London Art College Blog Posts.....

Paul Weaver

We are delighted to share some exciting news from our tutor Paul Weaver, who has just had a new article published in the October 2025 issue of Leisure Painter & The Artist magazine. The feature, titled Panoramic Highland Landscapes in…

Drawing Basics – 5 Pencil Mistakes Beginners Often Make (and How to Fix Them)

Learning to draw with pencils is a great way to build strong artistic foundations. It is portable, affordable, and incredibly versatile. Whether you are sketching from life, planning a painting, or developing fine detail in a finished piece. But like…

Weekend Art Challenge – Alphabet Challenge – M

Welcome to our Alphabet Challenge. Every month this year we are giving students a different letter of the alphabet so that they can draw or paint anything beginning with that letter. Its the last challenge of August and it’s the…

Weekend Art Challenge Results – Harbour Life

This weekend we invited our students to head to the coast – at least in spirit – for a challenge themed around Harbour Life. The brief was simple: capture the essence of a harbour scene, whether it be bustling fishing…

Benjamin Magesh

We are very pleased to congratulate Benjamin Magesh on successfully completing the Landscape Painting Diploma Course with tutor Alan Dedman and achieving a well deserved Distinction. Benjamin has shown both creativity and technical skill throughout his coursework. His paintings demonstrate…

Deborah Lawrence

We are delighted to celebrate the achievement of student Deborah Lawrence, who has successfully completed the Landscape painting Diploma with tutor Paul Weaver and has been awarded a well-deserved Distinction. Deborah is based in Norway, and many of her pieces…

Acrylic Painting – 5 Beginner Mistakes and How to Fix Them!

Acrylic paint is a brilliant medium for beginners. It is fast-drying, forgiving and incredibly versatile. But like any art material, it can take a little getting used to. If you are new to acrylics or just want to improve your…

Weekend Art Challenge – Harbour Life

For this week’s challenge, we are heading to the harbour! Whether it is the vibrant bustle of a busy fishing port, the gentle stillness of a quiet marina, or the rustic charm of weathered jetties, harbours are full of artistic…

Weekend Art Challenge Results!

Welcome to our latest weekend art challenge where we set our students the task of creating artwork on the subject of … I’m attaching a video file, with a very short animation that I made for this week’s challenge. I’ve…

Mark E. Meng

We are delighted to share some exciting news from one of our cartooning students, Mark E. Meng. Mark has recently been published in The New Cartoonist magazine – a fantastic achievement and well-deserved recognition for his work. Mark studied with…

Less Is More: Using a Limited Colour Palette to Create Harmony

If you have ever found your paintings looking a bit muddy or unsure how to make your colours work together, this is a great exercise to try. Using a limited colour palette is one of the most effective ways to…

Think Small to Work Big – The Magic of Thumbnail Sketches

If you have ever sat in front of a blank page unsure where to start, thumbnail sketches might be just what you need. They are quick, rough and small (hence the name), but they’re one of the most useful tools…

Weekend Art Challenge – What’s in Your Fridge?

For this week’s challenge, we are heading somewhere you probably never thought we would ask about. What’s in your fridge?! Open the door and take a good look at what is inside. You might see colourful fruit and vegetables, neatly…

Weekend Art Challenge – Seaside Results!

This has been one of the most popular and inspiring challenges we have run in a while! The seaside theme really seems to have captured everyone’s imagination and the amazing array of artwork we have received has been absolutely wonderful….

Vincent Doherty

We are delighted to celebrate the success of student Vincent Doherty, who has recently completed our Drawing and Painting Diploma Course with tutor Paul Weaver. Vincent’s dedication, determination, and passion for improving his skills have truly shone through during his…

Pen, Ink and Possibility: Build Your Drawing Confidence with Line

Looking to sharpen your mark-making skills? Pen and ink is the perfect medium to build precision, texture, and confidence. Today’s post highlights a brilliant beginner-friendly YouTube tutorial that explores a variety of simple yet effective ink textures. This quick and…

London Art College Competition 2025

Yes it’s here! We know you have all been eagerly waiting!! Cue the drumroll…our Annual London Art College’s competition is officially open! Our art competition is open to all of our current students and those who completed from September 2024….

Weekend Art Challenge – Seaside Finds

This week, we’re heading to the coast, at least in spirit! Your challenge is to create a piece of artwork based on Seaside Finds. Think of all the treasures you might spot or collect while walking along the beach. Scallop…

Weekend Art Challenge – Alphabet D Results!

