Brushstrokes Courses
Discover Your Inner Artist.
Learn technique & build confidence to create your masterpiece with online & Bristol art classes.
High quality, live online, or Bristol based art classes delivered by an experienced, QTS accredited art teacher.
For those seeking professional yet creative guidance. We offer art classes to a varied range of skill sets, from complete Beginners to established Artists looking for fresh inspiration. Gain confidence to set down that inner imposter and start your creative journey.
Get in touch to book a FREE consultation.
“For many years I have wanted to find a time and a place to connect more with my creative side. Brushstrokes has given me this opportunity. The course is varied and interesting. Laura’s style of tutoring lends itself perfectly to virtual learning. Her enthusiasm, passion and guidance make you feel she is in the room with you.”
— Siobhan.
"Laura's beginners portraiture course exceeded all my expectations. I started the course as someone who held beliefs from school days about being no good at art. Laura is passionate about supporting artists of all levels of ability, and she creates a warm, friendly and fun environment in which to learn and practice. The course was so well-designed, with plenty of materials to help us complete our weekly assignments. I am so happy I did the course and am grateful to Laura for helping me achieve things I never believed I could."
— Anisha
Upcoming Courses...
Spring & Summer 2026
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The Oil Painting Course - EVENING
How does the ‘alla prima’ oil painting technique compare to the ‘fat over lean’ rule? How can I capture an atmospheric oil painting using loose brushstrokes?
On this course, we look at two different ways of layering oil paint, whilst capturing stormy seas.
Online with Zoom & In-Person at The Kingswood Estate, Bristol.
Available to book: Monday Evening Online or Thursday Evening In-Person.
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Animal Oil Painting Course - DAYTIME
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.
In-person at Winterbourne Down.
Available to book: Tuesday Mornings, Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday Mornings or Wednesday Afternoons.
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'En Plein Air' Summer Workshop - DAYTIME
How do you begin with framing a composition for your sketchbook? Which art materials are easily transported for ‘en plein air’ drawing. How can you take a sketch and transform it into a realised final piece?
On this workshop, we will take inspiration from the surrounding scenery of Winterbourne Down (reference images will be provided if the weather is not on side!) using both classical & modern techniques. You will then have an opportunity to use our studio materials to transform your sketches into a fully realised final piece.
In-Person at Winterbourne Down.
Tuesday 14th July - Wednesday 15th July
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Sip & Paint - EVENING
Join myself and Averys Wine Merchants for a delightful Paint and Wine evening in an atmospheric 18th Century wine cellar underneath the streets of Bristol.
Unleash your creativity, whilst enjoying 1 glass of something fizzy and 4 specially selected glasses of wine from Avery’s Sommeliers. Four carefully selected cheeses will complement and enrich the flavours of the wine.
In-person at Averys Wine Merchants, Bristol.
Saturday 25th April 2026, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM.
“Your teaching has been inspiring and well considered. The mix of demonstration, encouragement and working time was just right.”
— Ian
“I attended the portraiture course and was so impressed with Laura’s teaching. She is patient, encouraging and very highly skilled. I learned so much and I’m looking forward to the next one. Thankyou Laura for such an enjoyable course.”
— Jayne