Art Courses South-Downs

South-Downs 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. When you think about taking an art course, you should immediately consider South-Downs. 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 South-Downs

Our art courses have been created with the whole range of artists in mind, from beginner to professional. Whether you are just starting to paint, if you are thinking of taking up art as a hobby or if you want to improve your existing skills, our team of tutors will focus specifically on your needs. By aiming to ensure a maximum class size of 10 or 12, we are able to offer small, intimate Beginner art classes and a tutor on hand to give you the individual attention you need. Our Beginner art lessons involve both individual and group work. 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 South-Downs

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 South-Downs area are ideal for you. Our team of tutors are practising artists and will be available to provide an insight into the current industry and provide technical support to the students. On an Advanced art course you will be in a class of like-minded artists, who have the same goal – to develop and define their own practice and challenge their existing 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 South-Downs

Another course offered by the New School of Art is the Fine Art course in the greater South-Downs area, which offers a broader overview of fine art. The tutors will help students focus and critically reflect on their work and painting by providing an introduction to fine art practice, including drawing and painting. The programme is taught by professional artists, which allows students to benefit from one to one tutorials as well as be involved in class workshops and discussions. Over the course, students will understand how their course tutor works and so develop their own skills.

Life Drawing Classes South-Downs

Our Life Drawing classes which we offer in the greater South-Downs area 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 drawing the life model in a variety of poses. The Life Drawing classes are a chance for artists to practise their draftmanship and indulge their creativity in a supportive, focussed environment. Tutors will be on hand to provide guidance and instruction. This programme will improve your skills, no matter your level of ability. 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 South-Downs

Our Landscape Painting courses in the greater South-Downs area are 2-day workshops led by artist Louise Balaam NEAC, member of the New English Art Club. This course will show you Louise’s work and painting style. You will concentrate on learning to work dynamically, quickly and freely. Weather permitting, students will draw outside, working on simplifying, abstraction and working with pencil and watercolour, before moving onto painting in the studio. Students will be encouraged to make several paintings over both days and Louise will be on hand to provide advice and individual tuition. 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 there will be a group critique of everyone’s work.

Portrait Painting South-Downs

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 South-Downs area. During the course students will be introduced to the artist, his work and the philosophy behind his work. On the first day, after a demonstration by Tim, you will proceed to create small, quick oil sketches which focus more on tone, colour and form than detail. On the second day students will create a large painting, again without adding detail. Students’ work and the choices they made during its creation will be discussed and analysed during this process to discover how to create tension and interest in the composition. The course will end with a one on one critique of the student’s work.