Advanced creative projects: developing and refining your studio practice
Course Overview
This advanced course supports you in developing and refining your studio practice through ambitious creative projects.
You will define your own interests and influences, set personal goals, and explore a range of research methods to inform your work.
Emphasis is placed on working independently, including ways to remain creatively active beyond the studio.
You will develop skills in critical reflection, peer feedback and analysing artworks to strengthen your practice.
The course also encourages engagement with current exhibitions and galleries.
Within a friendly and supportive environment, you will build confidence in articulating your ideas while producing more resolved and considered outcomes.
Location: Crowndale Road, Camden
Who is this course for and what will I learn?
This is an intermediate to advanced course for learners looking to develop a more independent and ambitious studio practice.
It is ideal for those who want to explore personal ideas in depth, expand research methods, and engage critically with their work in a supportive environment.
Some prior experience in art and design or studio practice is recommended.
You should be comfortable working independently and open to experimentation, reflection and discussion while building on existing skills.
Through hands-on studio practice, you will experiment with a wider range of materials and processes, exploring advanced approaches to while developing sustained personal projects.
By the end of the course you will be able to
- develop ideas from concept to resolved outcomes
- reflect on progress, feedback and identify next steps
- respond to feedback; explain and justify decisions
- work more confidently and independently on your own creative practice
It is ideal for those who want to explore personal ideas in depth, expand research methods, and engage critically with their work in a supportive environment.
Some prior experience in art and design or studio practice is recommended.
You should be comfortable working independently and open to experimentation, reflection and discussion while building on existing skills.
Through hands-on studio practice, you will experiment with a wider range of materials and processes, exploring advanced approaches to while developing sustained personal projects.
By the end of the course you will be able to
- develop ideas from concept to resolved outcomes
- reflect on progress, feedback and identify next steps
- respond to feedback; explain and justify decisions
- work more confidently and independently on your own creative practice
How will I learn?
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.
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 and next steps
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 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.
What additional support can I get?
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.
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.
Tutor Profiles
Jonny Kemp – drawing and painting tutor
Jonny has a varied practice including portraits drawn in fine liner pen, and narrative painting in oils. He has over five years’ experience teaching life drawing and portrait classes, and painting workshops. He has led several community art projects around his local area in south London. His practice currently involves reimagining ‘Old Masters’ paintings, swapping Christian saints and martyrs for contemporary activists.
TEACHING AND LEARNER SUPPORT
A teacher for 12 years, Jonny ensures his sessions are welcoming and supportive while stretching his students. Each session develops a specific skill, with clear demonstrations and examples. He gives 1:1 feedback, focusing on successes whilst suggesting achievable steps to develop, then ends with a celebration of the classes’ work.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND CREDENTIALS
- Fine Art Foundation, Art Academy London
- MA Fine Art, City and Guilds of London School of Art
- Exhibited in group shows in London
- Won awards at Foundation show and at Chelsea Art Society Summer Show
- Contestant on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2023
PROFESSIONAL LINKS
www.jonnykempart.co.uk
Instagram: @jonny_kemp_artist
Jonny has a varied practice including portraits drawn in fine liner pen, and narrative painting in oils. He has over five years’ experience teaching life drawing and portrait classes, and painting workshops. He has led several community art projects around his local area in south London. His practice currently involves reimagining ‘Old Masters’ paintings, swapping Christian saints and martyrs for contemporary activists.
TEACHING AND LEARNER SUPPORT
A teacher for 12 years, Jonny ensures his sessions are welcoming and supportive while stretching his students. Each session develops a specific skill, with clear demonstrations and examples. He gives 1:1 feedback, focusing on successes whilst suggesting achievable steps to develop, then ends with a celebration of the classes’ work.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND CREDENTIALS
- Fine Art Foundation, Art Academy London
- MA Fine Art, City and Guilds of London School of Art
- Exhibited in group shows in London
- Won awards at Foundation show and at Chelsea Art Society Summer Show
- Contestant on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2023
PROFESSIONAL LINKS
www.jonnykempart.co.uk
Instagram: @jonny_kemp_artist
Related Courses
.jpg)
