This course is suitable for intermediate and more advanced painters or makers. You should have a good understanding of the process of painting and an ability or keen interest in working through a concept with visual art. You should have an interest in exploring both the theory behind and techniques involved in abstract painting. ?
For the first 5 weeks, each lesson will focus on a particular abstract artist?s or art movement?s technique, and you are encouraged to make work inspired by that.
Through this, you can further develop a toolkit of techniques and conceptual prompts from which to create work. This includes practical and theoretical knowledge including colour theory, use of different paint mediums, uses of abstraction, contemporary abstraction, critical analysis, and research-based making.
As you engage with the course and experiment with different techniques, you can select the processes that most suit you and develop your own project, that you can focus on in the second 5 weeks of the course.
You can also bring a personal project that you would like support in developing. The tutor can provide guidance around developing a professional and artistic practice.

You will learn through studio-based sessions that focus on sustained projects and deeper exploration of practice. Teaching is informed by contemporary artists and the tutor’s expertise, with demonstrations, presentations and critical discussion supporting your development.

Sessions are designed to challenge and extend your skills, encouraging experimentation and independent thinking. You will receive one-to-one feedback, take part in group critiques and peer discussion, and reflect on your work regularly to support progression.

As the course develops, you will have increasing time to focus on your own personal project, allowing you to consolidate your ideas and techniques into a more self-directed body of work.

This course takes place in a dedicated art studio at WM College in Camden, London.
You will have access to:

- A large studio suitable for ambitious painting and experimentation
- Shared equipment and specialist teaching resources
- A supportive and collaborative studio environment
- Small class sizes - up to 14 learners

You may wish to bring your own materials to support a more individual approach to your work. Your tutor will advise on suitable materials and recommend options based on your developing practice.

Assessment is informal, reflective, and embedded throughout this more advanced, studio-based course.
You will be supported to take increasing ownership of your practice, developing a more independent and self-directed approach, with no formal exams.

Ongoing feedback is provided by your tutor, with progress reviewed through your practical work, critical discussion and project development. Individual learning plans will support you in setting and refining personal goals, identifying areas for development, and tracking your progression over time.

Sessions combine demonstrations, presentations and group critique with extended periods of studio practice.

There is an emphasis on critical reflection, supporting you to articulate your ideas and position your work within a wider context.

You will also receive regular one-to-one tutorials to support your individual direction.

By the end of the course, you will have developed greater confidence and fluency in your chosen materials and processes, deepened your understanding of techniques, and produced a more resolved and cohesive body of work.
You will also strengthen your ability to discuss, evaluate and present your work, supporting the development of a clearer creative direction. Opportunities to engage with the wider art context, such as gallery visits or exhibiting and selling work within the college, may be incorporated.

While there is no required work outside of taught sessions, you are encouraged to extend your practice independently to support your development.

Many learners continue across multiple terms to deepen and sustain their practice. You may progress within the programme, move into more specialised courses, or develop an independent body of work with ongoing tutor support. For more information, visit our website or contact the Curriculum Manager at ArtsSchool@wmcollege.ac.uk.

You may be eligible for fee reductions or one of our bursaries, please check the Information and Advice section of our website to find out more.

Teachers are supported to ensure their materials are inclusive to meet learners’ needs. Provision of assistive equipment is available and access support can be provided through reasonable adjustments, subject to an interview with the ALS team and/or the Disability Officer. Digital Learning support is available in the Learning Centre.

We offer free support with finding a job, including 1-1 support with job applications, creating a CV or improving your interview skills, as well as advice about progression opportunities. Visit the website for more information or to book an appointment with our Employability Coach.

There are regular cross-college events, external speaker visits, exhibitions, and opportunities for you to get involved in college life. Look out for adverts around the college, iLearn or sign up to Our Newsletter via the website.