Ready to take the next step in your painting journey? Acrylic Painting for Beginners – NEXT is a follow-on course designed for those who have completed an introductory course or have some basic experience with acrylics.

This course builds on foundational skills, helping you gain more confidence, control, and creative freedom in your painting. You’ll deepen your understanding of colour mixing, explore more advanced brushwork and layering techniques, and develop stronger compositions. There will be a greater focus on personal expression, encouraging you to experiment, take creative risks, and begin to develop your own artistic style.

Throughout the 6 weeks, you’ll work on a series of guided projects, leading to a more resolved final painting. You’ll also receive individual feedback and take part in supportive group discussions to help refine your work.

Ideal for those who want to move beyond the basics, this course offers a relaxed and inspiring environment to grow your skills and confidence, while continuing to enjoy the process of painting.

Week 1 – Refresh & Build Confidence

Focus: Revisiting core skills
Learning outcomes:

• Refresh colour mixing and brush control

• Revisit key techniques from the beginners course

• Build confidence through short guided exercises

• Start a small expressive study

Week 2 – Layering & Depth

Focus: Developing paintings through layers
Learning outcomes:

• Understand how to build depth using layers

• Explore transparent vs opaque paint

• Experiment with texture and glazing techniques

• Develop a more complex painting study

Week 3 – Composition & Personal Style

Focus: Strengthening composition and creativity
Learning outcomes:

• Improve composition and focal points

• Explore simplifying and editing visual information

• Begin identifying personal style and preferences

• Start planning an individual project

Week 4 – Colour & Expression

Focus: Using colour with intention
Learning outcomes:

• Explore colour harmony and contrast

• Use colour to create mood and atmosphere

• Experiment with bold, expressive palettes

• Develop confidence in intuitive painting

Week 5 – Developing a Final Piece

Focus: Independent painting with guidance
Learning outcomes:

• Work on a personal final painting

• Apply layering, composition, and colour knowledge

• Make independent creative decisions

• Receive one-to-one feedback to refine work

Week 6 – Finishing, Varnishing & Presentation

Focus: Completing and presenting artwork
Learning outcomes:

• Resolve and refine the final painting, including signing your artwork

• Learn basic varnishing techniques to protect artwork

• Gain tips for photographing your painting

• Share work in a supportive group critique and reflect on progress