The Art Academy - London

M B

I attended a total of 3 evening courses - a drawing one with Zoe, an oil paint one with Nicholas and a watercolour one with Natasha. I found that the quality of the course, and therefore my enjoyment, really depended on the professionalism of the teacher. Zoe was great, going around students to give great advice. Nicholas spent a lot of time talking about himself to specific students and didn't really take the time to come around everyone to give feedback. And with Natasha, the class was just very theoretical. She refers to art masters, asking students to reproduce some of their works, which makes it really not fun for beginners who just want to have fun. This is maybe to hide a lack of teaching skills or knowledge as she wasn't able to give personalized feedback or explain concepts in a simple way.

Lewys Rhodes

Attended a 10 week evening class, 5 weeks figure 5 weeks portrait. Really lovely and welcoming environment, my first time doing a life size head sculpt from a life model. Will definitely be back

Camilla Purkis White

I have completed my first beginners course & now signed up for a second - amazing teachers & a very friendly environment - a must for any amateur artists ?

Chloë Douglas

I took the beginners 10 week drawing class and absolutely loved every lesson. Our tutor Zoë was wonderful, the lesson structure, the teaching style, the facilities and my peers were fantastic. Would highly recommend. I’ll be coming back for a beginners paint course.

S T

The course tutors were very good. However the premises were of concern as there was a lot of flammable material around in and around the basement classroom and poor fire drill information/ equipment. 8 lesson course with the welder out of use fully for 1 lesson and ran out of gas on 2 other lessons. Small classroom/ limited bench space which sometimes made working on the project very difficult. We all managed to get our projects completed

Christianna M

I did the Foundation course in 2013 and then went on to do the Certificate in Sculpture and Drawing. Had a fantastic experience and learnt some valuable technical skills - would highly recommend them. It has a very friendly, personal and relaxed feel to the place - the staff work above and beyond for the students and tutors. The Foundation course is the most practical one I've found out there. You can go onto a BA knowing you have a basics down and a pool of skills to pull from which will serve you well later down the line. There's a regular amount of contact time with the tutors on both courses and it's located near several art galleries (small and large) where we had regular visits.

Eoin Bailey

The Art Academy offer courses on a wide-variety of art topics, from drawing, to sculpture, to digital manipulations and digital art. They also cater for all levels, which is great for me as a complete art-novice.

The courses are available in the evening time which is great for after work art-learning.

I'm taking the beginner drawing class, the teacher is friendly and helpful, and all the people in the class I'm in are also fun and nice which is important to keep the atmosphere free of stress and pressure.

Shelagh Szulc

Perfectly located near the tube and Borough market, this rather shabby place has reignited my love of drawing after a long break. I last had an art teacher when I did my O level in 1972, almost 45 years ago. Since then the nearest I have got to drawing is doodling. This weekend class was perfect for me and made me realise what I have been missing. It is hard work and really makes you look at things afresh, but it is such fun.