Art Courses Down-Street

Down-Street is an inspiring and diverse center of the Arts. It is the home of choice for many established artists but also a must-visit destination for aspiring artists. Down-Street is an easy choice if you are thinking of doing an art course. 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.


Beginners Art Classes Down-Street

Whether you are a beginner or a professional artist, we have an art course designed just for you. If you are looking to develop an existing skill, are starting a new hobby or are completely new to painting, our tutors will be able to support you at your individual 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. Our Beginner art lessons involve not only individual work, but group work as well. 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.

Advanced Art Classes Down-Street

If as a professional artist you are looking to gain more experience, depth or focus on the work you already create, then our Advanced art courses in the greater Down-Street area are ideal for you. 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 as working professionals you have other responsibilities outside the studio and finding the time to take part in a course can be hard, so we have created timetables which can fit around your busy schedule.

Fine Art Courses Down-Street

Another course offered by the New School of Art is the Fine Art course in the greater Down-Street area, which offers a broader overview of fine art. The tutors will provide an introduction to fine art practice, including drawing and painting, which will help the students focus on and effectively critique their artworks. Taught by professional artists, this programme allows students to benefit from class discussions, workshops and one to one tutorials. During the course, students will develop their skills and gain insight into the way their course tutor works.

Life Drawing Classes Down-Street

Our Life Drawing classes which we offer in the greater Down-Street area are proving to be a popular choice. We believe rigorous study in drawing is essential to all figurative work, and underpins our philosophy as an Art school. The class entails drawing the life model in a range of different poses. The Life Drawing classes are a chance for artists to explore their creative side and develop their draftmanship in a supportive setting. Tutors will be there to give instruction and guidance. Regardless of your level of ability, this programme will help develop your skills. Whether you are looking for tuition and direction, or a chance to work on your drawing in a more social setting, this class will be able to provide that for you.

Landscape Painting Courses Down-Street

The New School of Art also offers a 2-day Landscape Painting course in the greater Down-Street area, presented by artist Louise Balaam NEAC, member of the New English Art Club. This course will introduce you to Louise’s work and painting style. You will concentrate on learning to work dynamically, quickly and freely. If the weather permits, working with pencil and watercolour and working on simplification and abstraction can be done outside, and the painting can be done in the studio. As Louise will be on hand to give guidance, advice and individual tuition, it is the perfect opportunity for our students to create a number of artworks, and they are encouraged to do so. A number of her sketchbooks will be there for your perusal while your own sketchbooks will be utilized as reference and ideas for your painting. The group will assess everyone’s work on the second day.

Portrait Painting Down-Street

Also on offer is our Portrait Painting Masterclass led by artist Tim Benson VPROI, Vice President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters – a 2-day course in the greater Down-Street area. During this course, students will become familiar with the artist, his work and the philosophy behind it. The first day will be begun with a demonstration by Tim, and then you will create your own small, quick oil sketches which focus on tone, colour and form more than detail. On the second day students will create a large painting, again without adding detail. A thorough discussion of students’ work and their individual choices throughout this process will lead to an identification of how to create interest and tension in the composition. The course finishes with a one on one critique of the work the student has produced.