Welcome to our latest challenge where we asked students to create a piece of artwork based on the letter D – and once again, you did not disappoint! We have received a delightful and diverse collection of drawings and paintings…

Katalin Zele-Kiss

We are absolutely over the moon to read about Katalin’s exhibition and to share photos of the event here on our blog. We hope you enjoy reading about Katlins exhib itiona nd we would like to thank her for allowing…

Illustrated Journaling – A Sketchbook Habit Worth Starting

If you have ever opened a brand new sketchbook and instantly felt pressure to “get it right,” you are not alone. Many artists, beginners and professionals alike, find blank pages surprisingly intimidating. That is where illustrative journaling can help. It…

Watercolour Painting Techniques – 5 Beginner Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Watercolour is a wonderfully expressive and versatile medium, but it can be tricky to master when you are just starting out. The good news? Most beginners struggle with the same handful of challenges and a few small adjustments can make…

Weekend Art Challenge – Alphabet Challenge – D

Welcome to our Alphabet Challenge. Every month this year we are giving students a different letter of the alphabet so that they can draw or paint anything beginning with that letter. Its the last challenge of July and it’s the…

Weekend Art Challenge Results!

This week’s art challenge is all about the buzz – literally! We invited our students to draw or paint bees, butterflies and all things buzzy in celebration of those hardworking pollinators and fluttering garden visitors that bring summer to life….

Open Call: ING Discerning Eye 2025 – Now Accepting Entries!

We are always keen to share exciting opportunities with our students and wider art community, and this one is not to be missed! The ING Discerning Eye 2025 is officially open for entries, and it offers artists from across the…

Our Tutor Heather Jolliffe Joins Sky Arts Wildcard Challenge!

We are incredibly proud of our wonderful tutor Heather Jolliffe, who recently took part as one of the Wildcard artists for Sky Arts and what a day it was! Heather joined 50 fellow artists for filming in St James’s Park,…

Coloured Pencil Drawing Techniques: 5 Beginner Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Learning to draw with coloured pencils is incredibly rewarding, but like any medium, it has its quirks. Whether you are just starting out or finding your progress a bit patchy, this guide walks you through 5 common mistakes and how…

Weekend Art Challenge – Bees, Butterflies & Buzzy Things!

This weekend’s art challenge is all about celebrating those tiny but mighty creatures that fill our gardens with movement, colour and sound — bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and all things buzzy. Whether you are lucky enough to spot a bee gathering…

Weekend Art Challenge Results!

This weekend’s art challenge was all about celebrating the season through one of its most iconic features – summer flowers. Whether picked from the garden, spotted on a walk, or remembered from a favourite summer holiday, we asked students to…

Gelise McCullough

We are delighted to feature the wonderful pastel artwork of London Art College student Gelise McCullough. Gelise is currently studying on our Pastels Certificate Course, and her pieces already show an exciting range of mark-making, colour use and subject matter….

Student Showcase: Cecilia Sandberg’s Beautiful Coloured Pencil Progress

We are delighted to feature the work of Cecilia Sandberg, a student on our Coloured Pencil Drawing Certificate Course. Cecilia recently completed three carefully observed and skilfully built drawings that show her thoughtful approach to colour, texture and tone. What…

Complete Beginner’s Guide to Learning Art Online

Starting your artistic journey can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re learning from home. Whether you are a complete beginner picking up a pencil for the first time or someone who has always wanted to paint but never knew where to…

Weekend Art Challenge – Summer Flowers

This week’s art challenge is blooming with possibilities! Inspired by the brilliant Jayme Hennel and her beautiful 30 Flowers project, we’re setting you the task of drawing or painting Summer Flowers. You can choose any flower you like – whether…

Weekend Art Challenge Results – Summer Holidays!

This week’s art challenge theme was Summer Holidays and our students have captured the season beautifully. From beach huts and ice cream to sunflowers and seagulls. Each artwork tells its own story of summer – whether that be a favourite…

How to Choose the Right Art Course for You

Choosing the right course can feel overwhelming, but with a little guidance, you’ll be able to select a course that fits your artistic goals. At the London Art College, we offer a wide range of online art courses suitable for…

Joan Henderson

We are thrilled to feature student Joan Henderson, who is currently working her way through our Coloured Pencil Drawing Certificate Course. Joan has created a beautiful selection of drawings for one of her assignments and her progress is a fantastic…

The Best Online Art Courses for Beginners: A Tutor-Run Alternative to AI Learning

In today’s world, it’s easy to feel like everything’s moving toward automation. From AI-generated art tutorials to endless YouTube videos, beginners are now faced with a sea of options, but very little personal guidance. If you are someone who prefers…

Weekend Art Challenge – Summer Holidays!

