Course Code EC2204137
Tutor Mercedes Balle
Course Dates Wednesdays 5th July - 23rd August
Days 8
Times 6.30pm - 9.00pm
Experience Level Beginner
Fee £250
Location Art Academy London, 165A Mermaid Court, SE1 1HR

A structured and systematic course for those who have never painted before and for those who want to reinforce their basic oil skills or to move on to using oil paints having used acrylics or water-based media. Students learn to see colour, shape and tone, and to relate these elements together in compositions with access to a life model. This course aims will nurture self-confidence and enjoyment of painting in a stimulating, fun and relaxing environment. It is an ideal course for beginners as there is plenty of guidance from the tutor.

Please note that this is a concise version (1 hour and 45 minutes per session) of our Introduction to Oil Painting course. We also run a longer version (2 hours and 30 minutes per session) on different days of the week. Check our website for more details.

DOWNLOAD DAILY BREAKDOWN

This course is suitable for students at our Beginner level.

  • Beginner

    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.

Other course levels include:

  • Beginner +

    Choose a Beginner + course if you are looking to hone your skills, focus on a specific subject area and build your confidence. These courses are suitable for those with some basic skills in and knowledge of the taught medium, but still follow a structured path with guidance from the tutor.

  • Intermediate

    Our Intermediate courses are suitable for students who have considerable prior knowledge of the taught medium or have completed a Beginners/Beginners + course with the Art Academy.

    These courses tend to be less structured and instead are tailored to the classes’ needs and the direction they want to advance in. Choose an Intermediate course if you are looking to improve your skills and have more critical discussions around the work you produce.

  • Advanced

    Choose our Advanced courses if you have considerable knowledge in the taught medium. You are expected to be able to work independently and have critical discussions around your work.

     Our Advanced courses include our Masterclasses.

All attendees must be aged 18 or over.

You will need to bring your own painting materials to the class, which you can store at The Art Academy for the duration of the course. If you do not have your own materials, we recommend you order the Painting Pack below, at the time of booking, which 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 Oil Pack contains:

A set of bristle brushes, both flat and round
One tear off palette (9”x12”)
One palette knife
One bottle of Zest-it (250ml)
One 10″x12″ canvas board
One 10″x14″ canvas board
Two 12″x16″ canvas boards
Eight Daler Rowney 38ml Georgian oil tubes of Titanium White, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red, Ultramarine Blue, Coeruleum Blue and Burnt Umber

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.

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

MERCEDES BALLE

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 graduated 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.

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”.

Maps were disabled by the visitor on this site. Click to open the map in a new window.

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

Students will also be able to use the coffee machine, where free hot water, and paid-for hot drinks are available.

Students are encouraged to bring their own reusable mugs and water bottles where possible.

  • 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.
  • 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 purchased on our Materials Page or on the individual course page when you make your booking.
  • 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 MUST be taken home at the end of the course or it will be disposed of. Paintings that need to dry should be collected within a week. For clay sculptures that need hollowing and firing, you will receive a separate email when they can be collected.
  • 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 at the beginning of your class.
  • Sometimes our photographer will pop in to get some images of our classes in progress. We will typically inform you beforehand if photography is taking place during your class; if you do not want to be photographed please let the photographer know!
  • To find out more about what’s going on at the Academy follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. If you’d like to share images of your course, your progress or your finished work we’d love to see them! Please bear in mind you must have the permission of tutors, other students and models to photograph them.
  • If you would like more information or advice on courses at the Academy please contact shortcourses@artacademy.org.uk.
  • For further details please see our Short Courses: Regulations & Policies page.

“The tutor was a great! I would definitely take courses with him again in future. Created a really nice environment and helped guide techniques and creativity really well.”

From: £250.00

SKU: EC2204137 Categories: , , ,