In this article, we’ll provide a list of the best art courses in London, suitable to all ages and and skill levels. Whether you are a complete novice eager to dip your brushes into the vibrant world of painting, an intermediate artist looking to refine your techniques, or a budding artists seeking a structured college course so you can break into the creative industry, there’s plenty on offer in London’s diverse art scene.
The Best Art Courses in London
- City Academy
- The New School of Art
- Future Creatives
- Big Creative Education
- Art Academy
- London Art College
1. How To Paint for Beginners Course
Best for: All ages
Location: City Academy’s Art Classes
More Details: www.city-academy.com/painting-classes-london
City Academy offers a range of art classes, including beginner painting classes, watercolour painting, and portrait painting. Art supplies are provided, and no prior experience is needed. During their ‘How to Paint for Beginners’ course, you will:
- Understand how to set up your palette, brushes, palette knives and mediums
- Discover basic colour theory and colour mixing
- Learn how to paint with water soluble acrylics
- Work with still life objects and set-ups
- Gain confidence in producing your first painted artworks
As you can expect from all art and drawing classes, paint can be messy, so make sure you take a protective apron or wear washable clothes!
2. The New School of Art Courses
Best for: All ages
Location: London & Online
More Details: www.thenewschoolart.org/art-courses
The New School of Art’s courses are designed to cater to artists of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. Whether someone is new to painting, starting a new hobby, or aiming to enhance an existing painting practice, their tutors are prepared to assist at the individual’s current level. They ensure the beginner art classes are kept to a maximum of 10 or 12 students, ensuring a small and intimate setting that guarantees personalised attention from the tutors. The New School of Art offers a variety of art classes for beginners, including subjects like drawing, oil painting, fine art, life drawing, landscape painting, and portrait painting. These classes provide a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
3. Future Creatives Art Courses
Best for: 7 – 17 years
Location: London Screen Academy
More Details: www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/short-courses/future-creatives/islington
Future Creatives offers art and design lessons for 7 to 17 year olds after school, on Saturdays and during holidays. Classes provide a fun, creative environment and are held in small groups to make for an engaging session taught by experienced UAL Short Course tutors. The lessons offer:
- Skills development through creative briefs
- Small, engaging classes
- Stimulating art and design activities
- Chance to meet like-minded individuals
4. Big Creative Education Art & Design Courses
Best for: Ages 16-19 (free and subject to eligibility)
Location: Black Horse Road, Walthamstow
More Details: www.bigcreative.education/courses/art-design/
The course is for those that want to explore and push boundaries of what art is. Whether you know which creative industry you want to work in or you still don’t know, you will develop the skills necessary to take forward to many creative industries. You need to come with an explorer’s mind, wanting to develop solutions to possible outcomes that may not have been considered at first glance.
Big Creative Education is also offering an Art Foundation Course, starting in September 2024. The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design is an intensive, practice-based course designed to prepare you to study art and design at a higher level.
You will explore a range of art forms and contexts, experiment with varied media, and learn through making. This will develop your individual artistic practice and portfolio in preparation for a degree course and beyond. The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at Big Creative Academy is an intensive 1-year pre-degree course designed to develop specialist artistic practice and prepare students for their next steps in art & design. The course provides an ideal bridge for those who have completed their studies at Level 3, and wish to continue to an undergraduate degree in a creative subject, or develop and explore their own practice in preparation for progression into the industry.
5. Art Academy London Courses
Best for: 12-17 and 18+
Location: Art Academy London
More Details: www.artacademy.org.uk
Art Academy London provides a range of art courses including sustainable sculpture, hand-built ceramics, and etching. It offers courses for all experience levels, from beginner to advanced, focusing on different art forms, such as art history, art therapy, ceramics, digital art, drawing, glass, painting, portraiture, printmaking, and sculpture. Art Academy groups their courses into two age ranges, 12-17 and 18+, so there’s something for everyone!
6. London Art College
Best for: All levels and ages
Location: London Art College
More Details: www.londonartcollege.co.uk
Through London Art College, students can set their own schedules and decide when to submit their work for feedback, starting their courses at any time. The courses are flexible, allowing study around personal and work commitments, and are available both online and via post, designed for simplicity and convenience. Although based out of London, the art courses are crafted for home study, so students can progress at their own pace and receive tutor feedback. The college supports the belief that anyone can improve their art skills with proper guidance and practice.
Study art and design at BCE!
Big Creative Education’s Art & Design courses allow you to develop your technical skills in various art and design-related disciplines. So if you’re interested in exploring materials, methods, and processes that will define your vision and style and help you find your progression routes in the industry, check out our art course page.
