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.

Please bring old clothes or an apron as you may get messy!

Most equipment and materials are provided but depending on your chosen creative approach in the latter part of the course, you may need to source some materials yourself, also bring your own sketchbook if you have one.  

If you work in clay without an armature, you will be offered the opportunity to have your clay pieces fired.  Hollowing is necessary before a piece can be fired. This is optional and additional hollowing and firing costs will apply.

Hollowing fees:  

£15 for a small figure; £20 for a portrait head; £20 for a large figure

Firing Fees:

• £15 for a small figure;
• £20 for a portrait head;
• £20 for a large figure

During the second half of the course there will be an additional charge for metal wire. The cost will depend on the amount of wire used.

FARNOUSH AMINI MRSS

Farnoush is an Iranian artist who lives and works in London. She graduated from the Art Academy London in 2019. She aims to question the divisions created by religion, politics and cultural differences.

Exploring material language, their connection or disconnection to her chosen subject are her main focus. She extensively researches her ideas through documentary footage, articles and photos.

She extracts the most relevant material, symbol or gesture from her chosen subject in order to communicate a hidden message.

Sculpture, installation and performance arts are her way of self expression. She explores material such as concrete, fabric, metal, clay, human hair or ready made objects. By placing familiar objects in an unfamiliar form or space she overwhelms the viewer with a sense of entrapment or unease.

Her works have been exhibited internationally. She is a twice winner of Sheros Revoluciones in 2019/2020 and People’s Choice Award in 2019 by Passion For Freedom Art Festival. She was elected as a member of the Royal Society of Sculptors in 2020.

She was invited to be a part of the Political Art exhibition at U-Jazdowski Museum of Contemporary Arts in Warsaw, Poland in 2021-2022. 

Her work has been selected to be part of the collection at Thirsk Hall Sculpture Gardens in North Yorkshire from 2023 to 2024.

She was invited to exhibit at the ING Discerning Eye 2023 at the Mall gallery, London. “

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/ The Barn 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 the course or it will be disposed of.
• 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.