Course FAQ

Read through the most common asked and answered questions here. For any further questions, don’t hesitate to Get in touch.

Is this course suitable for beginners?

Yes, the course has been created to support beginners, or for those who haven’t picked up a paint brush since school.

Is this course suitable for intermediates, returners or already practicing artists?

Yes, returning or advanced students will be set intermediate or extension tasks to challenge, further expand your skillset and explore your own artistic identity.

Will I be able to access the course whilst juggling a busy schedule?

Yes, each task has been designed for you to complete during the class, or alternatively you can further access the week’s aims & objectives by working on your work outside of class.

What will I learn?

Learn how to elevate your technique, gain inspiration, and discover your creative style by learning how to layer oil paint to create an animal portrait.

How do you build base tones and fine fur using oil paint? How is it possible to capture personality, texture whilst keeping the painting modern & stylistic?

On this course, we will have a deep dive into how to paint a baby orangutan (or bring a pet portrait image to study) using both classical & modern techniques. Each week we will work step-by-step through each stage together to create a finished animal portrait at the end of the course.

For a course break down, click here:

Where can I find out the course content?

When you enrol onto the course, you will be sent a Welcome Pack, which will contain a full breakdown of the course. It will outline what to expect each week, what the tasks will be and what materials you will use each class.

If you would like to find out more before you buy, click here for an overview.

How much is the course?

Shared Materials and BYOB (Bring Your Own Brushes): £165

Brush Set included: £190

Payment Plans available on request.

Do you have a Payment Plan?

Yes we do! We have a flexible Payment Plan that ensures art remains accessible to everyone. For further information on our Payment Plans, click here

All we require is a 20% Deposit as an upfront down payment which unfortunately cannot be refundable to cover costs.

Select to then pay either:

20% each week over 4 weeks,

OR

20% per month over 4 months.

Click here to learn about our Payment Plans and for the terms and conditions.

Get In Touch to tailor a payment plan that suits your needs.

Can I purchase the materials needed?

Yes, you may be able to purchase any new materials available to take home using cash or contactless within class.

Can I use my own materials?

Yes! You will be emailed out a Welcome Pack with break down of the course content, including the materials & equipment needed throughout the course which you can look through before the class starts.

Are the materials included within the price?

Materials & oil paints are included within the cost of the course, other than the paintbrushes. You can choose to purchase the paintbrushes & a paintbrush roll to transport your tools, or BYOB (Bring Your Own Paintbrushes) to use in class.

Which days and what time are the classes?

Beginners & Mixed Ability Class:

TUES, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Mixed Ability Classes (Beginners also welcome):

TUES 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM,

WED 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM & WED 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM.

The dates are:

Tuesday 13th January 2026 - Tuesday 24th March 2026.

OR

Wednesday 14th January 2026 - Wednesday 25th March 2026

Where is the Class?

The address for the venue is:

All Saints Church Hall
Church Rd,

Winterbourne Down,

Winterbourne,

Bristol

BS36 1BX

There is free parking in front of and behind the church hall.
Please note, to access the hall, you must come off from Church Road. Sat Nav may try to lead you down ‘Camp View’ but please ignore this – there is no access along there! Instead turn onto Church Road off either Down Road or Mill Road.

Are there refreshments?

Yes! You will be offered tea, coffee and biscuits at the start of each class as well as in the half time break.

If I can’t make a class, can I have a refund?

• If a course is cancelled by Brushstrokes Courses due to Covid-19, or any other reason, and cannot be moved online, you will be fully reimbursed for any classes that have not been delivered.

• Unfortunately we cannot offer a refund for any missed classes. If a student misses a class due to sickness, holiday, or any other reason, no refunds or discounts can be given. Course notes, guides and materials will be distributed for missed sessions with an opportunity to catch up on missed classes in the last two weeks of the course.

• If a student wishes to drop out of a course and an artist on a Waiting List is able to fill the space, a refund may be possible. Due to upfront venue hire, materials costs, admin costs, lesson planning and staff costs, refunds without being able to fill any missing spaces may not be possible.

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What’s your Covid-19 Policy for In-Person Classes?

For our full Covid-19 Policy, click HERE