Art Courses East-Dean

East-Dean is an inspiring and diverse center of the Arts. Not only established artists but also many emerging creatives call East-Dean home. When you think about taking an art course, you should immediately consider East-Dean. The New School of Art offers courses that are led by highly regarded, well-established and experienced artists and art historians who will guide and support you through your chosen course.


Beginners Art Classes East-Dean

Whether you are a beginner or a professional artist, we have an art course designed just for you. Regardless of whether you are just beginning, having some fun or developing your artistic skills, our tutors will be able to 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. Our Beginner art lessons combine individual projects and group projects. You will be able to share ideas with other students and focus on your individual needs with one to one time with your tutor.

Advanced Art Classes East-Dean

Our Advanced art courses in the greater East-Dean 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 our Advanced art classes you will be among like-minded artists who similarly wish to develop and define their own practice and challenge their skills and knowledge. As working professionals, we understand that you have responsibilities outside the studio so finding the time to take part in a course may not be easy, which is why we have created timetables which can fit around your busy schedule.

Fine Art Courses East-Dean

The New School of Art offers a Fine Art course in the greater East-Dean area for a more general overview of fine art. By presenting an introduction to fine art practice – including painting and drawing – our team of tutors will assist students in focusing on and developing a critical awareness of their work. Taught by professional artists, this programme allows students to benefit from class discussions, workshops and one to one tutorials. Over the course, students will understand how their course tutor works and so develop their own skills.

Life Drawing Classes East-Dean

Another class we offer in the greater East-Dean area are the Life Drawing classes, which are proving to be a popular choice. The philosophy of our Art school is based on the belief that rigorous study in drawing is essential to all figurative work. Taking part in the class means drawing the life model in a variety 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 there to give instruction and guidance. Regardless of your level of ability, this programme will help develop your skills. This class not only provides tuition and direction, but it is a good opportunity to focus on drawing in a more social setting.

Landscape Painting Courses East-Dean

Our Landscape Painting courses in the greater East-Dean area are 2-day workshops led by artist Louise Balaam NEAC, member of the New English Art Club. On this course you will be introduced to Louise’s work and her painting style. There will be an emphasis on understanding how to work quickly, dynamically and freely. Weather permitting, students can choose to work outside, working with pencil and watercolour and working on simplification and abstraction before painting in the studio. While Louise is available during these two days to give advice and one on one tuition, we encourage students to make several paintings. You will be able to look at a few of her sketchbooks and your own sketchbooks will be used as reference and inspiration for your painting. On the second day everyone’s work will be critiqued by the group.

Portrait Painting East-Dean

Another course on offer is our Portrait Painting Masterclass, which is a 2-day course in the greater East-Dean area led by Tim Benson VPROI, Vice President of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters. During the course students will be introduced to the artist, his work and the philosophy behind his work. 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. A large painting will be produced by the students on the second day – again, a work without detail. In order to identify ways in which to create interest and tension in the work, students’ work will be discussed and their choices examined throughout this process. The course finishes with a one on one critique of the work the student has produced.