Although I believe that learning oil painting on a one-to-one basis is generally the better option, and although I am confident that the one-to-one lessons and courses I offer can be suitable for almost all needs, I am aware that some may be looking for group classes or would like to try a combination of one-to-one lessons and classes.
When it comes to finding oil painting courses in London, we are literally spoiled for choice with many classes being delivered across the city.
Below is a fairly comprehensive list of oil painting courses and classes available in London. As none are being recommended over others, providers have been listed in alphabetical order. Please read the course descriptions and check the location of each class, or for more information follow each link (green course titles) and evaluate for yourself the suitability of each in relation to your own needs.
Art Academy London - Introduction to Oil Painting Stage 1
Course Description 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
Location Art Academy London, 165A Mermaid Court, SE1 1HR
The Art Stables - Getting Started With Oil Painting
Course Description This course is designed to get you familiar with using oil paints. Although centred around portraiture it explores the basic techniques that you can carry forward and easily apply to other painting genres.
Location The Sternberg Centre, 80 East End Road, N3 2SY
Barnes Atelier - Painting Programme
Course Description Following from the drawing programme, students continue with the painting programme, a two-year comprehensive approach to using oil paint with a full range of tonal values and colours.
Location Barnes Atelier, 16A Barnes High Street, London, SW13 9LW
Cass Art Kensington - Creative Oil Painting Classes, All Levels
Course Description These classes explore the essential fundamentals of Oil Painting. No matter your style or your level, the techniques will help you develop your skills and express your ideas and creativity.
Location Cass Art, 220 Kensington High Street, W8 7RG
Chelsea College of Arts - Oil Painting Level 1 Short Course
Course Description Oil Painting Level 1 is suitable for those new to oil painting and those with some experience, looking at a range of techniques, including mixing colour, colour harmonies, using different surfaces, glazing and various paint application methods.
Location Chelsea College of Arts, 16 John Islip Street, SW1P 4JU
Chiswick Art School - Introduction to Oil Painting
Course Description By working from direct observation and copying, students learn how to choose colours, mix and apply them to different surfaces, using various techniques and styles.
Location Pavilion Studios, Dukes Meadows, Chiswick, W4 2RX
CityLit - Introduction to Oil Painting
Course Description The course is for beginners and/or painters who want to learn to use the medium with confidence from scratch. Students will develop a feel for paint handling which will build skills and feed progress in oil painting.
Location CityLit, 1-10 Keeley Street, WC2B 4BA
ClassBento - Oil Painting Class
Course Description With clear demonstrations and expert guidance, you will learn to paint by reproducing a painting you like or by creating an original painting using a photo for inspiration.
Location Tutor's house (near Kennington)
Dulwich Art Group and School - An Introduction to Oil Painting
Course Description For beginners or intermediate artists who want to get going with oil paint and colour, a practical course aimed at producing paintings, building confidence and inspiration from a firm foundation.
Location Dulwich Art Group & School, 4a Champion Hill, SE5 8AH
The Essential School of Painting - Oil Painting Courses for Beginners and More Advanced
Course Description Beginners come and learn materials and methods of oil painting, including supports and surfaces, brushes and paint mediums. Or those looking to advance their practice, develop whilst being guided by experienced and celebrated painters.
Location Collage Art Space 5, Coburg Road, Wood Green, N22 6TZ
The Heatherley School of Fine Art - Advanced Oil Painting
Course Description An advanced oil painting course to develop your personal painterly language. Increase your understanding of the use of colour and the abstract values that underpin composition.
Location The Heatherley School of Fine Art, 75 Lots Road, Chelsea, SW10 0RN
London Fine Art Studios - Painting Courses
Course Description Though we emphasize the importance of drawing, the step into oil paint is so seductive. When colour is introduced we encourage a limited palette: ivory black, cadmium red, yellow ochre and titanium white.
Location London Fine Art Studios, Unit 101, Battersea Business Centre, 99-109 Lavender Hill, SW11 5QL
Martin Ireland, London Art Sessions - Oil Painting For All Levels
Course Description Beginners and intermediate level oil painting classes, covering the basics, including colour, tone and composition.
Location 102 Boundaries Road, Balham, SW12 8HQ
The New English Art Club - Still Life Painting in Oils With Daniel Shadbolt
Course Description An intermediate / advanced level oil painting course introducing you to some of the traditions and innovations of still life painting.
Location The Heatherley School of Fine Art, 75 Lots Road, SW10 0RN
Open Ealing - Oil Painting for Beginners With Diana Braybrook
Course Description Learn how to paint using oils in four weeks. You’ll learn how painting with oils differs from using watercolours or acrylics.
Location Open Ealing Arts Centre W5 2TD
Richmond & Hillcroft Adult Community College - Oil Painting - All Levels
Course Description This course is an all-level course, catering for absolute beginners, intermediate and advanced painters in oil painting.
Location Parkshot Campus, Twickenham Road, Richmond, TW9 2RE
Sonny Williams Oil Painting Lessons - One-to-One Oil Painting Lessons & Courses in London
Course Description One-to-one oil painting lessons and courses can be a very rewarding way of learning oil painting.
Intensive lessons, tailored to meet individual needs, suitable for all levels - absolute beginners to advanced.
Location Anywhere in London Zones 1-6, at your own home. Also available at the artist's studio in Brighton.
Sunny Art Centre - Oil Painting Course
Course Description This course is suitable for those new to oil painting as well as catering to students who would like to refine their skills. Art students can also use this course to work on oil painting projects for their art portfolio.
Location Sunny Art Centre, 30 Grays Inn Rd, WC1X 8HR
University College London - Painting (Evening Course)
Course Description This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who are more experienced and want to
re-engage with the first principles of painting.
Location Slade School of Fine Art, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT
Westminster Adult Education Service - Oil Painting for Mixed Levels
Course Description - Exploring the unique qualities of oil paint through the use of different methods and techniques. This course, for mixed ability levels, allows the opportunity to create compositions through visual enquiry and close observation.
Location - Lisson Grove Centre, 219 Lisson Grove, NW8 8LW
Working Men's College - Oil Painting - An Introduction
Course Description This short oil painting course will introduce beginners to the basics of oil painting technique. Those with some experience, will have an opportunity to fully grasp the basics as well as have more time to explore a personal project.
Location 44 Crowndale Road, Camden, NW1 1TR
Do you have a London-based oil painting course that is not listed above? Please contact me at paintingtuition@hotmail.co.uk and I will be happy to make an addition to the list.