Beginner

All attendees must be aged 18 and over.

Choose a Beginners course if you are looking for a broad introduction to the medium you are studying. Students spend time learning the very basics of the taught medium, for example, how to mix colours, use different tools, set up an easel. Our Beginner courses are suitable for students with no prior experience, they tend to follow a more structured path than our other courses, ensuring each student receives the guidance they need from the tutor.

If you do not have your own materials, we recommend you order one of our Painting Packs when booking. You can purchase this at the checkout. Once ordered, packs will be available when you arrive for your first class. There is also a mini shop in the Academy that supplies the basics such as canvas boards, paints, Zest-it etc. (card purchases only)

The Academy is a white spirit and turpentine free environment and only odourless spirits, such as Zest-it or Sansodor, are permitted on the premises. These can also be recycled on site. If you are using oil paints you must bring 1 small jar with a lid to hold your solvent as this should be reused each week. If you want to dispose of your solvent please speak to your tutor as these cannot be poured down the sink and must be disposed of correctly.

Please also bring an apron or old clothing to wear.

The Acrylic Pack contains:
• A set of acrylic brushes, both flat and round
• One tear off palette (9”x12”)
• One palette knife
• One 10″x12″ canvas board
• One 10″x14″ canvas board
• Two 12″x16″ canvas boards
• Eight Daler Rowney (system 3) tubes of Black, White, Cadmium Red, Sap Green, Ultramarine Blue, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Umber, Cadmium Yellow

  Please note that pack contents are subject to change at the discretion of the Academy at any time.

  

  Please be aware that depending on the course structure, you might need to purchase extra canvas boards, on top of the ones provided in the pack.

JESS ROUTLEY (SESSION 1)

Jess is a painter and printmaker who is primarily concerned with themes of marginalised identity and representation. Prior to completing her degree in Contemporary Portraiture at Art Academy London, she studied Politics and Community Development. Her art practice is socially informed and wholly influenced by her own identity. 

Her works have been shown across London, including at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters Annual Show. 

WEBSITE

https://www.jessroutley.com/

MERCEDES BALLE (SESSIONS 2 – 8)

Mercedes is a mixed-media artist, with a special interest in drawing, painting, installation and video. She is interested in reusing building materials to create art about nature, as she sees the layers of construction in the cities as the biggest disconnection between the landscape and herself. Mercedes transforms building materials repeatedly, trying to squeeze out all their possibilities. By doing so she wants to get involved in the circular economy with her art and question the problems of our economy in relation to the environment.

Balle graaduated from Art Academy London in 2020. Her work has been exhibited on different occasions in Spain and the UK. In 2020 Mercedes was finalist at Art Jove as well as semifinalist at LSM Awards. 

WEBSITE

https://www.mercedesballe.com

Mermaid Court

165A Borough High Street London SE1 1HR tel: +44 (0) 207407 6969

Nearest Tube/ Rail: London Bridge or Borough (both a 5 minute walk).

Please note that London Bridge has two exits, the most direct route is to follow signs to “Borough High Street”.

We cannot store your bikes at the Academy, however there is on-street bike parking near our Mermaid Court site.

Students are welcome to use our Common Room during break times, where you can prepare hot drinks and/or food.

You are also welcome to make tea or coffee.

Terms and Conditions

• By booking onto one of our courses you agree to our Short Courses Terms and Conditions.
• You will need to have paid in full before the first session of your class. Your place is not guaranteed until we have received full payment. Please book early in order to guarantee your place on the course.

Materials & Equipment

• If you purchased a pack online this will be given to you on the first session of your course upon your arrival. Packs can be booked on our Materials Page or on this page when you book the course
• Please don’t wear your best clothes as there is always a chance you will get messy. If possible bring an apron or overalls.
• All artwork at the Academy MUST be taken home at the end of each session where possible, with the exception of oil paintings and sculpture works.
• We cannot store materials at the Academy, so please take these to and from your sessions.
• Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or is on silent during the class.
• Health and Safety Guidelines will be provided to you a week before the start of your course.

Concessions and Discounts

We offer a number of concessions and discounts, please find more information on what we offer here.

Gift Vouchers

If you would like to purchase a gift voucher to be used on our courses then you can purchase these here.