Painting for beginners
Through simple exercises you will explore basic methods of painting in acrylic from still-life, mixing and matching the colours and textures observed. Learn how to set up your workspace and begin to enjoy painting in a studio environment, using a variety of brushes and tools.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
6 Dates Available
- Start Date: 08 Sep 2025End Date: 22 Sep 2025Mon (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonFull fee £159.00 Senior fee £127.00 Concession £103.00
- Start Date: 16 Sep 2025End Date: 30 Sep 2025Tue (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonFull fee £159.00 Senior fee £127.00 Concession £103.00
- Start Date: 08 Jan 2026End Date: 22 Jan 2026Thu (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)Course Code: VM898Tutors: Begona Morea RoyFull fee £159.00 Senior fee £127.00 Concession £103.00
- Start Date: 13 Mar 2026End Date: 27 Mar 2026Fri (Evening): 18:00 - 21:00In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)Course Code: VM927Tutors: Begona Morea RoyFull fee £159.00 Senior fee £127.00 Concession £103.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course is an introduction to painting. Discover the potential of different brushes and painting tools and learn to set up an effective personal workspace. You will progressively acquire painting skills, starting with mixing and matching colour, before beginning to paint a simple composition from observation in a studio environment. This course will give you essential painting skills, enabling you to progress to further painting challenges.
What will we cover?
- Setting up a workspace, selecting and using a variety of tools.
- Introductions to colour mixing
- Discovering paint media and their characteristics - 'paint handling'.
- Producing a simple painting from observation.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Set up a simple workspace for easel painting and handle the related tools and equipment
- Gain an insight into colour mixing
- Recognise and experiment with a variety of methods for applying acrylic paint
- Start to paint from observation
- Discuss your experience with others and make an informed decision when choosing a future painting course
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an essential painting course, ideal for those with no experience, or for students in a different visual art field wanting to improve their painting. This course is also suitable for those who would like to refresh existing painting skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
- Demonstration
- Practical exercises
- Hand-outs
- Group and individual advice and feedback
- Short group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All basic materials and equipment are provided for this course including paint, brushes and paper.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
From this course you could consider progressing to 'Painting 1', 'Painting: Acrylic Techniques and Mediums', 'Ways into Abstract Painting' or 'Painting: Colour Mixing for Artists'.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.