & Progression

  • Foundations: drawing basics, line, proportion, simple tonal studies
  • Intermediate: cast drawing, more complex still life, introduction to paint
  • Advanced: portrait, figure, Old Master-inspired projects, independent work

Flexible Attendance

  • Multiple weekly time slots
  • Evening and weekend options
  • Lesson credits allow you to book across different classes and tutors

Studio & Online Options

  • Study in our Covent Garden studio
  • Join selected courses online
  • Maintain continuity even when travelling or based abroad

Student Experience

What students say about learning here, in their own words.

“The flexible timetable really works well and means you can pick and choose times and tutors to suit your own convenience. Everyone is really friendly and the classes are small so you can be sure of individual attention.”

Kerstin Highland

Google review

“This place is exactly what I’ve been looking for for so long. I love going there; it’s cozy, creative, and welcoming. The teachers are very patient and kind, and they help us progress at our own pace.”

Christine

Google review

“A lovely studio space with talented, passionate and knowlegable teachers who take students through rigorous foundation building assignments and into their own works of art.”

Rebecca Emery

Google review

“The tutors are not only skilled artists but also amazing teachers — they break down complex techniques into simple, clear steps that are easy to follow.”

Stephen Ray Andrada

Google review

“I learned so much more than I expected. Very pleasant environment and high standards of teaching. Matt, Minko, Robin and Yinjie are all excellent teachers.”

Elena Cyra

Google review

“The superior geographical location, comfortable learning environment and unparalleled faculty make me look forward to coming here every week.”

Hailing Sun

Google review

“The tutors are incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about art, guiding students through every step with clear explanations and practical demonstrations.”

Pongpit Thaweekidsomboon

Google review

Student interview

Art Classes in London: Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about learning to draw or paint? Find answers to common questions about courses, teaching and booking at Sunny Art Centre in Covent Garden.

What art courses does Sunny Art Centre offer?

Sunny Art Centre offers drawing, oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolour, life drawing and Chinese painting courses in London. We also provide private art tuition, art and design portfolio preparation, specialist masterclasses, and art courses for children and teenagers.

Where is Sunny Art Centre?

Our studio is at Bruce House, Kemble Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 4AW. Nearby Underground stations include Covent Garden and Holborn, making the studio convenient for students travelling to Central London for daytime, evening or weekend art classes.

Are your art classes suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. You can join without previous drawing or painting experience. Your tutor will introduce the materials and techniques step by step, with exercises suited to your starting level. Beginners build confidence through practical skills such as observation, proportion, shading, composition and colour mixing.

Which drawing or painting course should I choose?

Drawing is a useful starting point for learning proportion, tone and composition. If you prefer painting, you can begin directly with acrylic, watercolour or oil painting. Choose the medium that interests you most, or book a free consultation so we can recommend a course for your goals.

How are your art classes taught?

Our teaching draws on classical atelier training and traditional drawing and painting techniques. Students work on exercises and projects suited to their experience, while the tutor provides individual demonstrations, corrections and feedback. Beginners and experienced students can learn alongside one another while following different study plans.

How many students are in each group class?

Our regular drawing and painting group classes have a maximum of 10 students. Small groups give tutors time to provide individual guidance during each lesson, helping you understand techniques, address difficulties and develop your work.

Do you offer evening and weekend art classes?

Yes. Our timetable includes weekday, evening and weekend sessions, with availability depending on the course and tutor. Flexible booking allows you to choose available classes around work, study and other commitments. Check the relevant course timetable for current days and times.

Can I start at any time and attend different days each week?

Our regular drawing and painting courses use rolling enrolment, so you do not need to wait for a new term. After purchasing a package, you can choose available sessions through your online student account. You may attend different days or times, provided your lessons fall within the package’s validity period.

How long are the lessons, and how much do courses cost?

Regular drawing and painting group lessons last two hours. Course fees depend on the subject, number of lessons and type of tuition. Each course page lists the package price, lesson allowance, validity period and any included materials. Private lessons and specialist workshops may have different session lengths.

Are art materials included?

Materials are generally purchased separately unless your chosen package specifically includes them. The studio provides easels, tables and chairs; students normally bring their own drawing or painting supplies. Recommended materials lists and course-specific materials packs are available to help you prepare for your first lesson.

Do you offer art classes for children and teenagers?

Yes. We offer drawing and painting courses for children and teenagers aged 7–17, alongside summer and half-term programmes on selected dates. Tutors adapt exercises to each student’s age, experience and ability. Visit our children’s and teenagers’ course pages for current schedules and package details.

Can you help me prepare an art portfolio for university?

Yes. Our art and design portfolio preparation tuition supports applications to foundation courses, art schools and universities, including UAL. Tutors help with practical skills, sketchbook development, ideas, artwork selection and presentation. Your study plan reflects your target courses and deadlines; admission decisions remain with the institutions.

Do you offer private drawing and painting lessons?

Yes. We offer one-to-one art tuition tailored to your experience, interests and goals. Private lessons can focus on a particular medium, technical skill, personal project or portfolio. Contact our team to discuss the appropriate tutor, lesson format and availability before booking.

How do I book, and can I reschedule a lesson?

Choose and purchase your course package online, then reserve your group lessons through your student account. Every session requires a confirmed booking. To cancel or reschedule a lesson, use the online booking system at least 48 hours before its start time. Late cancellations or missed lessons may result in the loss of that lesson credit.

Please review our Terms and Conditions before purchasing.

Still unsure which course to choose?

Book a free studio consultation to discuss your experience, interests and goals with our team:

Book a free studio consultation

Ready to Start?

Professional tuition personalised to your level, with the flexibility to learn around your schedule.

ALL LEVELS · FLEXIBLE BOOKING · JOIN AT ANY TIME

Not sure which package is right for you? Speak with our team and we’ll help you choose the most suitable programme.

SUNNY ART CENTRE

Plan your visit

ADDRESS:Sunny Art Centre, Covent Garden,
Kemble St, London WC2B 4AW

TELEPHONE:020 8616 5990

WHATSAPP:+44 7730 734942

GENERAL ENQUIRIES:info@sunnyartcentre.co.uk

OFFICE HOURS:10am – 6pm, Monday to Friday

sunny art centre map

Tube

Covent Garden — Piccadilly Line
Holborn — Central / Piccadilly Line

Buses

Aldwych Kingsway (Stop F)
1, 68, 91, 168, 188, N1, N68, N91, N171, SL6

Car parks

Lincoln’s Inn Fields · Urban Parking Shelton Street
NCP Covent Garden · Intelli-Park Covent Garden — all 24/7

Online Chat