summer 2025 class with Louise Lenz in the studio
Intensive Oil Painting Foundation
Next course dates
SUMMER 2026
Mon 22 June – Fri 26 June
10:00 – 13:00 each day
Course Fee: €595 – All materials included
AUTUMN 2026
Mon 7 september – Fri 11 September 2026
10:00 – 13:00 each day
Course Fee: €595 – All materials included
This five-day Intensive covers the core curriculum of the Burnt Sienna Oil Painting Foundation Course, offering a focused introduction to traditional oil painting techniques in a supportive studio environment.
Students work in a small group of just 5–6 participants, allowing for individual guidance, demonstrations, and feedback throughout the week.
The course is taught by Emma Seach (Royal Drawing School, London) or Louise Lenz, founder and director of Burnt Sienna Art School Berlin, who has over 18 years of experience teaching and working as a professional painter since 2007.
All high-quality art materials, studio equipment, and refreshments are included in the course fee so that students can focus fully on developing their painting skills.
Who this course is for
This course is ideal for:
• Complete beginners who want a structured introduction to oil painting
• Artists returning to painting after a break
• Students preparing for art school applications
• Painters who want to strengthen their understanding of colour, composition, and technique
• Anyone interested in learning traditional oil painting methods in a supportive studio environment
No prior oil painting experience is required.
What you will learn
During the week students work through the essential stages of building an oil painting from observation.
Each participant will produce:
• One finished canvas painting
• Three smaller oil studies exploring colour and technique
• A series of practical studio exercises designed to build confidence with oil paint
Topics covered include:
• Preparing and priming painting surfaces
• Understanding underpainting and tonal structure
• Colour theory and mixing a practical palette
• Brush handling and paint application
• Building paintings in layers
• Solving common painting problems in the studio
• Developing observational skills
Students also participate in group critiques modelled on London art school teaching methods, helping you develop the ability to evaluate and discuss your work and the work of others.
Preparation and follow-up
To support learning beyond the studio week, the course also includes:
• A 30-minute preparation meeting before the course begins (online or in person)
• Printed worksheets and studio exercises
• Optional homework assignments
• A follow-up evaluation session two weeks after the course
Students receive guidance on how to continue painting independently and how to progress to the Intermediate Oil Painting Course or Mentoring Programme.
Optional afternoon art programme
Participants are invited to join a curated afternoon programme of museum and gallery visits during the week.
Together we explore Berlin’s art scene, visiting exhibitions and discussing painting in a wider artistic context.
These visits are informal and offer students the opportunity to connect with each other while discovering Berlin’s museums and contemporary galleries.
About Burnt Sienna Art School Berlin
Burnt Sienna Art School Berlin offers structured drawing and painting courses in small groups of no more than six students.
Teaching combines traditional painting methods, practical studio exercises, demonstrations, and critique, helping students build strong technical foundations and confidence in their practice.
Many students continue on to the Intermediate Courses, Mentoring Programme, or independent studio practice after completing the foundation course.
What students say
Students often highlight the supportive atmosphere and small class sizes at Burnt Sienna.
“I just finished the oil painting course and I really enjoyed it. There were only a few of us, so it felt like painting with good friends in a cosy studio with a friendly vibe.”
“Louise is an inspiring teacher who really encourages you to explore painting and develop your own style.”
“One of the best experiences I had last year – the studio and the course make you feel like a real artist.”
Course Details
Dates: Mon 22 June – Fri 26 June
Time: 10:00 – 13:00 each day
Location: Burnt Sienna Studio, Neukölln, Berlin
Group size: Maximum 6 students
Course fee: €595 (all materials included)
Reserve your place
Small group teaching is central to the Burnt Sienna approach, therefore places are limited to just 6 students.
Current availability:
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬜⬜
4 of 6 places available
Early booking is recommended.
