Oil Painting Courses in London

Yes. No previous oil painting experience is required. Complete beginners are introduced progressively to materials, paint handling, observation, proportion, tone, colour mixing and the construction of a painting. Because tuition is individual, you can develop at an appropriate pace rather than having to keep up with a single class project.

Yes. You do not need to complete a drawing course before beginning oil painting. Drawing is nevertheless an important foundation for proportion, composition, structure and observation, so your tutor may incorporate relevant drawing exercises into your oil painting studies where appropriate. Students who wish to develop these skills in greater depth can also study our dedicated Drawing Course.

Oil painting takes time to understand, but it is particularly rewarding for beginners because the paint dries relatively slowly. This allows you to adjust forms, refine colour relationships, blend transitions and reconsider decisions while you work. With structured tuition, beginners can establish sound technical habits from the beginning.

Your programme may include underpainting, tonal studies, colour mixing, limited palettes, glazing, scumbling, impasto, chiaroscuro, brushwork, composition, proportion, perspective and the modelling of form. Students may work from still life, portraiture, landscape, master studies and individually developed subjects. The exact programme is adapted to your experience and artistic goals.

Yes. Classical and historical painting methods form an important part of our teaching approach. Depending on your level, you may study techniques including tonal underpainting, limited palettes, glazing, layered painting, chiaroscuro and compositional analysis. Students may also undertake master studies to understand how historical painters constructed colour, light, form and space. The aim is not simply to reproduce Old Master paintings, but to understand principles that can inform your own painting practice.

Yes. Unlike a course where every student completes the same project, students at Sunny Art Centre follow individual programmes. Your tutor may recommend particular exercises when they are important to your technical development, but as your skills progress you can increasingly work from subjects and projects that reflect your own artistic interests.

Classes are limited to a maximum of 10 students, and each lesson lasts two hours. Students work independently at their own easels while the tutor circulates throughout the studio, providing individual demonstrations, corrections, technical guidance and feedback. This combines the atmosphere of a working atelier with personalised tuition.

Yes. We operate a rolling enrolment system, so you do not need to wait for the beginning of a school or academic term. Once you have purchased your course, lesson credits are added to your student account and you can begin booking available classes.

No. Our oil painting course has a flexible timetable. Students can choose from available daytime, evening and Saturday sessions rather than being permanently assigned to one weekly class. Your progress is recorded so that your programme can continue even when you study with different tutors.

We offer 20-, 40- and 50-lesson programmes. The packages are not divided according to ability. A beginner, intermediate or advanced painter can choose any programme. The main difference is the amount of studio time available and therefore the depth of study you can undertake. The 20-lesson Core Programme provides focused study, while the 40-lesson Extended Programme allows more substantial technical development. The 50-lesson Complete Programme is recommended for students seeking sustained progression across a broader part of the oil painting curriculum.

Oil painting materials are not normally included unless specifically stated within your chosen programme. Students generally provide their own oil paints, brushes, painting surfaces, palette and mediums. Easels and studio furniture are provided. A recommended oil painting materials pack is available for students who would like help selecting appropriate materials.

For your first class, you will normally need a basic selection of oil paints, suitable brushes, a prepared canvas or painting board, a palette, an approved painting medium or low-odour solvent, and suitable clothing or an apron. Beginners who do not already have painting equipment can purchase our recommended materials pack.

Classes must be booked in advance through your student account. If you need to change or cancel a booked lesson, at least 48 hours' notice is required. Where sufficient notice is provided, the lesson credit is returned to your account. Late cancellations and missed classes may result in the lesson credit being deducted.

Our oil painting classes take place at Sunny Art Centre, Covent Garden, Kemble Street, London WC2B 4AW. The studio is within walking distance of Covent Garden and Holborn Underground stations, providing convenient access from across Central London.