Study Painting. Make it happen.
All sessions at Ashlab are exclusively held on weekends. Whether you want to commit to a long-term artistic journey or just drop in for a creative afternoon, we have a spot for you.
Our Sessions
Explore our range of painting and drawing classes, designed to help you build confidence and develop your creative skills at your own pace. Suitable for all ages and experience levels.
Join adult oil painting classes in Edinburgh. Explore oil painting through a five-session course combining practical painting with inspiration from artists and art history.
Each two-hour class introduces a different theme, followed by painting exercises that help you put what you’ve learnt into practice.
What you’ll explore
1. Morandi: Shades of Grey
Explore muted colours inspired by Morandi and experiment with a subtle, restrained palette.
2. Flowers Through Art History
Discover how artists have depicted flowers across different periods and styles, and bring those ideas into your own painting.
3. Painting in Shapes: Picasso
Take inspiration from Picasso to explore shape and experiment with how you arrange forms in a painting.
4. Exploring Impressionism
Explore Impressionist painting and experiment with colour and brushwork in your own practice.
5. Emotion and Colour: Matisse and Derain
Explore how colour can express feeling, with inspiration from Matisse and Derain.
Try the first session
Start by booking the first class, Morandi: Shades of Grey, on its own. This is Session 1 of the five-session course.
If you enjoy it and would like to continue, simply book the remaining 4 sessions to explore the rest of the series.
Two hours per session, with flexible attendance
Each class includes an introduction to the theme, relevant artists and art history, followed by practical painting.
If you need to miss a session or adjust your attendance, please let us know in advance so we can discuss arrangements with you.
Book your first oil painting class
Build a Strong Foundation in Watercolour
Discover the joy of watercolour in a welcoming and supportive studio environment. This beginner-friendly course is designed to help you develop essential techniques while building confidence in your creative practice.
Through a series of guided exercises and projects, you'll learn how to control water and pigment, mix colours, and create beautiful paintings step by step. With plenty of individual guidance and small class sizes, you'll have the opportunity to learn at your own pace and develop your own artistic style.
What You'll Learn
Understanding watercolour materials and brushes
Water control and brush techniques
Colour mixing and colour theory
Washes, layering, and blending
Light, shadow, and simple composition
Painting flowers, landscapes, and everyday objects
Who Is It For?
Perfect for complete beginners or anyone looking to refresh their watercolour skills. No previous experience is required.
What's Included
Professional artist-led instruction
Small group classes
Individual feedback and support
Basic materials available to use during class
A relaxed and inspiring learning environment
Class Size
Small classes of up to 8 participants ensure everyone receives personal guidance throughout the course.
Inspire curiosity, creativity and confidence through our original, teacher-designed art programme.
Created by experienced artists and educators, this unique course combines a variety of artistic techniques with imaginative projects that encourage children to explore, experiment and express their own ideas. Every lesson is carefully designed in-house to provide a fun, engaging and meaningful creative experience.
What children will explore
Painting and colour exploration
Mixed media techniques
Collage and creative making
Seasonal and themed art projects
Storytelling through art
Creative problem-solving and visual thinking
Personal expression and artistic confidence
With small class sizes, every child receives individual guidance while developing practical art skills, imagination and a lifelong love of creativity.
Perfect for young artists aged 5–12, with activities tailored to each child's age and ability.
FAQ
-
Receive expert design guidance from the comfort of your home, with personalized recommendations and solutions for your space.
-
We adopt a "Small Group, Personalized Pace" model. While learning in a group setting, every student follows their own individual progress. We do not force a "one size fits all" lesson; instead, the tutor provides one-on-one feedback and tailored demonstrations based on each student's specific level and needs. This ensures that you get the social inspiration of a studio environment while receiving the focused attention necessary to master technical skills at your own pace.
-
Yes. We provide expert guidance on observational drawing, media experimentation, and development based on the assessment objectives to help refine your portfolio.
-
We encourage students to have their own tools for consistent practice at home. We provide heavy equipment and consumables like easels, drawing boards, and professional paper.
-
Course packages are non-refundable. If you need to skip a class, please notify us 24 hours in advance. We will do our best to arrange a make-up session in another Saturday slot, subject to availability.