Contact Us

Please use the form on the right to contact us with your request.

You can also contact us via phone on 01202 302702 

Please note we will probably be teaching or painting when you phone so do leave a clear message on the answerphone giving your name and contact phone number and we will return your call as soon as passible.

Thank you

29 Southern Road
Bournemouth, England, BH6 3SR
United Kingdom

01202302702

Classical Art Academy run Drawing and Oil Painting Classes Courses Workshops and Painting Holidays from their studio in Bournemouth, Dorset.  Art courses, classes and workshops in Drawing and Oil Painting for all ability levels and ages.

Masterclasses 2023

THIS YEAR'S (2024) MODEL SESSIONS ARE INCLUDED IN OUR FRIDAY CLASSICAL PATHWAY CLASSES. MASTERCLASSES ARE CURRENTLY ON HOLD WITH NEW DATES COMING LATER IN THE YEAR

Masterclasses

Short Courses For 2024 - TBC

This masterclasses programme is taught by our tutors and visiting artists who are very experienced, award-winning and exceptional teachers. Each with their own unique style and is highly regarded for their technical skill. This year we have introduced three new tutors to our programme in addition to returning favourites.

Course Details

Course Requirements

Some basic experience with oil paints. Requirements can vary; please check the course description

Course Attendance

These are all 1 -day or 2 -day courses

Class Duration

6 hours plus a 1-hour lunch break

Class Capacity

Max 6 - 8 Students 

Class Tutors

All Tutors are highly accomplished artists; please look them up on Instagram and Facebook to get their biography and background. Martin Close / James Bland / Sam Clayden / Andrew Barrowman / Anastasia Pollard

Course Fee: 

Martin Close One Day En Plein Air - £130 each or £250 for both

James Bland Two Day Figurative - £300

Sam Clayden Two Day Portrature - £350

Andrew Barrowman Two Day-Seascape Painting - £300

Anastasia Pollard Three-Day Figurative - £350

Course Description

These are in their scheduled order

Two-Day Figurative Course With James Bland  A wonderful opportunity to study James’ distinctive figurative style. For oil painters with some figurative or portraiture experience. Participants will be working from direct observation of the model and guided through a few simple exercises in looking at tone, colour, and composition. You will be encouraged to develop your style through analytical and intuitive thinking. He is a trusted favourite returning to share his incredible talents. Dates: 2024 TBC

En Plein Air with Martin Close - Founder of our Atelier. These one-day courses are a fantastic opportunity to study painting nature live. Learning how to tackle the moving light, the best palette to use and simplify your composition. Two fabulous local locations provide opportunities to study capturing water - a lake and the sea. All levels are welcome. Dates: 2024 TBC

Painting A Seascape with Andrew Barrowman This course will begin with a Plein air sketching session at the beach, capturing the atmosphere of the place with several quick sketches to use as a reference alongside photographs for our paintings. The majority of the session will be in the studio, starting with monochromatic studies and working towards Alla Prima painting, rich with demonstrations by Andrew. Joining us from Cornwall for the first time a highly acclaimed artist not to be missed. Dates: 2024 TBC

Two-Day Portrature with Sam Clayden, A portrait and landscape artist in London, exhibiting at the Royal Institute of Oil Painters Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries. Sam’s first weekend will focus on in-depth charcoal drawings capturing the model's realism. The second is an Alla Prima study in oils, working with pigment-based colour theory key to capturing the true likeness of the model. Joining us for the first time is an experienced tutor whose paintings speak for themselves. Dates: 2024 TBC

Three-Day Figurative Nude Course With Anastasia Pollard A wonderful opportunity to learn from this award-winning artist and tutor. Within these three days, you will be guided through capturing a representational figure from life through painting sketches with a restricted Oil Zorn Palette. This class is for all levels of artists, including beginners with some experience in portraiture and/or oils. The study will be pitched individually, depending on your level of experience. Dates: 2024 TBC


Student Testimonials

Wow, so glad I found this school. Anastasia is an amazing tutor who patiently supported us throughout the two days. My previous experience was limited but she made me feel so at home and gave beautiful and clear demonstrations “
— Sarah Booth
I can’t recommend the En Plain Air courses enough. I’ve been on several workshops of this nature but Martin is the first to provide so much technical tuition and support. We watched his demonstrations throughout the day and he was always on hand to help. Plus painting in nature is a joy.
— David Brown

Book Your Course

Got question?

We’re here to help. Please take a look at our FAQ’s or feel free to contact us


Course FAQ's

Who is this course suitable for?

Anyone aged 10 and over

Are any materials included?

No, however we can offer studio materials to some students by arrangment. A full materials list and price list will be provided to you before your class begins. We have a discounted starter oil paint and brush set available for you to buy.

I am an experienced artist, is this course right for me?

Yes, this in-depth theory into practice, especially the colour control is very popular with working artists as well as students

I’m doing GCSE/A’Level Art, will this course be helpful?

Yes, we have helped many students

Is lunch provided?

Sadly we no longer provide lunch. We have lots of wonderful places on our doorstep to buy lunch. A group social during the course is also common!

Do you have tea and coffee facilities?

We provide water. Please bring hot drinks with you in a flask. The local cafes also provide a great range of hot drinks.