Welcome to Sarmed Art Academy
Weekend Art Classes in Glasgow
I’m excited to be partnering with SAN TV UK Studios in Glasgow to run relaxed weekend art sessions for adults and teens 16 plus. Beginners welcome.
Location: SAN TV Studios, Baillieston G69 6GA
When: Saturdays and Sundays
Access: Free Parking. 1st Floor. No Lift. All materials and refreshments provided. About 10 minutes walk from train.
These classes are taught by Sarmed Mirza, an artist who moves fluidly between realism and abstraction.
His approach combines clear, structured teaching of art skills and techniques with a meditative way of seeing.
You’ll build strong technique, confidence, and a personal voice, without the stress or self-doubt that can slow progress.
GO FROM ZERO TO ADVANCED
Go from not being able to draw or paint to creating work that surprises you and others. Learn through a blend of beginner foundations and classical atelier techniques, adapted to your level.
Programs include
✏️ Open Studio
Create in any medium with friendly guidance. Start something new or bring a project to finish.
✏️ Drawing and Painting Pathway
Build strong drawing foundations and then move into colour and composition at your pace.
🎨 Portrait Drawing in 6 Weeks
Learn portrait drawing with award-winning guidance. Discover how to capture likeness, light, and emotion, whether it’s a loved one or a portrait you’ll be proud to gift.
🎨 Kids classes . Coming soon. Enquire if interested.
Kids Draw Your Heroes and arty gifts will open soon.
Suitable for beginners to art students and graduates.
All classes are in-person at my South Street studio in Glasgow.
PLEASE NOTE: These are in person classes. If you are interested in zoom classes then click here to drop me a messag.
Beginner to advanced drawing & painting lessons
STUDIO
I hope you’ll find our weekend sessions at SAN TV Studios a welcoming space where you can escape daily life and focus on your art.
Whether you’re picking up a pencil for the first time or you’re an art student refining your eye for observation, this is a relaxed, encouraging place to create.
Come as you are, we’ll provide materials for your first class, guidance if you want it, and friendly conversation over endless tea, coffee, and biscuits.
What I Offer
Each class adapts to your level, beginners, returning artists, and art students alike.
You can focus on:
- Drawing fundamentals, proportions, and values
- Portraiture in graphite and charcoal
- Colour mixing and painting techniques
- Composition and finishing touches
- Developing your own style or preparing work for further study
GET IN TOUCH
If you’re unsure which class to join, just send a quick enquiry
or WhatsApp 07404 841 291
We’ll help you choose the best fit.
Art for Inspiration and Well-Being
Art isn’t only about making beautiful images, it’s also a way to feel balanced, mindful, and connected.
These weekend classes at SAN TV Studios give you time to switch off from daily pressures, explore your creativity, and rediscover the joy of making.
You’ll leave with stronger skills, fresh ideas, and often a lighter heart, plus a few new artist friends.
PRICES
Classes & Prices
🎨 Open Studio (16 +)
Create in any medium with friendly guidance.
A relaxed, social space to paint, draw, and experiment — perfect for creative downtime at the weekend.
2 hours · £35 per single session
Weekend Block of 4 sessions £125
LIMITED TIME OFFER Offer – Save £15, only £31.25 each
👉 Book Open Studio →
🖋 Drawing & Painting Pathway (16 +)
Stage by stage building your drawing skills all the way to painting. Build strong drawing foundations and then move into colour and composition at your own pace.
Ideal for beginners, returning artists, or art students wanting to sharpen observation skills to support abstract or contemporary work.
2 hours · £35 per single session
Weekend Block of 4 sessions £125 (Intro Offer – Save £15, only £31.25 each)
👉 Book Pathway →
👤 Portrait Drawing in 6 Weeks (16 +)
Step-by-step graphite portrait course covering proportions, values, and confident shading.
Complete a finished portrait and gain a solid classical grounding.
2 hours each · 6 sessions · £250 total
👉 Book Portrait Course →
Capacity: Up to 20 people per session
Venue: SAN TV Studios, Easterhouse G69 6GA
Access: Free weekend parking · First floor · No lift
Schedule: Saturdays and Sundays (two-hour sessions)
New slots are released weekly — after booking, you’ll receive confirmation by WhatsApp or email to choose your preferred time.
📅 How to Book
Choose your option (Single Session or Weekend Block of 4) and complete payment.
After booking, we’ll confirm your chosen weekend times. Blocks are flexible — you can mix and match between Saturdays and Sundays as long as spaces are available.
About your teacher
Sarmed Mirza is a Scottish Portrait Award finalist, BAFTA New Talent–nominated filmmaker, and artist-educator with more than 30 years of experience across drawing, painting, and storytelling.
A member of the Paisley Art Institute, Society of Scottish Artists (SSA) he has received awards for his landscape paintings, recognised for his portrait work by Scottish Portrait Awards and reached the second stage of the John Moores Painting Prize in 2025.
Sarmed is a working artist who exhibits regularly, co-founder of an international artists' group, Common Ground Collective, and author of Zero Ground: The Handshake, a book exploring human connection and belonging.
He bridges the worlds of classical realism and contemporary abstraction, combining technical precision with expressive freedom.
His meditative, holistic approach helps students see differently, create with confidence, and develop a personal style that feels authentic and alive.
🌍 Art Skool Community
Join the Art with Courage Skool Community
The community is now open — a free, friendly space to keep your creative momentum going.
Inside you’ll find short drawing challenges, weekend prompts, and discussions on art, mindset, and practice.
It’s open to everyone, from beginners building habits to experienced artists wanting to sharpen their seeing skills or balance realism and abstraction.
