Starts 21st of September 2025 | Drawing | Painting | Mentoring
190/month (September–June)
This comprehensive 3-year Fine Art Education offers a structured and immersive journey in the fundamentals of classical drawing and painting, rooted in observational practice and traditional techniques. Designed for beginners and developing artists seeking to build a sustainable long-term practice and develop a cohesive body of work.
The Painter’s Foundation Programme
A Three-Year Fine Art Education
Slowly exploring drawing and painting, in the first year, students will work from still life and printed references. In the second year, we move on to figure drawing, third year is dedicated to the development of personal style.
This course offers a complete artistic education, with an emphasis on discipline, sensitivity, and sustained observation. Each session builds toward mastery of tone, proportion, composition, and expression.
Classes are taught in small groups, allowing for individualised guidance and mentoring. Over the course of three years, students will receive a number of formal appraisals with Saltaire Art School founder Nina Hunter, who offers tailored feedback and professional mentorship to support growth and direction.
This course is ideal for committed beginners as well as experienced artists wishing to revisit and deepen their practice within a classically focused framework.
Schedule: Twice-weekly sessions from September to June;
Mentoring: 1-hour mentoring session and portfolio assessment with Nina Hunter every 12 weeks; available for bespoke feedback throughout the course;
Fees: £190 per month for 10 months (total £1,900)
Location: Saltaire Art School
Year One — Interpreting
Learning to observe.
Year Two — Interpreting
Learning to transform.
Year Two — Interpreting
Learning to transform.
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Drawing from observation
Perspective
Tonal values
Colour theory
Composition
Materials and techniques
Painting from life
Historical masters
Outcome: Technical competence.
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Simplification and abstraction
Symbolism and metaphor
Developing mood and atmosphere
Working from memory and imagination
Narrative in painting
Contemporary approaches
Finding influences
Creating cohesive series of work
Personal colour palettes
Scale and impact
Outcome: Artistic voice begins to emerge.
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Major personal project
Advanced critique
Building a body of work
Artist statements
Exhibition planning
Professional practice
Presenting work publicly
Refining a unique visual language