This weekend, we are embracing all things summer for our latest art challenge! The theme is “Summer Holidays” and we want you to go bold and colourful. Think golden sunshine, blue skies, and joyful scenes that capture the very best…

Weekend Art Challenge Results!

We only had a small number of entries for this weekend’s challenge, as a technical issue meant the post did not go out on time. That said, the submissions we did receive are well worth sharing. The first painting by…

Jacqueline Prothero

We are delighted to share some colourful and imaginative illustrations by student Jacqueline Prothero, who completed our Illustrating Children’s Books Diploma. Jacqueline’s work captures a joyful energy and a clear sense of storytelling. We love ‘The Tortoise Who Wanted to…

Jayne Cornforth

We are pleased to feature the delicate and detailed work of Jayne Cornforth, who is studying on the Botanical Coloured Pencil Diploma Course. Jayne recently completed Assignment 5, producing two beautifully composed still life studies—one of onions and one of…

Did You Know Marcel Duchamp Signed a Urinal and Called It Art?

In 1917, artist Marcel Duchamp caused quite the stir in the art world — and all he did was sign a urinal. It was a standard porcelain urinal, the kind you might find in a hardware shop back in the…

Weekend Art Challenge – Your Favourite Artwork

For this weekend’s art challenge, we are inviting you to take a moment to reflect on your creative journey so far and choose a piece of artwork that holds a special place in your heart. It could be something you…

Weekend Art Challenge Results!

This weekend’s art challenge was to draw or paint something beginning with the letter J. Students had complete freedom with subject, style and medium, as long as it clearly linked to the theme. We had a great mix of ideas…

Kimberly Hunter

We are thrilled to feature student Kimberly Hunter’s first assignment on the Coloured Pencil Drawing Certificate Course. Kimberly has submitted a series of observational studies using both graphite and coloured pencils, including everyday items like a mug and spoon, a…

Susan Douglas

We are delighted to showcase the beautiful work of student Susan Douglas, who is currently working her way through the Chinese Brush Painting – Sumi-E Course with the London Art College. Susan has recently completed Assignment 2 and shared a…

The Golden Ratio in Art: Why It’s Called the Perfect Proportion

The golden ratio, often referred to as the “divine proportion,” has fascinated artists, architects, and mathematicians for centuries. This mathematical formula, approximately equal to 1.618, is believed to create aesthetically pleasing compositions that occur naturally in art, nature, and even…

Weekend Art Challenge – Alphabet Challenge – J

Welcome to our Alphabet Challenge. Every month this year we are giving students a different letter of the alphabet so that they can draw or paint anything beginning with that letter. Its the last challenge of June and it’s the…

Weekend Art Challenge Results Butterflies

Welcome to our latest weekend art challenge where we set our students the task of creating artwork on the subject of butterflies. Students could choose any style or medium and have a bit of fun with the theme. The artwork…

Iris Russell

We are very pleased to showcase the beautiful watercolour paintings of Iris Russell, submitted as part of the Watercolour Diploma Course. Iris brings a thoughtful approach to her work, with each piece showing careful attention to texture, composition and colour…

Jude Coleman

We are thrilled to showcase a wonderful selection of drawings by student Jude Coleman, completed for the Pet Portraits Diploma Course. Jude explored a range of mediums across the exercises, from coloured pencil and graphite to soft pastel. Each study…

The Role of Animals in Art: From Symbolism to Companionship

Animals have been a central theme in art for thousands of years, serving as symbols, storytellers, and even personal companions. Whether depicted in ancient cave paintings or modern sculptures, animals offer a unique way for artists to explore human emotions,…

Weekend Art Challenge – Butterflies

Welcome to our newest weekend art challenge! This week we would love for you to get creative using the theme butterflies. We have added some photos below if you would like to use those. They are full of colour and…

Weekend Art Challenge Results!