👉 Join the community →
Newsletter
Stay connected with updates on weekend classes, new Zoom sessions, exhibitions, and creative resources.
You’ll find the signup box at the bottom of this page — or click here to subscribe if you prefer.
📩 Newsletter
Sign up for updates on new studio classes, Zoom sessions, and the launch of the community.
You will find the option to sign up at the bottom of this page.
My Why
After years of self-discovery and learning through both self-study and Atelier training, I’ve come to realise that art is a balance between discipline and freedom.
Classical drawing taught me precision seeing like an artist and technique, while mindful practice and journaling taught me how to let go and find what lies beyond technique.
Through this process I’ve learned that drawing is not only about the subject in front of us but also about the story within us. Each line is a way of connecting to who we are and where we’ve been.
I’m passionate about guiding students at every stage of their journey, from those taking their first steps in drawing to those seeking deeper understanding and personal expression.
My role is to create a space where you can learn strong foundations, feel supported, and discover your own voice with honesty and confidence.
YOUR WHY
- Crack the code – make art enjoyable and rewarding
- Explore a hobby – relax and discover creativity
- Boost coursework skills – build a strong foundation for studies
- Serious pursuit – refine techniques and complete projects
- Create gifts – portraits of loved ones or pets
Gift a class – give someone a unique creative experience
can anyone learn to draw and paint
I learned to draw later in life, which is why I know anyone can do it. I’ve guided many students who once thought they “couldn’t draw a straight line.” With guidance and practice, complete beginners often surprise themselves.
If you’ve ever thought “I can’t draw, I’ve tried…”, don’t worry, I’ll show you that you can. Even artists with major physical challenges create incredible work. With patience and the right approach, progress is always possible.
classes for all levels
Learn at your own level — from first marks to master techniques.
Drawing 101
A step by step introduction to drawing. You will learn how to set up a drawing, measure proportions, use light and shade, and build up a complete piece, often a portrait. Ideal for beginners, returners, or anyone wanting stronger foundations.
Drawing Advanced
For those with some experience. Tackle more complex projects such as portraits, still life, or Bargue studies. We will focus on likeness, value, form, and precision, refining good habits and deepening your skills.
Painting 101
Painting is drawing with paint. Learn brushwork, colour mixing, layering, and composition in acrylics or water mixable oils. Projects can range from portraits to landscapes or still life. All materials are provided, so you can simply enjoy experimenting.
Painting Intermediate and Advanced
Push your painting further. Explore glazing, impasto, chiaroscuro, palette knife work, and more, or focus on your own project with friendly guidance. Whether you prefer tight realism or loose brushstrokes, you will learn techniques to expand your range.
Wherever you are on your journey, you’ll find the next step here.
What's next
Book a class and give it a try.
After you book, reply to your confirmation email to let me know which days you’d like to attend.
I’ll help you get started with a project that matches your level and interests.
Tea, coffee, biscuits, pencils and paints are waiting.
Interested in Booking a Class?
If you’re ready to start, simply choose your options HERE or the button below (Single, Block of 3, or Block of 9) and make your payment.
After booking, reply to your confirmation email to let me know which days you’d like to attend.
If you’d like to discuss your needs first, whether group or one-to-one, feel free to message me using the contact form.
"Painting and drawing without expectations was a mind-blowing thing. When I’ve done art before I’ve put pressure on myself. It felt like a relief, like I was capable of just doing something. It was like a burden had been lifted off me."
I didn’t know how to draw someone before the workshops. But the way Sarmed taught us instantly made us so interesting. When I came home after that first workshop I kept drawing and drawing. At first I couldn’t really do it, but now I am drawing very well. I can now draw so close to how someone looks.
FAQs
How do I book a class?
Choose your option (Single Session, Block of 4, or 6-Week Portrait Course) and complete payment on this page.
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email or WhatsApp message — simply reply with your preferred weekend day (Saturday or Sunday).
Blocks are flexible: you don’t need to attend consecutive weeks, just let us know in advance so we can save you a space.
What should I bring?
Basic drawing and painting materials are provided for your first session.
As you progress, we’ll guide you on building your own kit.
Tea and coffee are available. Just wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little paint on, or bring an apron (a few are provided).
Are refreshments available?
Yes, there is a kitchen with tea and coffee and biscuits. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch, but please eat outside the studio space.
Do I need any experience?
No — complete beginners, returning artists, and art students are all welcome.
If you’re studying abstract or contemporary work and want to strengthen your drawing foundations, these classes are ideal.
Everyone receives individual guidance suited to their level.
Health and Safety (Important: Please read)
Your safety is important.
- We use water-based materials only — no solvents.
- Keep food and drink away from the work area.
- Let us know in advance of any allergies or health concerns so we can accommodate you.
- The classroom is on the first floor with no lift.
- I (Sarmed Mirza) hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate and take safeguarding seriously.
Is the studio accessible? Is there free parking
Classes take place at SAN TV Studios, Easterhouse G69 6GA.
Free weekend parking is available.
Please note the teaching space is on the first floor with no lift. We apologise for any accessibility limitations.
Refund policy
We understand life happens.
- Cancel 48 hours or more before your class for a full refund.
- Within 48 hours, the fee can be transferred to another session when possible.
Do you offer online (zoom) classes?
Live Zoom classes will return soon.
Sign up for the newsletter or message us via the contact page to be notified when online sessions open.
In Collaboration
Sarmed Art Academy × SAN TV Studios
Together we’re creating an inspiring space where art, learning, and community meet.
Our shared goal is to make drawing and painting accessible to everyone, a place where creativity brings people together and confidence grows through practice.
