19th Century Alla Prima Oil Painting Masterclass

Learn to paint with the luminous, confident brushwork of John Singer Sargent and Joaquín Sorolla in our 4-day alla prima oil painting masterclass, available in our Central London art studio in Covent Garden.

Alla prima, meaning “at first attempt,” is a direct painting technique that allows artists to capture the fleeting beauty of light in a single session, favoured by 19th-century masters.

During this intensive course, you will learn the history, theory, and practical application of this celebrated method under the guidance of our expert tutors.

Through demonstrations, guided exercises, and the creation of a master landscape copy, you will learn to paint with expressive brushwork while mastering colour, light, and composition.

Learn from some of the finest artists and educators working today.
Our team of expert tutors includes award-winning artists and graduates from internationally renowned institutions such as:

• Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, Slade School of Fine Art, and the Royal Academy of Arts in London

• École des Beaux-Arts in Paris

• Athens School of Fine Arts in Greece

• Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence

With professional training across a range of disciplines and media, our tutors bring both classical techniques and contemporary approaches into the studio. Their ongoing research and innovation ensure that our students are always engaged with fresh, challenging, and inspiring ways to create art—making Sunny Art Centre one of the most respected art institutions in London.

•  The history and principles of alla prima painting
•  Impressionist colour theory and value structure
• How to simplify and see abstractly
• Brushwork for painterly, wet-on-wet methods
• Mixing colours and capturing light realistically
• Perspective and edges in landscape painting

You will gain practical knowledge of materials, mediums, and brush control, empowering you to develop your own alla prima landscape paintings that capture shimmering light and atmosphere.

• Day 1 & 2: 10 am–5 pm – Full-day guided tuition with your tutor
• Day 3:
  • Morning (10 am–1 pm): Taught session
  • Afternoon (2 pm–5 pm): Self-directed studio practice
• Day 4:
  • Morning (10 am–1 pm): Self-directed studio practice
  • Afternoon (2 pm–5 pm): Final guided session + feedback & review

• Central London location in the heart of Covent Garden
• Small group sizes or private one-to-one tuition
• Taught by experienced professional oil painters
• Includes studio manuals, reference materials, and step-by-step guides
• Ideal for art portfolio development, lifelong learners, or Old Master technique enthusiasts

This masterclass is a certified course. Upon completing the full 4-day programme, participants will receive an official Certificate of Completion from Sunny Art Centre.

The certificate recognises your achievement in mastering traditional Old Master painting techniques and serves as a valuable addition to your art portfolio or professional development.

• Beginners to advanced artists
• Teenagers and adults
• Anyone interested in Old Master painting, botanical art, fine art techniques
• Artists building a fine art portfolio
• Art lovers seeking an immersive, historical art experience

As a leader in art education, Sunny Art Centre has become a preferred destination for studying fine art in London. Our Centre is renowned for its high-quality tuition, classical foundations, and innovative teaching practices.

We’ve proudly delivered workshops and bespoke art courses for prestigious institutions such as the National Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, Southbank Centre, BBC, ITV, and more.

Our dedicated team of tutors continually brings in cutting-edge methods and techniques—helping students of all backgrounds develop their artistic skills while reinforcing the Centre’s reputation as one of London’s top art schools.

A: Sunny Art Centre, Covent Garden, Kemble St, London, WC2B 4AW
T: 020-86165990 
E: info@sunnyartcentre.co.uk
Office Opening Hours: 10 am- 6 pm (Mon-Fri)