Live Painting Demos | Supportive Environment | Quality Content & Teaching
Become An Artist with The Art Academy
Learn To Paint In Norfolk
At The Art Academy we focus on colour mixing & the use of a reduced colour palette, the importance and effective use of tonal values, design, composition, brushwork, paint handling and traditional painting skills. These are the fundamental building blocks to producing powerful and cohesive works of art.
As emerging artists and experienced painters you will find these neglected areas invaluable as you learn how to incorporate them into your practice.
Fine art evolves continually and finding ways to use the traditional skills of the old masters in conjunction with experimental new ideas makes for exciting discoveries.
Using step-by-step carefully designed programs of study that can lead to technical excellence, we support and guide you to discover your unique art style.
We are an art school for adults, but not as you know it!
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Paint with Technical Accuracy & Precision
Colour is a powerful tool in art, and our courses delve deep into colour theory and application. Master the technical aspects of painting with our comprehensive instruction.
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Create Paintings with Emotional Impact
Learn how to infuse your works with genuine emotion. Our expert-led courses provide you with techniques and insights to infuse your work with emotional impact, making your art truly captivating.
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Build Your Confidence & Art Career
Gain the confidence to exhibit your work in galleries & art shows. Learn the business side of being an artist, including how to market your work, approach galleries, and create opportunities to sell your art.
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Join Our Artistic Community
Artistic people of all ages and backgrounds attend our courses. Surrounding yourself with other creative people can greatly improve your artistic perspective. Many of our learners have made friends for life on our courses.
Some people come to us having tried art classes before and felt out of place. Others haven't picked up a brush in decades. Here is what you will find when you learn to paint with us.
How We Work
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Whatever your age, background or ability, there is a place for you. No prior experience is needed and there is no upper age limit.
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If education has felt difficult or daunting in the past, you will find things are different here. The environment is calm, honest and entirely free from judgement. What you share is always your choice.
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Expect high-quality tuition, consistent guidance and feedback that is honest, encouraging and actually useful.
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You will paint alongside others who are here for the same reasons. Many students who arrive as strangers leave as friends.
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The life experience and prior learning you bring with you is recognised and valued. You are not starting from nothing.
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Flexible pacing, clear instruction and reasonable adjustments are built into every course. Support is there when you need it, without making a fuss.
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The techniques and creative processes you learn here will enrich your everyday life and wellbeing long after the course ends.
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Effort and achievement are recognised at every level. Your growth is measured against where you started, not against anyone else in the room. We encourage curiosity, resilience and the belief that capability can develop throughout life.
Claire Frances Smith - Founder
“I am privileged to have had the opportunity to teach and guide hundreds of students through The Art Academy over the last 15 years.
I know they have gained confidence in their own creative skills and artwork. They have learned ways to represent their own view of the world as well as undertsand the business of art.
I have been a professional artist for over 40 years working with galleries, publishers and private clients during that time. In my own work, I aim to cultivate a sense of quiet energy and awe and I am endlessly inspired by the light and atmosphere of the vast Norfolk sky.
I look forward to supporting more emerging artists at The Art Academy to develop fundamental paintings skills that will empower them to discover their inner artist.”
“Can’t recommend highly enough, fantastic course and staff. I have loved it!”
“Great course and staff, just wish I could do it again.”
“The teaching methods and support are second to none!”
