We believe everyone can become an artist with skilled instruction and individual coaching – and we will teach you to believe it too!
Art Courses Orpington
Art courses near Orpington: The New School of Art offers a diverse and exciting array of art classes for beginners and established artists in easy reach of Orpington. Our centres in Lewes, Brighton and London host courses in drawing, oils painting and art history led by inspiring tutors, all highly regarded artists and art historians.
Orpington is an inspiring and diverse centre for the Arts. It is the home of choice for many established artists but also a must visit destination for aspiring artists. When you think about taking an art course, you should immediately consider Orpington. The New School of Art offers a range of art courses, all led by established, highly regarded artists and art historians who are on hand to help you through your course.
See all courses near Orpington below:
Beginners Art Classes Orpington
Whether you are a beginner or a professional artist, we have an art course designed just for you. If you have just started painting, are starting a new hobby or are thinking of developing your established painting practice, our tutors will work with you at your level. Our Beginner art classes are small and intimate (we aim to cap the capacity of the classes at 10 or 12) allowing you to receive all the direction you need from your tutor. Both individual and group work is involved in our Beginner art lessons. Individual one to one time with your tutor will let you focus on your specific needs while you will also be given the opportunity to collaborate with other students.
Our Advanced art courses in the greater Orpington area are ideal for professional artists who are looking for more experience, depth or focus on the work they already create. All of our tutors are practising artists and so will be able to give technical support to our students as well as provide an insight into the current status of the industry. In the Advanced art class you will be surrounded by like minded artists who wish to define and develop their own practice and challenge their skills and knowledge. We understand that taking the time to do a course can be tricky, especially if you are a working professional, so we have developed timetables to suit your busy schedule.
Fine Art Courses Orpington
For a broader overview of fine art, the New School of Art offers a Fine Art course in the greater Orpington area. The tutors provide an introduction to fine art practice, including drawing and painting, to assist students in focusing and critically reflecting on their work. As it is led by professional artists, this programme gives students the opportunity of benefitting from class discussions, workshops and one to one tutorials. For the duration of the course, students will grow their skills and gain insight into how their course tutor works.
Another class we offer in the greater Orpington area are the Life Drawing classes, which are proving to be a popular choice. We maintain that thorough study in drawing is important to all figurative work and this underlines our beliefs as an Art school. The class involves the life model being drawn in a number of poses. The Life Drawing classes offer an opportunity for artists to explore their creativity and practise their draftsmanship in a focused but supportive environment.Tutors will be able to provide instruction and guidance. No matter what your level of ability is, this programme will develop your skills. Although there is tuition and direction for all students, this class provides a chance to work on your drawing in a more social environment.
Drawing and Painting – Absolute Beginners
This course is for anyone who wants to learn to draw and paint or to just improve their very basic drawing and painting techniques. The course is varied and aims to improve students’ observational skills, eye-to-hand co-ordination and dexterity.
Over the weeks we will investigate the use of a variety of drawing and painting medium. You will learn perspective, colour theory, the rule of thirds, painting techniques, still life, portraits and landscapes as well as opportunities to use your own imagination.
Start date: Wed, 17 Jan 2024
Course Code
Course Fee
£165.00
Start Time
End Time
End Date
Wed, 13 Mar 2024
Entry Requirements
No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to learn. This class is suitable for beginners and improvers of mixed abilities.
Enrol
Start date: Wed, 24 Apr 2024
Course Code
Course Fee
£165.00
Start Time
End Time
End Date
Wed, 19 Jun 2024
Entry Requirements
No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to learn. This class is suitable for beginners and improvers of mixed abilities.
Enrol
Start date: Wed, 18 Sep 2024
Course Code
Course Fee
Please contact us for more information
Start Time
End Time
End Date
Wed, 27 Nov 2024
Entry Requirements
No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to learn. This class is suitable for beginners and improvers of mixed abilities.
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How are you assessed?
September course – 10 weeks
January course – 10 weeks
April course – 8 weeks
What Course Next?
Drawing and Painting – Improvers or Watercolours
What could this lead to?
Further Drawing and Painting classes
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Gail’s Progress
Gail joined “Drawing For Curious Beginners” because she wanted to draw her beautiful golden retriever Ceilidh. Look at the progress she made in just a few months! Now think for a moment. What would you like to draw?
Mark’s Progress
Mark joined “Start Drawing” to make art with other people in an encouraging and supportive place. He also wanted to draw more accurately and confidently. Look how his skills developed with just three months of instruction and practice!
Our Topsfield Location!
Visit our beautiful studio space at 17 Main Street in Topsfield! We are just two minutes from Route 1 and convenient to all the communities across Essex County and beyond. We have two large, light-filled classrooms, an art gallery and enough room to host community events. We also have air conditioning, lots of nearby parking and thirty classes a week!
I was blown away by my experience with Slow River. Honestly, the best art classes I’ve ever taken. The instruction is excellent, and my skills have grown so fast. Jess has a way of teaching that helps you overcome any inhibitions and be in the mindset of curiosity, play and growth. Her teaching goes beyond just how to apply medium, she guides you through a process of connecting deeper with life and what is around you. I always leave feeling better after art class.
— Kristina L.
Every time I venture out for some sketching with the folks at Slow River Studio, I leave feeling refreshed, encouraged, and inspired. It is the highlight of my week. Everyone is made to feel welcome, regardless of skill or artistic experience.
— Rachel
I’ve taken two classes so far, and plan to take as many as I can. Welcoming, supportive, fun, inspiring and educational. I have never taken any art classes before this but have always loved being creative. Slow River is all about empowering anyone to try, anyone to create and express, with no judgement and no pressure. You’ll learn from the instructors but also from the others in the classes. I would recommend this to everyone – and I have! 🙂
— Jen W.
Slow River Studio offers a very supportive environment for beginners – the first thing you will learn is that you don’t have to pay any attention to that voice in your head that says you’re no good – in fact, you can give it a name and tell it to go have a cuppa, because you have your artwork under control and its “assistance” is not required, thankyouverymuch!
— Susan K.
Jonti is such a warm, charming, magical human being and teacher!
— Janice W.
The evenings I get to spend at Slow River Studio feed my soul. Being with people who are experimenting, learning, and laughing together is so much fun and takes my attention to things completely separate from the stresses of life. Thanks for adding this to my life.
— Anonymous
I love this class. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would get so much from this class. Jess has a way to make you feel at ease even though you don’t know what you are doing. The atmosphere was easy going and you could feel free to ask questions. You can progress at your own pace. There is no pressure if you don’t have time to do the homework. Very relaxed atmosphere.
— Gail H.
You’re like my personal trainer helping me get those creative muscles pumping again!
— Kelly
Jess is a wonderful teacher. She breaks down each task into digestible pieces and reinforces her lessons with compassion, humor and encouragement. She makes the process of learning a joy with no perfection or shame. She is a learner with us. She is a delight , a true teacher and loves her students for their individual efforts and process.
— Huntley S.
I really can’t put into words what you have given me… I think it is called joy. I have learned so much in an incredible environment with two wonderful instructors. Thank you!
