About Burnt Sienna
Founded in 2016 by painter Louise Lenz, Burnt Sienna is an independent artist-led painting school, gallery, and mentoring programme based in Berlin.
Dedicated to the development of painting as a contemporary artistic practice, Burnt Sienna provides structured education, studio mentoring, artist residencies, exhibitions, and professional development opportunities for artists at all stages of their careers.
Working from our Charlottenburg studio, Burnt Sienna supports complete beginners, developing painters, and established artists through small-group teaching, individual mentoring, critical dialogue, and sustained studio practice.
Our approach bridges the gap between traditional art education and independent artistic practice, creating a supportive environment in which artists can develop technical skill, confidence, and a long-term commitment to painting.
At Burnt Sienna, we work exclusively with tutors who possess exceptional skill and a broad range of experience in oil painting and drawing. Our educators are selected based on their technical expertise, teaching experience, and ability to mentor students in a professional, supportive environment. Each tutor contributes to a learning culture that emphasizes rigorous training, individual attention, and the cultivation of a personal style.
The school maintains strict privacy policies to protect the safety and comfort of all students and staff. Permission to photograph the studio, artworks, or participants is carefully controlled, and students may be asked to sign release forms before entering the studio space. This ensures a secure environment where students can focus entirely on their artistic development without distraction.
Our Team
Get to know the people
inside Burnt Sienna Art school
Louise Lenz – School Director
Professional artist since 2007, with 18+ years of teaching experience
Specialises in traditional oil painting, underpainting, glazing, and colour theory
Leads the mentoring programme and advanced oil painting courses
Guides students in creating their own canvases, preparing surfaces with gesso or rabbit skin glue, and exploring both traditional and contemporary approaches
Emma Seach – Instructor
Graduate of the Royal Drawing School, London
Expertise in academic drawing, tonal values, and composition building
Supports students with portfolio reviews and sketchbook guidance before the course (via Google Meet)
Experienced in teaching foundational oil painting techniques such as preparing palettes, creating tonal scales, and mark-making
Our Studio
Our main studio is located in Charlottenburg, where we offer a focused and professional environment for artistic training, mentorship, and exchange. Conceived as both a workspace and a cultural platform, it brings together an international network of emerging and established artists.
The Charlottenburg space also opens to the public through artist talks, workshops, painting classes, and exhibitions—creating accessible entry points into contemporary painting and fostering dialogue with the wider community.
We also hold selected classes in our Neukölln studio, an intimate, historic attic space tucked away in the heart of the district. The studio offers a quieter, more secluded environment for focused work and small group teaching.
To maintain privacy and concentration, the working spaces are not open to the public; access is limited to students and registered visitors.
Across both spaces, every aspect of the studios,from its layout to the materials available, reflects our commitment to rigorous, process-driven artistic work. We provide high-quality oil paints, brushes, and surfaces, supporting the development of an individual and sustained practice.
Studio Guidelines
Outdoor shoes off; indoor slippers on
Devices on airplane mode to maintain focus
Feel invited into our precious world….
With our studios located in Berlin, we also organize field trips to Brandenburg during the summer. We are dedicated to providing exceptional training in painting and drawing. Our primary aim is to equip students with the skills and confidence to continue their artistic practice long after completing their courses, whether pursuing a professional career or personal artistic development.
The school offers a structured academic program that includes foundation courses in drawing and oil painting, advanced oil painting, and a one-year mentoring programme for emerging artists. Each student must apply to the school, participate in an interview, and submit a portfolio of their work. Once accepted, students are expected to maintain a sketchbook, complete all homework, and practice in the studio under the guidance of professional tutors. Upon successful completion, students are assessed and awarded certificates in their chosen discipline.
Our programs range from intensive six-week courses to year-long mentorships. With a focus on both technical excellence and creative growth, Burnt Sienna emphasizes traditional training combined with contemporary approaches, helping each student to develop their own artistic voice. Due to the high standard of our teaching and the prestige of our courses, students from Germany and around the world apply to join our programs.
Our Mission & Approach
Ready to start your artistic journey?
Join Burnt Sienna Berlin and experience hands-on, professional oil painting education in a supportive, creative environment.
Why study at Burnt Sienna?
Small groups (maximum 6 students)
Artist-led teaching
All materials included
Mentoring and critiques
Artist residencies and exhibitions
Charlottenburg, Berlin location
International student community