This weekend’s challenge was simple: draw or paint something orange. No strict rules, just pick a subject where orange takes centre stage. We had a fantastic mix of entries this week. From vibrant flowers and fruit to goldfish, cats and…

Anita van Lent – van de Klashorst

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Anita van Lent-van de Klashorst, who completed the Botanical Painting Course with Merit in November 2024. Anita had a very distinctive artistic style – her compositions were consistently vibrant, lively…

Samuel Froelich

We are delighted to feature artwork by student Samuel Froelich, who has recently completed the Illustrating Children’s Books Diploma course. Samuel has enjoyed the challenge and his playful, character-driven artwork brings a lovely sense of energy and expression to the…

How Colour Changed the Course of Art History

Colour is one of the most powerful elements in art, influencing how we perceive and connect with a work. From the earthy tones of prehistoric cave paintings to the bold palettes of modern abstraction, the use of colour has evolved…

Weekend Art Challenge – Something Orange

This weekends art challenge is simple! All you need to do is draw or paint something orange – or the main part of the image should contain the colour orange similar to the photos below. There are plenty of ideas…

Weekend Art Challenge Results!

This week for our art challenge we asked our students to draw or paint wildflowers and they didn’t disappoint. From bold poppies and cheerful daisies to delicate foxgloves and intricate plant studies, the results were full of colour, variety and…

Students Illustrate a Spooky Poem

Our talented students on the Illustrating Children’s Books Diploma Course have recently completed one of the more atmospheric and imaginative assignments in the course. They were asked to illustrate a poem in black and white using bold shapes, ink, contrast…

Karen Jones

We are delighted to showcase the fantastic work of Karen Jones, a dedicated student currently studying on our Pet Portraits Diploma Course, tutored by the wonderfully supportive Heather Jolliffe. Karen has recently challenged herself with a series of focused animal…

Your Own Art Story: What Would Your Masterpiece Look Like?

Every artist has a unique story to tell, and their creations often serve as a window into their personal experiences, emotions, and perspectives. From Vincent van Gogh’s turbulent self-portraits to Frida Kahlo’s symbolic explorations of identity, art is a powerful…

Weekend Art Challenge – Wild Flowers

Welcome to this weekends art challenge all about wild flowers. We would like for you to look at the wild flowers you find around you in your local area and try to draw or paint them and let us know…

Weekend Art Challenge Results – Alphabet Challenge W

This weekend’s art challenge continued our alphabet theme, this time we asked our students to draw or paint something beginning with the letter W. As expected, we had a ‘Wonderfully Wide’ range of entries. From wildlife and witches to watering…

Tao Barry

We are pleased to feature student Tao Barry’s work from our Botanical Coloured Pencil Diploma Course here at the London Art College. Tao has submitted a beautiful sequence of drawings based on a single tulip study, showing her exploration through…

Carey Berning

I chose the digital illustration course through London Art College after being introduced to the basics of digital design and taking an interest in the new artistic possibilities that came with it. I am an artist in my own right…

Why We Still Study Art History: Lessons from the Past

Art history is more than just studying beautiful works of art—it’s about understanding the cultures, values, and events that shaped them. From ancient cave paintings to contemporary installations, art history provides insights into how humans have expressed their ideas and…

Weekend Art Challenge – Alphabet Challenge – W

Welcome to our Alphabet Challenge. Every month this year we are having a different letter of the alphabet and students can draw or paint anything as long as it is beginning with that letter. Its the last challenge of May…

Weekend Art Challenge Results – View from your Window

Welcome to our latest weekend art challenge where we set our students the task of creating artwork on the subject to draw or paint the view from your window. Whether it was a garden, a street scene, or the neighbour’s…

Raffaella Somma

We are thrilled to share the fabulous artwork of Raffaella Somma, who has recently completed our Pet Portrait Diploma Course here at the London Art College. Raffaella has produced an incredible body of work during her time with us and…

Mark Miffin

We ae delighted to showcase the artwork of Mark Miffin, a student currently working through our Still Life Certificate Course. This course is all about encouraging students to observe closely, think carefully about composition and build up their skills in…

Art History Through Fashion: From Toga to Tuxedo

Art and fashion have always shared a close relationship, with clothing often reflecting cultural values, societal roles, and historical shifts. From ancient times to modern-day styles, fashion depicted in art provides a fascinating lens through which we can explore the…

Weekend Art Challenge – View from Your Window

Welcome to our latest Weekend Challenge. We would love to see a drawing or painting of the view from your window. Perhaps you have a lovely view into your garden or maybe you can see lots of rooftops from an…

Weekend Art Challenge Results – Tigers!

This weekend’s challenge was to draw or paint a tiger, and our students really rose to the occasion. From pen and ink wash work to bold colour studies, each artwork had its own character. Some captured the strength and movement…

Catherine Thompson

This is another painting inspired by the article 10 famous artworks you can recreate at home.It is a copy of “Field with Flowers near Arles” by Vincent Van Gogh. I have painted it to go alongside my previous “Irises” painting….